January Athlete of the Month: Sydney Eckert

Congratulations Sydney, you are the NoCoast Athlete of the Month!

At 25, Sydney brings a well rounded athletic background shaped by both individual and community based training. Syd began playing golf, where she developed patience, focus, and a mindset centered on continuous improvement; she later turned to running to build endurance and discipline. Following the pandemic, Syd wanted more structured strength training and a sense of community, which led her to CrossFit and ultimately to NoCoast, and has been with us for five years! Drawn to the constant opportunity to refine skills, improve lifts, and set new goals, Syd has found not only increased physical strength but also reduced stress, better sleep, and a strong sense of accountability through NoCoast’s supportive community.

We love you Sydney and we’re so grateful for your presents in our community. 

Age: 25 

Athletic/Sports history/highlights: 

I started out playing varsity golf, which taught me patience, focus, and consistency. I’ve always loved golf because there’s never a finish line. There’s always something to work on and improve, which kept me motivated over the years.

I also spent a few years running, which helped build endurance and discipline. Over time, I realized I also wanted to feel strong, and started looking for something that would help me build strength while still challenging me mentally.

After the pandemic lockdown, I was really looking for more guidance with weightlifting and a sense of community, so I decided to try CrossFit and joined a gym with my brother. While my brother didn’t end up sticking with it, I quickly fell in love with CrossFit. It feels a lot like golf in that there is always a skill to refine, a lift to improve, or a new goal to chase, which makes the progress feel rewarding.

Outside of the gym, I also enjoy biking, scuba diving, hiking, and I still love going for runs with my dog, Axel.

How long have you been at NoCoast? 

I’ve been at NoCoast for 5 years this January! 

How did you get into fitness/exercise?

I initially got into fitness as a way to manage stress and improve my overall health. It quickly became something I fell in love with because of how empowering it feels to get stronger and show up consistently.

What is your favorite workout or movement?

I love anything barbell-related, especially cleans and squats. There’s something really rewarding about seeing measurable progress over time. I find it super fun to work on the technique and feel the difference in your lifts.

What is your least favorite workout or movement? 

My least favorite movement is anything upside down like wall walks or handstands. I am always worried that my arms will give out and I’ll faceplant lol! 

What is your most memorable NoCoast moment? 

It’s honestly hard to pick just one moment. Every week someone gets a movement they haven’t done before, and everyone cheers each other on! This really speaks to the supportive community we all share here.

How does nutrition play a role in your fitness and recovery?

Since joining NoCoast, I’ve been much more intentional about my nutrition, especially prioritizing protein. Making sure I’m properly fueled has helped me recover better from workouts and feel more consistent week to week.

How has NoCoast improved your overall wellness?

I’m definitely stronger and feel better physically, but I’ve also noticed I’m less stressed and sleep better since training consistently. Having a routine that challenges me while still supporting recovery has made a big difference in how I feel day to day.

Beyond that, being part of a supportive community keeps me motivated and accountable in a really positive way. It makes taking care of my health feel sustainable and enjoyable, not like something I have to force myself to do.

How has NoCoast changed your family?

NoCoast has become something my family and I talk about regularly and plan around. It’s created healthier habits and a shared understanding of prioritizing movement and wellness. 

Advice to new people:

I remember walking in on my first day thinking, “what did I get myself into?” It can feel challenging at first, but if you stick with it and keep showing up, you get better little by little. Everyone is on their own journey, and the most important thing is to focus on your own progress and keep going!