Athlete Spotlight: Jenny Fancher

Name: Jenny Fancher            Jenny_Fancher
Age: 39
Occupation: NICU nurse and Jamberry consultant
Which class time do you usually attend? 9:30
Favorite WOD: Throwback Thursdays. I LOVE (and hate…but mostly love) the Hero and the ladies wods!
Favorite Lift: deadlift or back squat
Deadlift Max: 205
Back squat Max: 142
Favorite Food: Indulgence? French Fries! Healthy? Watermelon (or any other fruit!)
Favorite Movie:
Lonesome Dove
Favorite Athlete: I don’
Dream Job: I want to work in a little local flower shop! My professional job is rewarding and wonderful, but can be very heavy. I would love to learn to create bouquets and do something that is generally light and happy all the time!
Dream Vacation Destination: New Zealand (But Hawaii is a close second, and I’m going there with my husband in March! Yay!)

How long have you been CrossFitting?
“I’ve been back at No Excuses for about 9 months, but was at the old location a few years ago. Once I had kids, my budget and my time got tight (not to mention my jeans!) and I had to let it go. Last fall my husband encouraged me to go back because I had never stopped missing it, and REALLY needed to get back in shape!”

What keeps you coming back/motivated?
“Seeing results! Getting stronger, reshaping my body, feeling fit, fitting in old clothes… I KNEW CrossFit worked for my body, and that helped me press through the beginning weeks/months when progress wasn’t so evident yet.”

How did you find CrossFit?
“I was in a running group with one of the original members/coaches when No Excuses first opened. She convinced me to come try a class. Back then, you could try a month for free. Of course I was hooked after that first month!”

What is your athletic background (If applicable)?
“I was a dancer through high school, primarily ballet. As an adult I’ve dabbled off and on in running, dedicating to it for a few years (again…pre-kids!) and did a few half marathons and triathlons. I loved working with a trainer for a while, and even learned to enjoy swimming when I was on crutches for 5 months from a running injury about 10 years ago.”

How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, level of fitness?
“I actually HAVE a level of fitness again. I’m eating healthier all around to maximize my results and not negate the work I’m doing. I feel stronger and more confident and healthy.”

What is the one thing you have done here that you never thought you could do? “Getting my deadlift over 200 felt pretty good!”

Who or what motivates/inspires you?
“Everyone around me in the gym! I aspire to be like the people stronger than me, and I’m inspired by the newer folks that are challenging their bodies and minds to so many new things! I’m also motivated by the memory of my previous fitness level, and seeing the gap narrow between where I was before and where I am now.”

What is your proudest CrossFit achievement?
“t’s hard to pick one single thing, but every time I face a WOD that looks really hard…whether the length or weight or composition of exercises… I have that great feeling of accomplishment at the end. I did it, I got through it. I didn’t quit. Every one of those gives me the confidence to do the next.”

Name one goal/personal achievement you would like to achieve through CrossFit?
“A stinkin’ strict pull up!!”

Hobbies/Interests outside of CrossFit?
“Running, traveling, spending time with my family, planting flowers. And I really love naps! I only wish I could ever take one!”

Any advice for new members?
“Don’t compare yourself to others. Be motivated by those around you, sure. But don’t ever feel inferior. If you are giving YOUR 100%, then you are doing JUST AS MUCH as someone lifting heavier weight or doing strict RX movements.”

Coach Laura’s Take:
“I started coaching at No Excuses after Jenny had already left to have her babies, so I didn’t know her back then. It has been great to have her back and get to know her. I am most impressed by her determination to get back in shape and also her patience with herself and the process. She is a hard-worker and finds time to get in the gym amidst a crazy work schedule and family time. That dedication and patience is paying off for her. Jenny is naturally positive and is a great asset to our community at No Excuses!”