Athlete Spotlight: Jiyun Kim

Name: Jiyun Kim
Age: 29
Occupation:  I work for a trading company.
Which class time do you usually attend? Mostly 6pm
Favorite WOD: I like everything but running
Favorite CF Movements:  Back squat, Deadlift
1RM Deadlift: 150
3 RM Back squat:  110
Favorite Food: I cannot pick only one. Right now I want french fries!
Favorite Movie: Finding Nemo
Favorite Athlete: Yuna Kim (Korean figure skater)
Dream Job: I want to own cup cake and coffee shops in the future.
Dream Vacation Destination: Uyuni Desert, Bolivia
Favorite WOD song:  anything loud!
Favorite Motivational Quote: NO PAIN, NO GAIN!!

How long have you been doing CrossFit? (since Month, year)
“Since December 2015.”

How did you first discover CrossFit and what made you decide to start? 
“I was looking for a personal trainer. At that point, one of my co-wokers Jin Kim was attending and he introduced me to No Excuses CrossFit.”

Tell us about your sports/fitness background:
“Nothing!”

What sorts of positive changes (mental, physical, emotional) have you noticed in your life since getting involved at No Excuses? 
“So many things have been changed. After I lost my baby about 8 years ago, my life changed a lot.  Depression, no social life, and I was an angry person all the time. I couldn’t control my emotions. I lived my life without any joy for a long time. I moved to Georgia about 3 years ago, and my life was not changed at all. I was not in a new place until I started CrossFit last year. No Excused CrossFit changed my life. Now I can think positively, and I feel a lot of energy from the other people and coaches. I love to work out with these people. I cannot explain every single thing in here but I can say NECF changed my life.”

What keeps you coming back and motivated?
“I have have many goals and last year, my goal was pull up. I couldn’t do it last year so my goal is to keep going.”

In what other ways do you use your fitness? 
“I like to go hiking, and sometimes I like going walking and jogging.”

Who or what motivates/inspires you?
“Every member at CrossFit and all the coaches!”

Please share with us a favorite CrossFit or No Excuses moment. 
“Everyday after class. Everyday is a challenge and after I work out I feel a sense of accomplishment.”

Name one goal you would like to achieve in CrossFit.
“I was not able to do any push ups when I started CrossFit and I can do it about 3-4 push ups now! Now I want to do at least 1 pull up …this is a current goal!”

Tell us about your hobbies and interests outside of the gym:
“I like to do hand crafted things such as sewing, drawing, and coloring. I like to go hiking too.”

What advice do you have for someone just starting CrossFit or is on the fence about starting? 
“You can do it. You can do it!”

What do you love most about No Excuses? 
“Everything!  Especially coaches and other members are so nice and friendly. They make me keep coming to gym and work out. They are one of reason that I go NECF.”

Coach Laura’s Take: 
“Jiyun is such a bright spot when she comes into the gym! I have never coached anyone that was as eager to learn and improve as she is. I have enjoyed watching her transform from a timid and unsure athlete to a confident and strong CrossFitter! She brings a positive, can-do attitude to every class. When she can’t do something yet, she simply says, “I’ll keep working at it.” She competed in her first competition at Birthday Bash VIII. It was so neat to see her step out of her comfort zone and compete! I am super proud of Jiyun and know she will continue to do well!”