Athlete Spotlight: Vanessa Whitten

Name: Vanessa WhittenVanessa
Age: 27
Occupation: momma
Which class time do you usually attend? 9:40
Favorite WOD: anything with toes to bar
Favorite Lift: Snatch
Deadlift Max: 230
Back squat Max: 155
Favorite Food: Chocolate
Favorite Movie: Twister
Favorite Athlete: Shannon Miller
Dream Job: Broadway or Cirque du Soleil!
Dream Vacation Destination: Switzerland

How long have you been CrossFitting?
“Since August, 2014.”

What keeps you coming back/motivated?
“The community, the coaches, and watching yourself improve! Everyone really cares about each other. Working really hard together brings you together in a special way.  I love the programming, everything is always different and challenging. I have been so impressed with CrossFit as an all-around sport!”

How did you find CrossFit?
“Drive by and research. I would have never been able to start had they not offered child-care, so thank you so much for providing it!”

What is your athletic background (If applicable)?
“Gymnastics 10+yrs, Rock climbing.”

How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, level of fitness?
“I have never done anything like this! Life was so hard when I became a mom with my first babe. It was a big adjustment staying home and I yearned to be involved in something for myself and with others. Being here has really changed my life and helped me out of a state of depression! CrossFit has made me feel like an athlete again, which has always been a big part of my life and confidence.”

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, ?)
“With training like this I feel like I could do anything!”

Who or what motivates/inspires you?
“All the ladies redefining what beauty is to them! Strong > skinny!”

What is your proudest CrossFit achievement?
“I didn’t miss any days during pregnancy!”

Name one goal/personal achievement you would like to achieve through CrossFit? “Press Handstand”

Hobbies/Interests outside of CrossFit?
“Gardening, music, art, traveling”

Any advice for new members?
“You won’t regret showing up!”

Any additional thoughts/comments:
“There will be times you will regress due to sickness, injury, busyness, pregnancy! I’m still fairly new but I also know that plateaus happen and it’s helpful in those times to keep in mind that it is all a part of your journey!”

Coach Laura’s Take:
“Vanessa is such a bright spot in the morning classes! She is kind to everyone and handles what comes her way with such a relaxed and easy-going outlook. It was so encouraging to me (and others) to see her train with us for her ENTIRE pregnancy. I think she did a scaled Fight Gone Bad one day and then delivered her baby boy the next day! Talk about tough! Vanessa embodies what CrossFit and No Excuses is all about. I am looking forward to see how she develops as an athlete now that she isn’t carrying around a kid inside of her. She is well-deserving of all her successes!”