Name: Laura Owings
Age: 34
Occupation: mostly Stay-at-home mom, occasional attorney
Which class time do you usually attend? 9:30am
Favorite WOD: anything with handstands
Favorite Lift: snatch
Deadlift Max: 205
Back squat Max: 150
Favorite Food: sea scallops
Favorite Movie: The Sound of Music
Favorite Athlete: Robert Griffin III
Dream Job: Perpetual Student or Cupcake Shop Owner
Dream Vacation Destination: The Alps
How long have you been Cross Fitting?
“Since December 2013”
What keeps you coming back/motivated?
“Trying to beat my husband. Experiencing community is a close second.”
How did you find CrossFit?
“I have a lot of other friends from my church and neighborhood who have been a part of No Excuses. One of them invited me to attend Foundations with her, and Ben Davis talked me into trying it out. The next day I found myself at the gym.”
What is your athletic background (If applicable)?
“I was a competitive gymnast for many years, and I coached gymnastics in high school and college. I also played volleyball and ran track in high school, and I participated in intramural sports in college. My athletic pursuits since college have been few and far between.”
How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, level of fitness?
“My life, lifestyle, and level of fitness have changed drastically. I began P90x shortly before starting CrossFit, so I had just begun my journey to better health, but I was still pretty out-of-shape and unhealthy when I started. I have become more careful in what I eat because I feel so much better when I eat well. I’m learning that I’m happier when I make wise food and exercise choices. Previously, I’d skip exercising when I was tired, and now I get to the gym as many days as possible because I know I actually feel better in the long run when I work out. In the past nine months, I’ve dropped three dress sizes. I feel stronger and better than I have in a long time.”
What is the one thing you have done here that you never thought you could do? (muscle up, double unders, heavy deadlift, run a mile, etc.)
“I never thought I’d be able to do pull ups again!”
Who or what motivates/inspires you?
“Honestly, I have a variety of motivations and inspirations, some honorable and some vain. I’m having a great time watching the numbers on the scale go down. My family inspires me–I want to be healthy so I can be all they need me to be. My greatest and most sustainable motivation, however, is that exercising regularly and eating healthy enables me to be who God created me to be and accomplish the good works he has prepared for me. I had been struggling with an excess of good things. I had believed that lots of good food would make me happy, and I had allowed myself to be so busy that I couldn’t exercise. Food won’t bring me the joy I crave. My good activities won’t bring the satisfaction I want. Working out and eating healthy, by themselves, also won’t bring me what I’m looking for. What I hope my diet and exercise does is reflect that my heart is satisfied with Jesus and that I want to have the health and energy required to accomplish all that God wants me to do. For example, with my increased energy levels, exercise endorphins, and general feelings of wellness, it’s easier for me to be kind and patient with my husband and kids.”
What is your proudest CrossFit achievement?
“Participating in the Hugo Open and being happy with how I performed. I had no idea I would have such a fabulous time competing.”
Name one goal/personal achievement you would like to achieve through CrossFit?
“I would love to be able to do handstand pushups!”
Hobbies/Interests outside of CrossFit?
“Reading, Cooking/Baking, and Gardening”
Any advice for new members?
“My first two months were more than difficult, but I’m so glad I didn’t give up. Stick with it! It gets easier, and it gets fun.”
Coach Brandon’s Take:
“It has been a pleasure to coach and watch Laura improve as an athlete in less than a year. She has made tremendous gains in her strength training and continues to impress me with her gymnastics abilities. I knew she officially got the CrossFit itch when she asked to move her membership from 3x a week to unlimited. I look forward to watching Laura continue to progress as a CrossFitter.”