July Athlete of the Month: Kari Kelley

Congratulations Kari, you are our July Athlete of the Month!

Kari and her husband, Cam, have been a part of our NoCoast community for a year now and recently started bringing their boys, Braxton and Kasen along with them. Kari has been so consistent and has worked so hard over the past year. Not only has her fitness noticeably improved, but her movement and technique has too and continues to get better every day! We absolutely love your commitment and consistency!! 

We love having the whole Kelley family at NoCoast and we're so grateful that you guys are a part of our community! What an amazing family to look up to and emulate! Thank you for your love, support, and dedication to not only yourself, but your family, and our community!

Quotes from Kari:

“With work and our boys’ schedule we would often let our workouts and time together slide to get the boys where they needed to be.  This past school year Cam and I committed to going to classes together in the morning before the boys woke up.  Getting into an early morning routine allowed me to prioritize being in God's word first to do my bible study before everyone else woke up, getting to enjoy conversation to and from the gym with my husband and finally getting an awesome workout in before the busyness of the day.  It gave us both time together and a healthy start to our day. “

“Commit to a schedule/class, show up and have fun.  Once you get to the gym you will be encouraged by so many people and then with consistency you will feel stronger and want to continue to become stronger.  When the workout is done you will feel proud of yourself for showing up and working out.. You can do it! “

Age: 45

Athletic/Sports history/highlights: 

Growing up I enjoyed playing many sports, soccer, basketball and softball.  My favorite was basketball.  In high school I became a soccer goalie and went on to play in college.  In my mom era, I enjoy skiing, hiking, walking/running, paddle boarding and watching my boys and students play the sports they love.  In the future, I want to learn to play pickleball better and maybe try to enjoy golfing more. 

How long have you been CrossFitting? 

One year

How did you get into CrossFit?  

I was privileged to have Sam’s daughter in my kindergarten class which led to a friendship with Sam that I feel blessed to have.

What is your favorite WOD/CrossFit movement?  

My favorite CrossFit movement would have to be squats because building strength in my squats improves many CrossFit movements used in our workouts.  I think handstands are fun too and my kindergartners love it when I do them with them at school during recess.  I also LOVE Maddy’s warm up games.  They bring joy, laughter, and a fun light-hearted competitiveness.  Her games are a unique way to start the class and often bring out the kid in all of us. 

What is your least favorite WOD/CrossFit movement?  

Pull ups are my least favorite CrossFit movement.  In fact I’m not able to do one… yet.  I’m currently doing banded pull ups, jumping pull-ups or ring rows.  One day with continued practice on my kips and building strength I’ll get one   That’s one thing I love about CrossFit is that there are modifications for anyone who needs them.  You don’t feel out of place when using a modification and you are still able to get an awesome workout in, at a level that meets you where you are at! 

What is your most memorable CrossFit moment?  

I think it might be our run in the dark one early morning on the trails behind the gym because June makes me laugh every time the run comes up in conversation.  I have many memorable moments of coaches and other members who take the time to teach and encourage me how to do techniques better and work towards being stronger.  Everyone is so helpful, welcoming and an awesome group of people to be in community with.  I am thankful for everyone’s kindness. 

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

Throughout this past year I have worked towards adding more protein to my diet which I believe is helping both my recovery and fitness.  This coming year I hope to work towards reducing the amount of sugar in my diet.

How has CrossFit improved your overall wellness?  

CrossFit has encouraged me to look at my body image differently than I had been in the past few years.  I have been encouraged to work towards being healthier, stronger and more flexible.  As I am aging I am learning to put more time and effort into my health.  I am realizing the importance of building muscle and making the time to be healthy.   

How has CrossFit changed your family?  

My crossfit journey started first with attending classes in the morning with my husband.  With work and our boys’ schedule we would often let our workouts and time together slide to get the boys where they needed to be.  This past school year Cam and I committed to going to classes together in the morning before the boys woke up.  Getting into an early morning routine allowed me to prioritize being in God's word first to do my bible study before everyone else woke up, getting to enjoy conversation to and from the gym with my husband and finally getting an awesome workout in before the busyness of the day.  It gave us both time together and a healthy start to our day.  This past summer our boys have both joined us in the mornings which has been a lot of fun!  They have both loved the classes and have been very encouraged by their positive physical results.  Instead of wasting the summer mornings sleeping away they are getting up early, getting their workout in and then enjoying the summer days.  At night we are all able to quickly go to sleep at a healthy time!  I think being a part of CrossFit has been a reminder to all four of us that we are built to be strong.  We love that we are able to take time to stretch each class and then the workout is quick.  In that short time we sweat together, encourage each other and become stronger together.  I am really proud of my husband and boys and the work they are putting in as a family to be healthier.  It has been a lot of fun!      

Advice to new people: 

Commit to a schedule/class, show up and have fun.  Once you get to the gym you will be encouraged by so many people and then with consistency you will feel stronger and want to continue to become stronger.  When the workout is done you will feel proud of yourself for showing up and working out.. You can do it!