COACH

Crossfit Level 1 Trainer

What's your background in sports/fitness?

Growing up, I played all of the sports. In high school I played volleyball, basketball and softball (fun fact: I was the only girl in my class to letter 12 times) and I played one year of college volleyball. For as long as I can remember, I've loved competition. Our family is 100% a sports family. My dad has coached football for as long as I can remember and teaches PE/weight training. I also grew up watching my big sisters play basketball (and playing it very well), wanting to be JUST like them.  Athleticism just kind of runs in that Nelson blood (I'm talking about you too, Andee Lou). So I guess my world has always revolved around sports. Now I am married with kids and I get to watch them fall in love with sports, and hopefully fitness like I have. 

What got you into fitness/Crossfit in the first place? 

Losing the baby weight was my main motivation for sure. I wasn't happy with the way I looked and it was taking a big toll on my mental health. I knew I needed to make a change and I found CrossFit along the way. Thank you, Sam! 

What made you say 'yes' to becoming a coach?

I think realizing and truly understanding the amount of trust Katy has in me made it such an easy yes. I am my own worst critic and always doubt myself but her reassurance was so helpful and comforting. This is truly such an honor and I can't wait to make her proud! 

What's one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?

I have never and will never travel by myself because I will NOT sit by a stranger on an airplane. 

What's your favorite lift or movement?

I love a good deadlift or squat! 

What's your least favorite (but you still make yourself do it)?

Devil's press and renegade rows always leave a bad taste in my mouth. Along with burpees of any kind. 

What's your go-to post-workout snack or meal?

I love a cold glass of milk with protein powder. My current hyperfixation is Cookies n Creme protein. 

What motivates you on hard days?

I think knowing that it is the one hour of the day that I get to myself. I don't always show up to the gym motivated, I don't think anyone shows up every single day feeling motivated, but knowing how much better I will feel after I am done is for sure a big factor. The gym can truly turn your entire day around!  

What's your go-to hype song?

Right now I'm obsessed with Yippee-Ki-Yay by Kesha and Devil is a Lie by Tommy Richman. Also Wiz Khalifa radio always hits too! 

What advice would you give to someone new or someone nervous to start classes?

I know from the outside looking in that the gym and workouts might seem intimidating but we can scale all movements and will never force you to do anything you cannot do. Awakens is a place full of women (and now a few men) cheering each other on and wanting nothing but the best for each other. I have found some of the most sincere friendships through the gym. This is more than a gym, it is a family, and you will be treated as so. So take the jump and just do the dang thing! 

COACH

Crossfit Level 1 Trainer

What got you into fitness/Crossfit in the first place?

I played sports growing up and then transitioned to the gym in college. 

After college, I found that I did better in a group class setting where I had a coach who programmed my workouts for me. In 2019 I started going to OrangeTheory and I loved it. Then I moved to Lewis County and needed to find a new gym - insert CrossFit! Started CrossFit in 2021 and haven't looked back since. I have truly fallen in love with the sport.

What made you say 'yes' to becoming a coach? 

My friend asked for my help and I couldn't say no. I have to admit, I never thought I would be a CrossFit coach, but here we are! And I am so grateful for the opportunity to continue to grow in the sport and in the gym that I have come to love so much. Having a coach and friend in Katy who believes in me and pushes me out of my comfort zone day in and day out is truly special. I only hope to be half the coach to our athletes as Katy has been to me! 

What's one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?

People might be surprised to learn that I struggle with chronic pain. One of the things that I hope to instill in our athletes as a coach is that health & fitness isn't just about being at the top of the leaderboard every day. It's about taking care of your body in all aspects of your life (physically, emotionally, mentally) and some days that might look like resting or even scaling a workout so that you can still move your body that day without overdoing it. If you don't listen to your body, it will make you listen.

What's your favorite lift or movement? 

I love a good clean. They are by far my favorite movement. You will seldom see me miss out on a clean day!

What's your least favorite (but you still make yourself do it)? 

Bulgarian split squats are the bane of my existence. Effective, but truly terrible.

What's your go-to post-workout snack or meal? 

I typically workout around lunch time so I'm usually eating a turkey sandwhich and a banana after my workout!

What motivates you on hard days? 

The women who make our gym community so amazing are who motivate me most on my hard days. One of my favorite things about Awaken Athletics is that we all care for each other, include each other, and show up for each other. On my worst days, I know I can show up to the gym and I’ll feel 10 times better when I leave after having smiled and laughed and exercised with some of the most badass women I’ve ever encountered in my life. I’m grateful for that.

What's your go-to hype song?

When I need a pick me up, I play DOIN' MY BEST by Kelsea Ballerini. Give it a listen, I guarantee you'll feel better after.

What advice would you give to someone new or someone nervous to start classes?

Just come by and hang with us! You’ll love it. There is a place in this gym for everyone. We have fun and we support each other. You will not regret it, I promise.