This chick has got some serious insight into how to crush your fitness journey.  And can relate to most of you in that she really likes sleep and cheat meals.  Read on to get to know Jessica Pommerening.

What do you do for a living?

I am a correctional officer at the Women’s Federal Prison.

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

Outside of the gym I enjoy hanging out with my pooch Lacy, road trips, going home to see my family in Wisconsin, and naps… boy do I love sleep!  Working shirt work you really learn to love to sleep when you get the opportunity.

What made you decide to try Progression?

Prior to coming to Progression I was a cardio kickboxing instruction at a local gym.  I had done that for three years, and though I enjoyed it, I just needed a change.  Another Crossfit gym in town offered a weeklong trial class for free and I thought what the heck… let’s give it a try.  I liked it, but did not like the compactness of the gym and wha lah!  Here I am!  A year later I still enjoy the beating every day I am here.

How long have you been at CFP?

About a year.

What was your experience with fitness like prior to Progression?

I was athletic in high school but fitness was a foreign word… I got into fitness about five years ago and learned that if I wanted to get the foods I like, I needed to do something to counteract my food intake.  Those that know me, my vise is Pizza and Ice Cream… I’m still working on the nutrition side of fitness!

What was your biggest fear when you started?

RUNNING!  Just kidding, though I run like a war elephant, and I am not good at it what so ever, my biggest fear was can my knees and back handle this.  I do still have some arthritis flare ups once in a while, but overall, I am stronger then I have ever been.

Favorite cheat day meal?

Ummm… Pizza!  And lets not forget to follow it up with Ice Cream!  I know there are other Flapdoodle-a-holics out there… you know who you are!

What goal(s) are you currently chasing?

I am currently working on losing my holiday weight and increasing my cardio.  I have been trying to go to at least one if not 2 REV classes a week… I need to gain that nice balance of lifting and cardio.  And let me just say, REV is a whole different ball game!

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

I need someone to follow me around and slap my hand and tell me not to eat that!  I love food and apparently it loves me since it tends to be everywhere I go.  Nutrition has always been an issue for me, but it is something I am working on.

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

I love to travel!  I have been to almost all of the 50 states and have been to 6 other countries.  I have not been to Mexico.

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

I have gotten so many great pieces of advice from coaches on how to improve my lifts. Many of them I can’t repeat, but her…. they work!  But the one that sticks with me the most is, “Just pick it up, don’t think about it!” This is so true.  So many mental games out our bodies play with us…

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

I wouldn’t say it has changed, but it has grown.  I have a simple goal in mind… I keep saying when I can do a strict pull up, I will quit CrossFit… so here’s to the many years to come!

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

Finishing Murph!  This year was my first time doing Murph and I did not scale it and I complete it!  Yes… BOTH miles!  I had only been a member for a few months so to complete it and not be dead last was a huge accomplishment for me.

Why do you think you’ve stuck with Progression?

THIS IS IMPORTANT… I have stuck with Progression because of the staff and the people here at the box.  I came from a gym that was filled with unbearable drama that oozed from every seam.  When I came to Progression I didn’t see any of that.  I would tell my friends at the other gym about the drama free workouts and they din’t believe me.  It’s been over a year and I still don’t see any drama at the gym.  EVERYONE is very helpful, friendly, and always willing to help out.  THANK YOU!  You are all amazing.

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

You only fail if you don’t try.