I`m sure everyone has notice some big changes in Simone, physically, techically and mentally.
Everyone of us has a different driver, I feel Simone has found the right purpose to get the most out of her training, which clearly reflects her latest achievement.
Below is Simone`s journey in her own words.
How did you and CrossFit come to find each other? Tell us about your path to date.
I was introduced to CrossFit by my cousin and her partner at the time who owns CrossFit Westgate. I trained at Westgate for approximately 2 years where I first met Coach Gab and Coach Matt. I took a 10 month break from Westgate and decided to join Metal Therapy to continue my CrossFit journey just under 2 years ago.
You've been a member at Metal Therapy for a while now. What keeps you coming back to the box?
I really enjoy the people I train with! I get the opportunity to keep fit and healthy as well as spend time with friends. The workouts are always challenging which provides me with the motivation to keep improving and it suits my schedule which can become quite hectic thanks to work.
We've noticed that the past few weeks your attitude and determination to train has completely changed. What's shifted for you and what is your mindset like right now?
I enjoyed a few weeks of uninterrupted annual leave earlier this year which provided me with the opportunity to do five workouts in a week, which I have never done before! It reignited my passion for exercise and generally feeling fantastic. My goal this year is to do at least three workouts per week, so far so good!
Your sister, Caitlin, also trains at the box. Have you two always trained together? What's it like training together? Is there any secret competition between you two sisters?
Caitlin and I trained together at Westgate a few years ago. It is fun training with your sister as we catch up on “family” news as well as enjoy Dumplings in Flemington most Friday nights! Caitlin and I have different strengths and weaknesses, however, during a WOD there is always friendly competition….
You have a high level job at Nestle. Do you feel that CrossFit helps keep you focused and mentally prepared in your job and other areas of your life and how?
If I allowed it, work would take over my days, as well as my nights thanks to Europe starting work when we are finishing. Making the decision to put my health and wellbeing ahead of work ensures I work to my best ability and be 100% present and engaged whilst at work or with my family and friends on the weekends. Once I’m at the gym I disconnect from the day and focus on the job that needs to be done during weightlifting and WODs….. this is my downtime / my “me” time.
Managing life and training can sometimes be tricky. Can you tell us about your routine and the importance of commitment to manage both?
Routine is extremely important to me. If any activity, work or personal, is not scheduled in my diary it won’t get done! I try and get to CrossFit on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights. These days work for me as I manage my work and personal time around these sessions. Having said that, preparation is key. My week is planned and organised the weekend before which includes having all meals prepared for the week ahead and my gym gear ready to go.
We heard that you have recently signed up for a Horticulture course. Can you tell us a little about this other love of your life and how it drives you?
I have signed up for a Horticulture short course for six weeks. I enjoy gardening and “pottering” around at home. The satisfaction of growing a beautiful garden and having home grown fruit and great smelling flowers in your home is very rewarding!
We've all got that one movement that makes us groan. What's yours?
Snatches! I sit at a desk all day which limits how I perform the movement….. my body just doesn’t want to move that way!
What are your other favourites and what's to love about them?
I like deadlifts and of late power cleans….practise makes perfect (slowly…). I also really enjoy the body weight movements and running. I spent many years as a competitive swimmer in the pool as well as the ocean. A part of my training included running and body weight exercises to change the focus from the 30km per week spent in the pool.
Everyone comes to the box for different reasons and has their own path. What is CrossFit for you?
CrossFit allows variety between weightlifting and cardio workouts. After years of global gym memberships, I have finally found an exercise routine that caters for my lifestyle and has a real social network that I look forward to every session.
We'd love to know even more about you. Here's a few questions to help spill the beans on 'Simone'.
.... if you were invisible for a month, what would you do?
I would spend the month travelling the world first class and ensure I visited the NASA space station for the launch of spacecraft.
.... if you were a chocolate bar, which one would you be and why?
I love m&m’s! I don’t eat much chocolate, however, m&m’s have the right amount of chocolate & shell.
.... if you were a season, what would you be - Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter - and why
Definitely Spring….. perfect days balanced by cool nights.
.... if money was no object, what would you do all day?
I would go to CrossFit or for a run/swim in the morning followed by spending the day attending TED Talks / TEDx or volunteering my time in the community.
.... someone has written a book about you. What would the blurb on the back of the book say? This book is the story of a person who loves a challenge, great food and the pleasure of spending time with family and friends.
.... if you could shop for free at one store, what store would you choose and why?
Jardan…. I love their furniture!
.... if you had your time again, what is one thing that you would do differently?
I would tell my younger self to live in the moment and enjoy the adventures and the opportunities that come along….They are once in a lifetime! (this is now a motto I live by).
.... if you could name your proudest life moment, what would it be and why?
Being handed the keys to my own home. After years of living interstate and abroad, the feeling of having something that is solely yours is remarkable!
You're still CrossFitting in a year's time. What does CrossFit Simone look like then?
CrossFit Simone would be stronger and more flexible so Snatches don’t hurt as much as they do now!
In the middle of a WOD, what animal would best represent you?
The tortoise… it is not about coming first it is about trying as hard as I can to finish the WOD!
You've been asked to write a sales pitch for CrossFit. How would you pitch it?
CrossFit… give it a go, you will love the challenge!
CrossFit Inc. decide to name and design a WOD in your honour. What would the 'Simone' WOD be?
"Simone"
5RFT:
20 Deadlift 50/70
1 min Handstand Hold (Against the Wall)
50 Double Unders