Well, I feel like this photo speaks volumes pertaining to this (super)woman but read on and be mesmerized by the way she makes juggling a family, career, continuing education, and everyday life look like rainbows and unicorns.

Ladies and gentlemen… I give you Melissa Kirby.

What do you do for a living? 

I am the Business Office Supervisor for Gold Cross Ambulance and Mayo Clinic Medical Transport.

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of the gym? 

Spend time with my family.  Especially my kids.  Camping, bonfires, and drinks with friends.

Favorite genre of music. 

I like alternative music.

Favorite cheat day meal? 

Mexican food.  Full of cheese & sour cream.  And chips & salsa.

Chalk, or no chalk? 

A little sometimes… usually when my hands are really sweaty!

Do you hate wall balls as much as we do?

I don’t mind wall balls when broken into sets.  It’s the WOD’s where there are like 50 or 100 in a row that get me.  And I always take a wall ball to the face!  No matter how many I am doing.

What’s your favorite movement? 

Clean & jerk.

What’s your least favorite movement? 

Overhead squats.

What goal(s) are you currently chasing?

I am looking at ways to rearrange my career goals in order to coach CrossFit at least part time.  I am also working towards a Bachelors in Business Management.  Slowly but surely.

Best piece of advice you’ve gotten from a coach?

There are so many!  I take all their advice to heart.  My favorite line, (although not advice) came from Josh G when I asked him if I would die doing the Hammer Race last October.  His response was, “you do CrossFit, you will not die”. I also struggle with longer distance running and Nic S is always there to remind me to breath through my nose and out through my mouth and to set a pace.  Also the support I have received from all the coaches in regards to the boot camps has been amazing!

How do you make time to get to the gym? 

I don’t make time; it’s just part of my day.  It’s built into 4-5 days of my week much as going to work is.  I think it’s the way it has to be.  If something comes up when I was planning to go then I know I need to make it up.  It does help though that I have a flexible job and a teenager at home that can babysit.

Why do you make time to get to the gym? 

Because I love it.  It is literally the only time that I get “me” time.  It’s the only time that someone doesn’t need me for something and I can just concentrate on me.  It’s also a time where nothing else matters except what I am doing for myself in that hour.  I don’t have to think about work, kids, supper, or whatever.  It’s the time I get to be selfish!

How has your outlook on fitness changed since starting CrossFit? 

I have realized that being skinny does not mean you are healthy.  I strive now to maintain consistency and eat healthy.  It’s definitely not just about how I look.  It’s also about how I feel.

How has your outlook on yourself changed since starting CrossFit? 

Physically I love the changes I have seen.  The definition in my arms, legs, and back.  I love how strong I have become and I feel very confident in my abilities at work, the box, and at home.  When I feel better about myself it resonates into all areas of my life.

How would you explain the feeling before you get to the gym each day? 

I always look up the WOD because I like to be prepared.  Depending on the WOD I am either a little anxious or okay about it.  Either way I know it is going to be good.  Unless there are OHS; then I just want to cry.

How would you explain the feeling you get after you leave the gym each day? 

Depends on what we did!  Sometimes I am completely exhausted and sometimes I feel really good.  But every time I leave there I am glad I was there! 

How has your life outside of CrossFit changed since joining CFP?

I feel less stressed.  I have a busy life, sometimes too busy and CFP definitely helps ease the stress.  I take better care of myself when it comes to eating and sleep.  I want to get out and accomplish things, make a difference.

What has been your fondest memory during your time at CFP?

My fondest memory has been the in gym competitions we have done.  Turkey & Superfriends Throwdowns, Friday Night Lights, and when we made a Polar Plunge team.  I can’t even describe how much fun those have been!

What brought you to CFP?

My husband found it online and we were looking for a way to get into better shape and get healthier.  We both seem to lack motivation to do so on our own for any length of time.  So, Jason just picked CFP and we had our intro with Juli C.  Joined that day and haven’t looked back since!

What keeps you at CFP?

I stay because I love it.  I love the coaches, the members, the box itself.  I always hated going to the gym and standing on a treadmill doing really nothing.  CFP kicks my butt and I am in love with it!  I love that the coaches know me and genuinely care about me.  I love the great sense of humor that we all have.  I love all the friends I have made.  I love that no matter what our backgrounds are we are all there for each other and care about each other.  I love all the high five’s.  And I love the amazing facility that I get to work out in!

What would be your one piece of advice for someone who’s just joining CFP?

Breathe it all in.  It’s not just a gym.  You will thrive; you will see changes both physically and mentally.  You will meet wonderful people who will be there for you from the start to the end.  You can scale everything and “can’t” isn’t a word we use here.  Breathe it all in and you will get the results you want.  YOU CAN DO IT!  Was that more than one?