Guys… this one’s a doozy.  Emily is a power house at the gym but super duper humble about her success in life.  Read on to get to know miss Emily!

What do you do for a living?

I am currently a Nurse Technician at Mayo Clinic.  I work in Organ Transplant (liver/kidney/pancreas) which has been the most rewarding and valuable experience of my budding career.  I will graduate from the U of M with my BSN in May, and will start as a Transplant RN in July!

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

I am proud to say that “eat” was the first thing that came to mind.  Other than that, I enjoy biking during the nicer MN months and reading under a warm blanket during the winter.

What made you decide to try Progression?

I was looking to leave my previous gym to one that felt more comfortable to me… a place where I fit in and would be challenged to push myself outside of my comfort zone.  Progression has turned out to be just that!

How long have you been at Progression?

One blissful year!

What was your experience with fitness like prior to joining CFP?

I played fast pitch softball growing up and even for a few years in college.  After that I lost all will to drag my butt to the gym and didn’t see much value in it.  Treadmills and machines have never held my attention for long.  A few summers ago a friend and I partnered up to do a bootcamp together and I caught the CrossFit fever!

What was your biggest fear when you started?

I think I was most afraid of looking dumb.  Which is still sort of my biggest fear.  But it helps knowing that our community is so supportive – now I can look dumb and not really think twice about it. Thanks, everyone!

Favorite cheat day meal?

What’s a cheat day?  I’m 30 days out from graduating from nursing school.  I’m currently on a diet called “eat whatever you want when you want it”.  Main food groups include pizza and ice cream.  My soul is happy. 🙂

What goal(s) are you currently chasing?

I have been doing strictly REV classes for the last 9-12 months and really want to get back into CrossFit.   So, I guess my goal would just be to get more barbell in muh lyfe.  My New Year’s resolution was to do strict push ups every time a WOD called for them.  So far so good!

What’s the hardest part about your fitness journey at the moment?

Getting to the gym.  That’s always been the hardest part.  And food… I know I can’t outwork a bad diet but I’m bound and determined to keep trying.  One day I’ll get it right, but for right now I’m giving myself a little grace.

What’s one thing your fellow CFP’ers would be surprised to learn about you?

Oh lawwwwwd, I am so bad at answering these questions.  Here’s my snoozer of an answer:  I played the violin for 14 years and had a music scholarship to Gustavus!  I traded in my violin for a softball bat shortly after my freshman year began and haven’t fiddled much since.  Womp womp wompppp.

What’s your favorite piece of advice you’ve gotten from a Coach or member at Progression?

Nicki: “Feed your soul”, (talking about Tinn’s or Flapdoodles).

Millie Suk and maybe Erin Nelson have told me, “It’s your workout” when I’m getting all wigged out about a WOD.  It makes me feel like I’m a little more in control of my impending exercise doom.

How has your outlook on fitness/health changed since starting at Progression?

I think exercise is so important!  I truly, truly value the idea that CrossFit is functional fitness.  Every time I work out I think about how I just empowered my body to do awesome stuff when I’m 80 years old some day.

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

I think summer ’16 of PM REV classes… or anytime with the garage doors open.  I miss summer!

Why do you think you’ve stuck with Progression?

Progression is a really well run business.  It’s a business that I bought into, but I also feel like I was adopted into someone’s really quirky, loving, and fitness obsessed family.  And all of you weirdos are my moms and dads and brothers and sisters.  Too much?  I love you all.

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

Yay you!!! You’re amazing!  What an awesome decision you’ve made for yourself.  Show up.  That’s it.  That’s the hardest part.  Also, get a MyZone.  You know you want to.