Tracy in not new to Progression Fitness and you may see her hopping between REV and CrossFit classes. She’s got a fresh take on lifelong fitness and we’re lucky to have her. Read on to get to know Tracy Roeder!
What do you do for a living?
I work in the Public Works Department with the City of Rochester.
What’s your favorite thing to do outside of the gym?
Spending time with family. Anything outside, reading and making goat’s milk soap.
What made you decide to try Progress?
After my back surgery in October of 2015, I needed a safe place where I could recover and build my strength back up again. Word on the street was that Progression was the place to be!
How long have you been at CFP?
Since January of 2016. I joined boot camp and never looked back.
What was your experience with fitness like prior to Progression?
I was sedentary most of my life until my late 20’s. I didn’t play sports in high school and as far as nutrition was concerned, Wheaties was the breakfast of champions and Oreos were a great bedtime snack.
Shortly after my daughter born, I decided that I needed to take better care of myself. In the beginning, the majority of my workouts were cardio; running and road biking, but no strength training. Before long, I was stick thin with no muscle, so took up CrossFit in 2013 and the rest is history.
What was your biggest fear when you started?
Injuring my back again. I hadn’t worked out in over a year due to my injury and the first few months of working out were actually quite scary for me. The coaches at CFP are so incredibly knowledgeable and supportive, I quickly learned that I had nothing to worry about.
Favorite cheat day meal?
Burgers with cheese curds and ice cream.
What goal(s) are you currently chasing?
Strict PU and HSPU. My only wish is that I had more time to put into mastering the skill.
What’s the hardest part about your fitness journey at the moment?
Comparing myself to other athletes at CFP. Over time, I’ve learned that this type of thinking doesn’t get you very far. As with all things in life, there is always someone that is going to be better than you at something. Rather than compare myself to others, I now use them as an inspiration to better myself and my skills.
What’s one thing your fellow CFP’ers would be surprised to learn about you?
In addition to my full-time gig, I own my own small business – Bare Naked Soap Company.
What’s your favorite piece of advice you’ve gotten from a coach or member at CFP?
“You only get out of the workout what you put in!”
“Nutrition and being consistent with your workouts is key to getting the results you want”
How has your outlook on health/fitness changed since starting Progression?
Progression has made me stronger not just physically, but mentally. Overall, I feel better, I sleep better and my attitude about life in general is much more positive. I’ve come to appreciate my body for all the amazing things it can do, rather than what I can’t do.
What has been your fondest memory during your time at CFP?
Hands down FNL of 2016. Last year, was the first year I’ve been injury free and physically able to participate in an FNL event. The energy in the place during the event is just epic. There is nothing like it.
Why do you think you’ve stuck with Progression?
The people, coaches and best of all, the community. Progression is constantly investing in its members and that is what set them apart from other gyms. The coaches are extremely knowledgeable and go above and beyond to help their members succeed not only in the gym but in other areas of their life as well. Everyone that I’ve met at Progression is so incredibly encouraging and supportive. I actually look forward to getting up before the sun to attend to class.
What would be your one piece of advice for someone who’s just joining Progression?
The hardest part is just showing up. We are all at different places in our fitness journey and everyone at Progression was a newbie at one time. Don’t be intimidated by the work outs or the movements, they can be modified to fit every fitness level. Most important, listen to your body; if a movement doesn’t feel right STOP and ask a coach for help. No workout is worth an injury.
