Get To Know Rachel Gustine – Progression Fitness

Full disclosure: it’s hard to put Rachel into words but if one had to, the words that come to mind are bright, nurturing, and well. Rachel has a wealth of knowledge and insight and she’s dishing out some surprises in this one… so read on to get to know Rachel Gustine a bit better.

What do you do for a living?

I’m the luckiest girl in the world, my boyfriend is my “boss” and every day we get to work together serving amazing patients at our chiropractic office here in Rochester. (Empowered Family Chiropractic). He specializes in pediatrics so we see lots of families and kids as well as a large amount of crossfitters in the office.

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

Any time outside of the gym or our office I like to be outdoors. Fly-fishing, kayaking, hiking, trail running, gardening anything to get outside!

What made you decide to try CrossFit?

Chris has been doing CrossFit since 2007 and he was the first one to actually invite me to join a class about a week or so after we met in 2009. It was our unofficial 1st date! Hahahaha! He was filling in as a coach at QC CrossFit and he invited me to a WOD. I had a blast and joined the gym shortly after.

How long have you been at Progression?

A few years now.

What was your experience with fitness like prior to CrossFit?

I played sports in high school and once I moved out of state for college I ran to stay active. I also joined a gym similar to “Golds Gym” but I never knew what to do there. My default was to run on the treadmill or use the elliptical but that gets old fast!

What was your biggest fear when you started at Progression?

I guess when I first started I was worried about keeping up with everyone else. But that fear faded fast when I started to understand the support that the CrossFit community provides no matter your fitness level.

Favorite cheat day meal?

Hmmm… a glass of wine, does that count as a meal? I gave up sugar a while ago, so no cheat meals for a while!

What goal(s) are you currently chasing?

My weakness is flexibility, so I’m spending some focused time on improving that. Hopefully I can get to the splits and handstand holds/walk before my 27th birthday in February.

What’s the hardest part about CrossFit?

Sometimes it’s hard to talk myself into pushing harder when I’m really tired in the middle of a WOD.

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

I’m a certified Doula. Also, I went to school for early childhood education and actually taught preschool before joining Chris in our office.

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

“Just have fun”! Coach Juli has said this right before a WOD a few times and it’s so true. Don’t take your life, the WOD, or anything too seriously… just have fun!

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

I’ve realized that movement is a journey and increasing your skills and abilities inside the gym takes time. You have your entire life to improve your ability to move, conquer skills, and reach your fullest fitness potential. So ENJOY the journey no matter what chapter your are currently in!

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

Friday Night Lights is so much fun and something we look forward to being a part of every year.

Why do you think you’ve stuck with Progression?

It is the best gym in town! We have been members at CrossFit gyms in two other states and nothing compares to Progression. The facility is incredible, the coaching staff is magnificent, the owners are passionate, and the community and support you feel from all members is incomparable!

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

If you want to increase your athletic performance, decrease your chance of injury, and reach your optimal health potential all around, start utilizing the benefits of chiropractic care. Many people misunderstand chiropractic; they think that it is about “neck pain” or “back pain” but that is a LARGE misconception. Check out the articles below to get a better understanding of how chiropractic care can influence all aspects of your health.