Name: Ashley Seals
Age: 31
Occupation: SQL Database Administrator
Which class time do you usually attend? 6pm
Favorite WOD: Not sure I have one yet lol….maybe 17.3.
Favorite CF Movements: The deadlift, front squat and dumbbell snatch.
1RM Deadlift: 320 lb
3 RM Back squat: 170 lb
Favorite Food: lemon pepper wings; I will just stop there because #foodhasbeenlife and my diet is still a work in progress.
Favorite Movie: Wedding Crashers
Favorite Athlete: Roger Federer. AND I am also cheering on Sara Sigmundsdottir.
Dream Job: No specific dream job. I believe I am right where I should be in this season of my life. And that could change in the next season. I am open to whatever that may be.
Dream Vacation Destination: Any place as long as my two favorite people (Kanity and Alaina) are with me. Take us anywhere!
Favorite WOD song: Turn Down for What
Favorite Motivational Quote: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” –Lamentations 3:22-23
How long have you been doing CrossFit?
“Since May,2016. 1 year of CrossFit down!”
How did you first discover CrossFit and what made you decide to start?
“My husband thought it could something that would be good for me. A good friend of mine had been doing CrossFit for a while as well. I decided to start because I needed something new to try to stay active. After my pregnancy, I wanted to regain strength and get more fit.”
Tell us about your sports/fitness background:
“I was involved in track & field for 5 years, and JROTC in high school as well for 2 years. Fitness became less of a priority for me during college.”
What sorts of positive changes (mental, physical, emotional) have you noticed in your life since getting involved at No Excuses?
“Stressful days were a lot tougher before No Excuses. But now, ending those days with CrossFit, knowing I gave it my best and that my best was enough, gives me more contentment.”
What keeps you coming back and motivated?
“I keep coming back because I know that No Excuses is a good environment for me. I continue to see results and get closer to reaching my goals. It is the one thing health and fitness-related that I have been able to be consistent with since high school. But most of all, I love seeing the same faces (and new ones too!) whether that be a coach or athlete working out alongside me. I love the encouragement and positive energy that I receive.”
In what other ways do you use your fitness?
“Chasing my two year old around. I have never seen a child with so much energy! And everyday life is just easier.”
Who or what motivates/inspires you?
“What motivates me is seeing others reach their goals or achieve success in some way. That includes small victories as well. They all matter in the grand scheme.”
Please share with us a favorite CrossFit or No Excuses moment.
“The CrossFit Open 2017. I was not planning on participating outside of supporting other members but I was talked into it. I am so glad that I did because the whole experience of Friday Night Throwdown was unlike any other: the surprise factor of the workouts; performing the actual workout; reaching PRs; cheering on your fellow teammates to have their best performance; and getting to know other members from No Excuses that you may not have known otherwise. And my family got to be a part of it with me and see how hard I have been working since I began.”
Name one goal you would like to achieve in CrossFit.
“Getting my 3RM back squat greater than or equal to my body weight. Which means getting stronger + losing weight. Maybe more of the latter!!”
Tell us about your hobbies and interests outside of the gym:
“Singing on the worship team at church, singing and music in general, listening to podcasts, watching sports, and photography.”
What advice do you have for someone just starting CrossFit or is on the fence about starting?
“Set goals for yourself and stay focused on them. When workouts and recovery are tough, remember why you are here. Focus more on your own progression than comparing yourself to those around you. And know that everyone is cheering you on, even though you might not be aware yet.”
What do you love most about No Excuses?
“Given the reputation that CrossFit can have with regard to injuries, I love that safety is encouraged and kept as a priority at No Excuses. My goal is to not only to become stronger and fit but also to stay consistent with being in the gym. I appreciate the purpose of Foundations, the coaching and how coaching continues with each WOD, each day. I had some issues post-pregnancy that still prevent me being able to do certain movements in CrossFit. I appreciate the coaches having knowledge to provide me with alternatives so that I can still have a great workout without risk of further injury.”
Coach Laura’s Take:
“I have loved getting to know Ashley! She has come so far from where she started. I love seeing how her confidence has grown and how she has steadily come into her own as an athlete. She is determined to make progress and remains consistent in the evening classes. She seeks out coaching and advice and she is open to making changes. I know she is motivated by being great example for her daughter and she is doing just that!”