Athlete Spotlight: Linda Retter

 

Name: Linda Retter
Age: 60
Occupation: Retired GCPS Middle School Teacher-32yrs
Hometown: Dayton, Ohio
Which class time do you usually attend? 5pm/6am
Favorite WOD: Any WOD that doesn’t include a burpee
Favorite CF Movement: Thruster
Least Favorite CF Movement: Burpee
3RM Back Squat: 80 lbs.
1RM Deadlift: 190 lbs.
Favorite Food: Mexican
Favorite Movie: Invictus
Favorite Athlete: JJ Watt
Dream Job: Group Fitness Instructor (present job)
Dream Vacation Destination: Australia
If you could have any super power: Stop the hate…
Favorite Motivational Quote: Life is like a dogsled team. If you ain’t the lead dog, the scenery never changes.

How long have you been doing CrossFit?
“Started regular classes April 2017.”

How did you first discover CrossFit and what made you decide to start? 
“I kept hearing a lot about CrossFit from a friend who joined No Excuses. At the time I was teaching group fitness classes Monday-Friday, but I really wanted to change the routine and do something for myself. When I was able to drop to teaching a few classes a week, I started at No Excuses.”

Tell us about your fitness/sports background: 
“I have always had a passion for sports and being outdoors. I played softball, basketball, and volleyball in high school. During the time I was teaching, I coached varsity softball at Brookwood H.S. and 8th grade girls basketball for a number of years.”

What sorts of positive changes (mental, physical, emotional) have you noticed in your life since getting involved at No Excuses? 
“When I started working out at No Excuses my shoulders were a wreck. Both had become weak over time from wear and tear and as much as I hated to admit it, age. Any WOD that involved lifting a barbell overhead, I could only use a PVC pipe. One year later, being able to do 45 thrusters @ 35 lbs. for workout 18.5 was HUGE for me. I’m pretty happy with a 40 lb. OH squat as well!”

Who or what keeps you coming back and motivated?
“When it challenges you, it changes you. The challenge keeps me coming back.”

In what other ways do you use your fitness? 
“I teach Tuesday & Thursday night RPM classes (cycle/spin). Keeping up with the boundless energy of my 21 month old lab/hound mix dog, Lindsey.”

Please share with us a favorite CrossFit or No Excuses moment. 
“When Coach Chris told me to ring the bell after my dead lift of 190 lbs.”

Name one goal you would like to achieve in the next year.
“Continue to see improvements during my 2nd year of CrossFit.”

Tell us about your hobbies and interests outside of the gym: 
“Spend time on Lake Lanier, play golf, work in the yard/flower beds, watch Georgia football games; GO DAWGS!!”

What advice do you have for someone just starting CrossFit or is on the fence about starting? 
“There really is “no excuse” to not try CrossFit. Come to a class, look around the gym and you’ll notice members of all ages, physical abilities, athletic levels, etc. participating in a WOD.”

What do you love most about No Excuses? 
“The support and encouragement you receive from the Coaches and other members.”

Coach Laura’s Take:
“When Linda started in Foundations, she proceeded with caution. She was very limited by her shoulder, but with some modifications on our part, and lots of patience and playing it smart on her part, Linda has gotten so much stronger and isn’t as limited by her shoulders now. She is putting weight overhead and well, too! I only see Linda getting stronger and more confident in the years to come! Linda always comes to class ready to face the challenge and work hard. Linda is such a great addition to our gym!”