Progression Fitness Member Spotlight Questions: Carlota Gay

What brought you to Progression Fitness in Rochester MN? 
I started in Progression Fitness in March 2016. It was after I finished a Triathlon in Minneapolis. I was chatting with a friend that did the race with me and said: ``I really like hard and tough workouts”. He said: Just join a CrossFit Gym. I did not have any idea what he was talking about. Next thing I did was look for one in town. I’ve never stopped coming since then. 

When do you usually work out? 
Consistency is my key tool. I come to Progression at 5am as much as I can if I’m not out of town. I will say an average of 3-4 days a week. 

What is your favorite exercise movement? 
The end of work out just lying in the floor. 

What is your clean food? 
Green smoothies made by me. 

What is your favorite cheat food? Sushi!! 

What do you like to do with your free time? 
I’m an artist and I paint when I can. But only after I did my running, biking, or swimming of the day. 

Do you encounter functional fitness in your life? Does being functionally fit help you in your job or your hobbies? 
Recently I discovered that by doing a Progression program with a million squats a day I was able to finish a project that I needed to be squatting for hours (some days 9 hrs). I painted murals that were 4 feet tall. I was very thankful for my consistency at Progression. 

What goals are you chasing? 
Being able to keep doing what I love to do: triathlons. 

Who motivates you? 
It is me that motivates me. We are our own best friends and worst enemies for our goals. 

What were you scared/nervous about when you started Progression Fitness? 
Well the answer is very easy: I am the worst to follow directions. I thought I couldn't do a group class. I was wrong. I show up with a smile and the coaches know me. They know that I need extra attention, I need to see things done next to me. Coaches see that in me and generously do extra for me.
 
Now that you have been at Progression Fitness for a while, was there anything you originally were wrong about, but now have changed your mind? 
The first thing I changed was my mind set on following directions from a coach. I thought I knew it all. This isn’t like a learned skill where you learn it and you’re done; it is like eating, you need it every day. Non-stop. Learn and relearn. Get better, stop. Start once more. 

What is something you couldn’t do before but now you can? 
Follow a coach's direction. That, and the Barbell with a weight that surprises me. 

What is your Personal Record that you are most proud of? 
My record is the consistency of showing up to class. Numbers and measures are not my priority. 

What is your fitness background? Have you played sports? Do you have a favorite sport now? 
I started my first triathlon 11 years ago. Triathlons and ½ marathons are my passion. 

Are there any competitions/races in your future? 
I will do a triathlon in Maple Grove, MN next August. 

What advice do you have to help others keep coming consistently? 
Do not think twice, do not develop ideas (they’re generally counterproductive ideas), just get your clothes ready and come to the gym. That's the place and moment when the magic happens. 

What would you say to someone that is thinking about trying Progression Fitness but isn’t sure it is for them? 
Go and negotiate with your best friend, beg him/her/they to be with you, cross the doors of CFP and that’s the only thing you will need. Never stop showing up. Training every week, every month and every year is my secret.
 
Never stop!