December Athletes of the Month - Joel & Vicky Each month we chose a member (or in this case - two members) who has stuck out to us one way or another for our Athlete of the Month. Then we ask them to share their “DIG story” and post it here in the hopes that it will inspire and motivate others. Most importantly we want to recognize those dedicated members for their hard work and accomplishments, and show the local community that anyone can be part of the DIG family. All you have to do is make the choice to give it a try, set goals, work hard and push yourself. You may be surprised at what you will accomplish as a member of DIG! Both Joel & Vicky have demonstrated commitment and positivity in the DIG community! Words from the athletes: Vicky 1. Tell us about yourself - I grew up in Georgia and had a great, active childhood on a farm. I am finally back to living on a farm after 20 years in town. I have played sports my whole life as the only girl on team, co-ed teams or all girls teams. I continue to enjoy outdoor activities like gardening, hiking, swimming and teaching my grandson to enjoy the outdoors. I am married to a wonderfully supportive husband and we have 3 children. I also love crafting and home decor. 2. When did you start at DIG? May 2013 on a groupon with my youngest daughter. She was doing it to get ready for a fitness Words from the athletes: Vickycompetition and wanted the support. I was looking for something new to do for workouts as my routine was very boring and ineffective. 3. What’s your favorite kettlebell or CrossFit exercise/lift? - Kettlebell move is Figure 8 because I really feel it in all parts of my body. Crossfit lift is back squats because I can do them successfully! 4. What’s your least style of workout at DIG? Least favorite style is doing just kettlebell moves for the whole workout. I like variety. My favorite workout, as an individual, is where we have a kettlebell move, a piece of equipment move and a bodyweight move. There is physical and mental variety. (Marker chips are good if we are doing rounds. Too much adrenaline and my brain can’t remember how many round I have done even if it is only 5 or 6). Partner workouts are fun because I get to interact with more people at the box, never want to let my partner down and I work extra hard! 5. What were you doing before DIG? Zumba, boot camps, yoga, walking, running on the treadmill. 6. What does your current workout schedule look like? Mon., Wed., Fri - Crossfit at 6am and Tues/Thurs - Bells at 6am. Some Saturdays when I don’t have my grandson. 7. How has DIG affected your life outside of the box? I am much stronger, my body is more fit, I have more energy. I have gotten back into my clothes that I haven’t worn for 10 years and thought I never would again! My husband thinks I look great and is proud of my accomplishments. It has helped me manage the symptoms of thyroid disease so successfully that my doctor was willing to write a prescription for the box membership. YEAH!!! 8. Do you have any special memories or achievements during your time here?After about 6 months of working out, a pair of jeans that had been very tight slid off my hips without unbuttoning them! (Get your mind out of the gutter.) I loved working out with my daughter, 27 years younger than me, and doing more reps that she did! Getting through a whole round of knee tucks on the TRX without stopping. I couldn’t even do one when I started! The best is seeing people’s faces when they realize I am 54 and still pushing hard to do better. 9. The one word that describes you at DIG, and why? Encouraged. The coaches (Steve, Bri, Crislyn, Paul, Brody) push me to do my best and more. They give me confidence to try. They are concerned about me as person, athlete and part of the DIG family. The other athletes are supportive of small successes and completing the rounds. 10. What advice would you give a newbie just joining DIG? It’s the hardest thing you’ll ever love. It’s addicting. Release your inhibitions and embrace possibilities. Ask for help or instruction if you are not sure of a move. Working out safely and improving gradually keeps you coming back for more. 1. Tell us about yourself. My name is Joel Cowley and I am 48 years old. I have been married to my wife Cindy for 28 years. We live in South Salem with our dog Divot. I have been a teacher for 20 years and I am currently working at Chávez Elementary supporting teachers as an instruction coach. I enjoy golfing, so in the summer season you can reach me at Creekside Golf Course. 2. When did you start at DIG? I started at Dig about a year and a half ago. 3. What’s your favorite kettlbell or CrossFit exercise/lift? My favorite CrossFit Exercise is rope climb 4. What’s your least style of workout at DIG? Any style that includes Burpees 5. What were you doing before DIG? I started 4 – 5 years ago with personal training and liked the results. I overheard someone talking about CrossFit and decided to give it a try. I’ve been doing CrossFit for about three years. 6. What does your current workout schedule look like? I try to get a minimum of four work outs in per week. I most frequently attend the 4:30 p.m. class. I like a mixture of kettlebells and CrossFit. 7. How has DIG affected your life outside of the box? I would say that DIG has most affected my confidence in my life outside of workouts. When I see myself accomplishing things I thought I could never do like rope climbs and handstand push-ups, it gives me the confidence to know that I can handle anything physically and mentally that life may throw my way. 8. Do you have any special memories or achievements during your time here? I will always remember doing a handstand on the wall for the first time and now I am working on a full push up. My goal of being able to accomplish pull-ups is progressing. Although I still rely on a band, they day of unassisted pull-ups is near. Both my wife and I enjoy working out at DIG. The environment is welcoming and encouraging. I enjoy the times when we get to work out together. We especially like the themed work outs. 9. The one word that describes you at DIG, and why? Perseverance Being older and larger in stature, I continually remind myself to not give up. I know with every work out that I complete, takes me another step towards reaching my fitness goals. 10. What advice would you give a newbie just joining DIG? I would tell them to jump in and try everything – don’t be intimidated. The trainers are so welcoming and make you feel valued. They’re knowledgeable and can adapt the work out to any ability level. More than any other club that I’ve experienced, DIG creates a culture that is non-threatening for all members. I so appreciate each and every trainer at DIG. They are the BEST in town! Joel
Posted on: Mon, 29 Dec 2014 20:48:23 +0000
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