One incredibly sweet and super strong mama bear… Heather is truly an inspiration to all women hoping to achieve health, wellness, and happiness.   Read on to get to know the infamous Heather Dunfee!

What do you do for a living?

Physical Therapist at Mayo Clinic with a focus in Wellness 

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

Chase after my little people, lounge or go on dates with Nate, lake/vacation life whenever possible, family dinners with awesome food, wine, and company.

What made you decide to try Progression?

Shanna and Alex Tubbs (they are OG’s)- I met them in PT school and Shanna was one of those people that ALWAYS talked about CrossFit.Somehow she convinced me to try it out and I’ve been hooked ever since.

How long have you been at CFP?

Gosh, has it been 6 ½ years?!

What was your experience with fitness like prior to Progression?

In high-school I was an “average” multi-sport athlete in soccer, track, and cross-country.  In college I bounced around trying different things (globo gym, running, beach body workouts, yoga, and kickboxing) but I was not consistent at all and I didn’t really like to work out, I just did it because I had thought that I had to. 

What was your biggest fear when you started?

Probably getting hurt or getting crazy ripped.  Ha… ignorance.  I would never be fearful of those things today.  

Favorite cheat day meal?

I can CRUSH a plate of sweet potato fries from Five West.  Also, any chocolate dessert and  Mama D’s margaritas.  I think we covered all the food groups there. 

What goal(s) are you currently chasing?

Getting my fitness and gains back, post baby #2.Also, right now I’m really trying to focus on moving well and moving better.I’d never turn down a snatch PR though!

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

Balance! Finding balance between busy, working mom life and working on my fitness (those are my kids you always see at the gym).Also, balance between moving well/ moving smart and being competitive with the drive to crush WODs.

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

I’m currently working on obtaining a Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist Certification

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

“Be Coachable”- I don’t know who said it or when, but I know I haven’t always been this way (hello ego!).  It’s something that has really resonated with me lately.  There’s always room for improvement and if I have the opportunity to be a better athlete, a better mover, a better person- why wouldn’t I soak that up.  

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

Fitness isn’t something I feel like I have to do; it’s something I want to do.  Exercise is part of my lifestyle- it’s my outlet, my stress relief, and it makes me feel good.   I truly believe exercise is medicine- I see it every day at my job and at the gym- we should all be looking at our health through a preventative scope.  Also, gone are the days of doing the elliptical for an hour, followed by 100 crunches.  It’s all about intensity – I can get a better workout in 10 minutes.  I know it may be challenging to wrap your brain around that concept, but it’s true, and the results speak for themselves.  

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

There are so many… working out with my mama bears (and so many other friends), coaches Christmas party, Friday Night Lights, Turkey Throwdowns, and most recently, Club 83.

Why do you think you’ve stuck with CFP?

Many reasons, but number 1 is the people! My husband and I have met so many amazing people and have made lifelong friendships here.   I’ll always be grateful for this wonderful community.  It’s always easier to go the gym when you know you’ll see a friendly face in any class you attend.  

CFP takes the guess work out of fitness; I don’t have to think about it, the only thing I have to do is show up and work hard.

Additionally, CFP has given me the resources to be in the best shape of my life for 6 years, even through 2 pregnancies and 2 postpartum periods – let’s keep this party going! 

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

Based on personal experience, I’ve realized that when you change your mindset from goals based on how you look to goals based on how you feel, your health, your performance- you’ll be happier in general and the latter takes care of the former.