Beth isn’t your average bear.  She’s been through years of sacrifice, experience, and has lots of refreshing insight to offer that will speak to just about anyone who’s stepped into a CrossFit gym.  Please read on to get to know Beth Fynbo.

What do you do for a living?

I work for a healthcare company on a multi-year project to implement a new inventory management system in Mayo’s surgical and procedural areas.

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

Spend quality time with the people I love, doing just about anything… softball, golf, kayaking, camping, everything outside when it’s not winter. I am also working on building up a great woodshed to occupy the winter months.

What made you decide to try CrossFit?

An old Army friend was incessantly trying to get me to try it because I was active and loved doing Tough Mudders.  It took two years, but I started on January 1, 2012 as part of a New Year’s resolution and haven’t looked back!  (The only resolution I’ve kept!)

How long have you been at Progression?

I think it’s been almost two years now!

What was your experience with fitness like prior to CrossFit?

I went to the local globe gym and made several attempts at becoming a runner, (turns out I can run, I just don’t like to).  I hiked, walk/ran around the lake, and played intramural sports.

What was your biggest fear when you started CrossFit?

The barbell!  I had tried doing bench press at the gym once and it was heavy and awkward and I just couldn’t imagine doing so much work with it.  Also dying.  Everything those crazy CrossFit people did in the videos looked like it would be sure to kill me!  I was afraid of the barbell and dying!

Favorite cheat day meal?

I don’t cheat… I always give my body whatever it wants whenever it wants it.  I would be cheating my soul if I didn’t!  BUT… Mcdonald’s Double Cheeseburger, extra pickles and no onions… if that’s what you mean. 🙂

What goal(s) are you currently chasing?

My biggest CrossFit goal had been the ring muscle-up FOREVER – but I’m taking a break from that goal.  Now I really want to find the best balance in all aspects of my life.  Part of that is looking more at a longevity track so I can keep up this crazy CrossFit thing forever!

What’s the hardest part about CrossFit?

Fixing my attitude when it comes to movements I don’t like, (running, thrusters…).  When I see them in the WOD I instantly have a bad attitude about it and have to try to talk myself into a better place.  I know that overcoming that icky feeling is part of the growth I get from CrossFit.  It translates to work and regular life as well.

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

I was in the Army for ten years and “lived” and worked in 8 different countries.

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

KNEES OUT!

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

I stopped dieting and stopped worrying about everything so much.  This body is capable of so much more than I ever thought and it will do it on it’s own as long as you listen to it and give it what it needs. I used to calculate and control everything.  Now I eat what my body wants and show up and do what’s on the board – or rest if that’s what my body is saying.

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

Witnessing the amazing, beautiful, and strong women who have gone through their pregnancies and continued to work so hard at Progression, even past due dates.  They always impressed me and now that I’m expecting they are my inspiration and motivation and hopefully a few of them will be my mentors!

Why do you think you’ve stuck with Progression?

The facility is big, (I get claustrophobic) the equipment is excellent, the coaching is superb, there is great focus on correct form & technique, and it’s clean!  I also think Josh and Jen are super dooper cool, really grow the business responsibly, and support everyone so well.

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

Be proud of yourself! Just showing up is a huge accomplishment.  Every single “first” is a huge accomplishment no matter how small you think it is.  Sometimes I’ve lost some ground due to injury or weight gain or laziness and getting back to where I once was is the best accomplishment.  Even when you have a less than ideal workout and feel disappointed, there is still something to be proud of, focus on that!

Congrats on your growing squishy ball of love!  Can you share your thoughts on active pregnancies and why you’ve chosen to take the approach you have?

When I first joined Progression, Stacy Vinz and Heather Dunfee blew my mind.  They were so fit and so strong and so pregnant!  I didn’t know them and never said anything, but I just couldn’t help but watch them workout.  It was so impressive!  What amazing athletes!  (Sorry for the creepy stalking guys).  Then there was Nasty Murry and Coach Sara, Becky Sitter, Anna Dahlin… (is there something in the water at Progression?).  Now that I am expecting my first child, I’m filled with so many questions and so much anxiety about what to do and not do.  Without having witnessed these ladies, I would have more concerns about physically getting through pregnancy but I feel empowered.  CrossFit’s scalability will allow me to stay fit and healthy throughout this journey and I’m excited to see how it all plays out!