This woman brings joy into the lives of so many people and her supremely positive attitude towards being the best self she can be is truly inspiring.  Read on to get to know Laura Dewanz!

What do you do for a living?

I am a Certified Child Life Specialist.  I work on the pediatrics inpatient unit and provide support to patients and their families with the goal of decreasing the stress and trauma that occurs in the hospital setting.  I help patients learn to cope with the challenges of the medical environment and hospitalization and provide support during procedures as well as play opportunities to normalize the environment and increase understanding of the child’s experiences.

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

I love running and hiking, going to parks with my family.

What made you decide to try Progression Fitness?

I was looking for something new in my routines and had been dealing with a lot of pain when I was running.  Needed motivation to stick to working out and being more healthy.  Bootcamp was recommended to me by a friend, and I just went for it.

How long have you been at Progression Fitness?

A little over a year.

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

I would go to the gym and hop on and off random machines and did a lot of running.  So much cardio!

What was your biggest fear when you started at Progression Fitness?

I worried about looking dumb, doing things wrong, finishing the WOD last.

Favorite cheat meal?

WINE!  And nachos.  🙂

What goal(s) are you currently chasing?

So many!  Working on double-unders, (more than 3 in a row).  Trying to get handstand walks and adding weight to OLY lifts.

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

Making my nutrition match the work I’m doing in the gym.  It has taken time but is getting easier.  I’m also trying to balance being at the gym and being outside enjoying the weather.

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

I’m not sure this is surprising or not, but I was on drumline in my high school marching band.  I was the first female, (and shortest person) to play the quads, and wore that badge proudly.  We did this cadence where we rocked back and forth and I tipped over the first time I learned it.  SO embarrassing.

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

It’s not about perfection, it’s about progression.  I know we hear that all the time, but when I’m focusing on a particularly frustrating WOD that I just can’t seem to get over, I say that over and over in my head.  I’m not going to be the best, but I’m moving, trying, and learning so much about myself each time I come to Progression Fitness.

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

It’s not always about cardio.  The amount that muscle supports everything I do was surprising to me before I started lifting.  Running is easier, but so is everything else I do, like lifting boxes, moving around my house, hiking… everything is affected by how well you take care of your body and the form you use.

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

Friday Night Lights.  It is so amazing to watch people push themselves and do things they never thought they could do.  So many people got their first OLY lifts, their first muscle up, first double-unders; all because of the atmosphere and the challenges set before us.

Why do you think you’ve stuck with Progression Fitness?

The coaches and the people.  I always feel supported and never feel bad for asking questions.  I know I have accountability there.  When I’m feeling “off” and it’s not easy to make myself get to the gym for a WOD, there’s always someone there with a smile to push me forward.

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

Go to Beginner’s OLY classes.  It helped me so much to learn each OLY lift when it was broken down step by step.  I was more comfortable when the movements came up during the WOD or strength portions.