Name: Margie Mallow
Age: 63
Occupation: Admin. Asst for byFaith Magazine & the Administrative Office of the PCA
Which class time do you usually attend? 5 pm.
Favorite WOD: Just about anything that does not require a lot of running or wall balls.
Favorite CF Movements: deadlift, back squat
3RM Back Squat: 100
1RM Deadlift: 170
Favorite Food: Chateaubriand
Favorite Movie: No real favorite; I  like action, war movies, and drama
Favorite Athlete: No particular person at this time.
Dream Job: I have been blessed to have great jobs in different stages of my life and have a wonderful one now.
Dream Vacation Destination: Hiking in the mountains, perhaps in Europe.
Favorite WOD Song: You’re an Overcomer
Favorite Motivational Quote: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” II Tim 1:7

How long have you been doing CrossFit? (Since Month, Year) 
“Since November, 2016.”

How did you first discover CrossFit and what made you decide to start? 
“My daughter started 5 years ago and became very passionate about it. She and her husband provided the money and encouragement for me to start the New You Ladies Challenge in 2016. I have been coming ever since.”

Tell us about your sports/fitness background: 
“I began walking, jogging about 12 years ago and then joined another local gym in 2009, used a treadmill and elliptical. I became bored a couple years ago with my same routine and wanted to know the correct way to lift weights and grow in strength. I began to do some small weights, but wanted something more.”

What sorts of positive changes (mental, physical, emotional) have you noticed in your life since getting involved at No Excuses? 
“Attending NEC has helped me face my fears and I have gained confidence and strength physically and emotionally. I have more confidence to face something new or hard. I feel a great sense of accomplishment when I complete a WOD.  Little by little my physical strength has improved and I have gained confidence to try new things in other areas of my life as well.”

What keeps you coming back and motivated? 
“I look forward to working out and seeing familiar faces each time. NEC is a place with encouraging people and I feel like the coaches care and train us well. Each class is varied and challenging. It tests my faith as well as my strength. Of all the fitness methods I have tried, it is the best in developing skills for life long living, with the added benefit of familiar faces all working just as hard as you.”

In what other ways do you use your fitness? 
“Hiking in the north GA mountains and elsewhere. Walking, jogging at the park.”

Who or what motivates/inspires you? 
“My daughter and son-in-law who both do CrossFit in Denver inspire and cheer me on from far away. The coaches motivate me to keep working, correcting where needed, which I really appreciate. Watching the hard work and accomplishments of the other NEC members inspires me also.”

Please share with us a favorite CrossFit or No Excuses moment. 
“Finishing the Crossfit Open 17.1 under the time limit!”

Name one goal you would like to achieve in CrossFit. 
“A pull-up.”

Tell us about your hobbies and interests outside of the gym: 
Hiking, watching college football on tv, playing with my grandson.

What advice do you have for someone just starting CrossFit or is on the fence about starting? 
“If I can do this, you can too!  Don’t worry or compare yourself with anyone else. The coaches will work with you. They will help you set goals and work on your progression. It is invigorating, life changing and one of the best things for my health I have ever done. Come join us, NEC is a great group of people!”

What do you love most about No Excuses? 
I appreciate the coaches having a warm up with us at the beginning of each class, training us in each movement so whether you are new or a “pro”, we still review the movement to make sure that everyone is doing it correctly. I am thankful for understanding and patient coaches adapting WOD’s as needed, yet challenging you when needed as well. Everyone encourages each other, whether you are the fastest or the slowest. It’s a place of hard work and welcoming people!

Coach Laura’s Take:
“Margie got started in our New You Challenge last year and hasn’t looked back since! I remember her being extremely intimidated to start, but with a little encouragement to keep coming, Margie has turned into one of the most consistent members in the gym. Over that past year we have watched her take on the Open and gain strength in all of her big lifts. I’m pretty sure if we told her on day 1 that she would be deadlifting 170# she wouldn’t have believed us! And look at her now! We are so glad to have Margie at No Excuses!”