Athlete Spotlight: Rachel Vang-Her

Name: Rachel Vang (Her)
Age: 33
Occupation:  Full-time Homemaker & Part-time Personal Assistant at Lifetime Dental
Class time:  9:30am & occasionally 6am
Favorite WOD:  Do people have Favorite WODs?  I just do what I’m told.  Any WOD that doesn’t include Running would be my favorite.
Favorite CF Movement:  Deadlifts, SU (single unders) & mobility
1RM:  165#
3RM:  135#
Favorite Food:  Pho
Favorite Movie:  Sound of Music
Favorite Athlete: Matt Anderson -USA Men’s Volleyball
Dream Job:  Oversea Missionary
Dream Vacation Destination:  Anywhere under the sun with Mountians on one side and the Ocean on the other
Favorite WOD song:  WHAT?!?  There is music playing when we workout?  Sorry, I’m to busy motivating and counting reps to myself. I really don’t pay attention to the music.
Favorite Motivational Quote: “I discipline my body like an athlete training it to do what it should…” 1 Cor 9:27 

“Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every workd that comes from the mouth of God.”  Matthew 4:4

How long have you been doing CrossFit?  
“Since September, 2016.”

How did you first discover CrossFit and what made you decide to started?   
“My church had a series on Rick Warren’s Daniel Plan-stepping out side of your comfort zone and being healthly inside and out.  I have always wanted to check out CrossFit but never had the guts to.  So, when I signed up for the New You Challenge and found out it was CrossFit, I was pretty excited.”

Tell us about your sports/fitness background:
“I played volleyball and soccer during high school.  In between each kid, I did the occasional Jillian Michael workout videos (of course after chowing down a cake and feeling FAT).  Afterwards, I joined a gym for three months and took some classes (weights, step and cycling)  I felt like I was attending my mom’s workout classes.”

What sorts of positive changes (mental, physical, emotional) have you noticed in your life since getting involved at No Excuses? 
“Since joining No Excuses, I feel more confident about my body.  I have more energy and less stress.   As a mother of 5, it was hard to focus on my health and well-being.  I am a happier person. I am doing something totally new and foreign to me.  I love being introduced to new workouts and challenging myself.”

What keeps you coming back and motivated?
“My Faith.  I say a little prayer each day before I walk in.  I believe could do it.  I tell myself that I can do it.  I ask for God to give me the ablility and strength to do it.  I truly believe he answers my prayers.  

I keep coming back because it’s an environment that friendly, welcoming and accepting.  The coaches are always accommodating even when I don’t have the core strength to do some movements. When I come to the No Excuses, it literally is my “me” time.” 

In what other ways do you use your fitness?
“As a Personal Assisantant at Lifeitme Dental, I am forever shopping at Costco for supplies. I feel pretty awesome not having to ask for help lifting a 20lb box of copy paper or a case of bottled water.”

Who or what motivates/inspires you?
“My husband.  He encourages and motivates me to be the best I can be physically, spiritually, and mentally.”

Please share with us a favorite CrossFit or No Excuses moment.
“It’s not my favorite but one that is the most memorable…doing a team WOD and tumbling off the box during a box jump over.  I learned how to pick myself up along with my pride to finish the WOD.”  

Name one goal you would like to achieve in Crossfit:
“Lifting my own body weight (pushup, pull up, or complete a dip negative)  So…do I train to lift heavier or do I try to lose weight to an ideal weight I lift?  Which comes first?  Please do tell.”

Tell us about your hobbies and interests outside of the gym: 
“I love lake life.  We live in Buford three days of the week and the rest on Lake Lanier at our houseboat.  My kids and I take part in a variety of activites such as biking, rowing, tubing, and swimming.  I am part of Frontline Church in Auburn.  We minister and reach out the to the Hmong population in Georgia.  I teach prek-5 during Sunday School, mentor a group of young ladies through out the week and lead small groups.”

What advice do you have for someone just starting CrossFit or is on the fence about starting? 
“You are never going to grow if you don’t step out of your comfort zone.  Just keep coming even if you don’t know anyone.  Think about why you’re doing it and stick with it.  People will come and go in your life but what you do and what you accomplish here, no one can take that away.  Be confident.  Be strong.”

What do you love most about No Excuses?
“When I come with my fan base (kids), I know they are safe.  Jill does a awesome job with my twins.  I love that someone else plans my workout.  I love being corrected and having instructions.  I know that each day when I come I am not facing a WOD alone.  I love it when the timer beeps…and everyone is focused on the same thing…finishing.”

Coach Brandon’s Take: 
“Rachel got started at No Excuses CrossFit with our New You Challenge and stuck with it after the challenge finished. I knew she was hooked on CrossFit when she started posting on Facebook about the WODs and her successes. She always comes to the gym with a great attitude to work hard, which has helped her improve greatly. As she approaches her one-year anniversary at the gym, I’m excited to see what Year 2 holds for her.”