Name: Yessica Rojas
Age: 39
Occupation: Rojas Household CEO
Which class time do you usually attend? 6:30am or 12:30pm class.
Favorite WOD: I don’t like running. So whatever that doesn’t include running.
Favorite CF Movements: Deadlift
1RM Deadlift: 215lbs
3 RM Back squat: 165lbs
Favorite Food: I love trying all kinds of food but my favorite is Persian.
Favorite Movie: Sound of Music.
Favorite Athlete: Colombian two-time Olympic medalist and BMX world champion Mariana Pajon
Dream Job: Spanish Teacher
Dream Vacation Destination: Any new country. I love traveling to new places, learning the culture and live like a local.
Favorite WOD song: I would love to hear more Pitbull songs during the WOD’s.
Favorite Motivational Quote: “Think of your workouts as important meetings you’ve scheduled with yourself. Bosses don’t cancel.” – Anonymous
How long have you been doing CrossFit?
“Since July 2015.”
How did you first discover CrossFit and what made you decide to start?
“Before I started CrossFit I was going to a gym that introduced me to some of the CrossFit movements twice a week. However, it was while a family vacation in Florida I was brave enough to show up at our cousin’s box and try a CrossFit class for a day. I liked it so much that I spent my entire vacation going daily to the 6am classes. When I came back to GA I started looking for a box close to home and that is when I came across a CrossFit Suwanee groupon offer to try it for a month and the rest is history.”
Tell us about your sports/fitness background:
“None. Nada!”
What sorts of positive changes (mental, physical, emotional) have you noticed in your life since getting involved at No Excuses?
“I strongly believe CrossFit is the best program for anyone wanting to improve their health and quality of life. I am not only stronger physically but mentally. CrossFit pushes me outside of my comfort zone, and through doing so, I’ve discovered strength and ability I never knew I had. I underestimated the positive effect it would have on the other aspects of my life. I enjoy having more stamina and strength which in turn lead to a fuller and richer life. I began seeking to be more fit and instead I’ve found a great lifestyle change that has not just benefitted me, but my family as well. In addition to that, I have unexpectedly made a great number of new friends – the community at NECF has been a great support system in this adventure.”
What keeps you coming back and motivated?
“What has kept me coming back are several things- the mental and physical challenges, the amazing feeling after being able to finish a WOD, the well rounded coaches that bring their own uniqueness to the gym, but mostly Mr. Rojas. CrossFit is one of the many things we decided to do together and even though we are not always physically attending the same class time, it has given us some common ground. We are happy to hear about each other’s PRs or even share each other’s pain in recounting particularly crazy, tiring and demanding WOD’s. It has been really nice to discover that CrossFit is something we love to share.”
In what other ways do you use your fitness?
“In the past, I wasn’t doing anything to counteract the excesses in my lifestyle (I love to eat-A LOT). I was out of shape and needed motivation. Now I feel much more conscious about what I eat and try my best to have a balanced diet. I have seen my body transform and do things I didn’t think were possible. Before CrossFit I always thought how cool it would be to do a 5K or try anything sport related. All that has changed. Now I am not scared to sign up for 5K’s, Kayak races and even signed up for a half marathon.”
Who or what motivates/inspires you?
“I see inspiration all around at this box from whatever level, age and ability people come with, that their being there and their desire to do something to make them healthier can make things happen and it does. I am also inspired by the male and female solidarity. I have never seen a group of people (including women) building each other up like at No Excuses.”
Please share with us a favorite CrossFit or No Excuses moment.
“There has been so many achievements since joining No Excuses. I do remember two accomplishments that happened with just two months of joining No Excuses. Ever since I started CrossFit I had failed to climb a rope. My first WOD that included climbing the rope at No Excuses I was seriously wanting to skip that class but forced myself onto going and here comes Coach Fischer with his really good explanation on the form and VOILA I was able to do it. Not for the entire WOD though….. but it didn’t matter because I really thought that climbing a rope was going to be the last thing (if ever) that I was going to learn. The second one was trying to at least learn how to do a kipping pull up. I’ve told Brandon I wasn’t able to do a pull up as a Fitness member wanting to do the Summer Series and two days after that here comes Coach Mario showing me the proper form and I ended up doing Murph Rx! It took me forever but I didn’t care!”
Name one goal you would like to achieve in CrossFit.
“Only one???? There are still so many goals and I really don’t know which one I will achieve first but I would like to learn how to do double unders!!”
Tell us about your hobbies and interests outside of the gym:
“Outside of CrossFit I mostly enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I am also passionate about learning different cultures and experiencing new things through traveling.”
What advice do you have for someone just starting CrossFit or is on the fence about starting?
“Even if you think you can’t do something, try it. You might just surprise yourself.”
What do you love most about No Excuses?
“When I join a group (Girl Scout, PTSA, Church, Gym, etc.) the first thing I make sure is that there is diversity and No Excuses is all that. I also love the support from the amazing members and coaches.”
Coach Laura’s Take:
“Ever since she joined, Yessica has brought so much energy to the gym! She is full of life, coachable and encouraging to everyone. She came to us with a great base of movement and has continued to learn and improve in so many areas. She is very receptive to coaching and strives to make even small adjustments when she is in class. She encourages our ladies (and guys too) with her grit and “never give up.” Since Yessica and her husband Mauricio have joined the gym they have only made a positive impact!”