Name: Erika Bodden
Age: 34
Occupation: Middle School Teacher
Which class time do you usually attend? 7pm
Favorite WOD: The Open 14.3
Favorite Lift: Deadlift
Deadlift Max: 275
Back squat Max: 205…with a 3 second pause at the bottom 😉
Favorite Food: Pizza
Favorite Movie: Disney’s Aladdin
Favorite Athlete: Deb Walston
Dream Job: Songwriter
Dream Vacation Destination: Amazon Rainforest
How long have you been CrossFitting?
“3 years.”
What keeps you coming back/motivated?Â
“The camaraderie of the No Excuses community as we push each other to reach new heights of athleticism.”
How did you find CrossFit?
“Toward the end of 2011, the boyfriend I had at that time found out about No Excuses and told me about it. We started Basics in January of 2012 and then went through Foundations together.”
“Toward the end of 2011, the boyfriend I had at that time found out about No Excuses and told me about it. We started Basics in January of 2012 and then went through Foundations together.”
What is your athletic background (If applicable)?
“I started running at age 27; prior to that, I have no athletic background.”
How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, level of fitness?
“The training I have received at No Excuses has definitely increased my physical strength. However, strength comes in many forms, and the friendships I gained through No Excuses helped sculpt me emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and even creatively. It feels great to be so much stronger! I am so thankful to my No Excuses family for helping make me an overall healthier person!”
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.)
“Honestly I never imagined doing any of the Olympic lifts, but I’m most proud of my 3 Rep Max Back Squat of 200 lbs!!!”
Who or what motivates/inspires you?
“PRs motivate me as well as friendly competition. Â I am also inspired by people who want to better themselves and really give it their all to do just that.”
What is your proudest CrossFit achievement?
“Competing in the 2015 Garage Games with my team, Ready Set Sweat, is definitely my proudest CrossFit achievement!”
Name one goal/personal achievement you would like to achieve through CrossFit?
“I must get a Muscle Up. I literally had a dream about it and performed it effortlessly in my dream! Now it has to happen in real life!!!”
Hobbies/Interests outside of CrossFit?
“I love to bake. Cupcakes are my speciality; however, I like the challenge of trying out new dessert recipes. Running is also something I enjoy doing, and I strive to get first place in my age group at every 5K race! My most favorite hobby is writing because words can paint landscapes of emotion.”
Any advice for new members?
“Each WOD is more than you ever did before. Keep pushing forward, and strength will follow. Be consistent with your training, and be patient as you await results.”
Any additional thoughts/comments:
“Don’t let discouragement paralyze your ambition. Devour negativity, and embrace visionary people. Continually set goals, and be the title holder of your life.”
Coach Laura’s Take:
Erika is one of the most caring individuals at the gym. Besides working hard in class, she is always looking out for other people. She is friendly and genuinely cares about people. Athletically, she has grown and developed so much since I first started coaching at No Excuses. She has gotten so much stronger and so much more confident. It is really cool to see how she has progressed and is hitting numbers she never dreamed she could hit. I credit that to her consistency and patience with the process.