Athlete Spotlight: Mackenzie Maynard

Name: MacKenzie Maynard
Age: 22
Occupation: Elementary School Teacher
Hometown: Suwanee
Which class time do you usually attend? 6
Favorite WOD: Anything that’s for time
Favorite CF Movement: Cleans
Least Favorite CF Movement: Power Snatch
3RM Back Squat:155
1RM Deadlift: 195
Favorite Food: Pizza
Favorite Movie: Moana
Favorite Athlete: Nick Chubb
Dream Job: Anything that I could do from home
Dream Vacation Destination: Australia/New Zealand
If you could have any super power… It’d be nice to be able to grade papers in the blink of an eye.
Favorite Motivational Quote: ”You have brains in your head.  You have feet in your shoes.  You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.” – Dr. Seuss

How long have you been doing CrossFit? 
“Since February, 2017.”

How did you first discover CrossFit and what made you decide to start? 
“My brother, Kyle Maynard, opened NECF almost 10 years ago.  Back in the day I completed a handful of workouts, but it wasn’t until post college that I committed to getting into shape.”

Tell us about your fitness/sports background: 
“Growing up with a brother and two sisters we were always surrounded by sports and activities.  In elementary and middle school I played softball, basketball, tennis, and cheerleading.  In high school I did competitive cheerleading and diving.”

What sorts of positive changes (mental, physical, emotional) have you noticed in your life since getting involved at No Excuses? 
“I’ve learned how to (somewhat) correctly lift.  My form isn’t perfect but I’ve come a long way from the beginning when I didn’t even know what a snatch was.”

Who or what keeps you coming back and motivated? 
“I enjoy the challenge of having a new workout everyday.  Also, I want to get to the point that I can RX every workout.”

In what other ways do you use your fitness? 
“I love being outdoors – riding bikes, swimming, exploring.  I also play with my niece and nephew…a lot of jumping on the trampoline.”

Please share with us a favorite CrossFit or No Excuses moment. 
“Years ago Kyle thought it was a good idea to bring me and my sister, Lindsay, to NECF to complete Murph.  Let’s just say it didn’t end well due to our lack of consistent exercise.”

Name one goal you would like to achieve in the next year (doesn’t have to be CrossFit related, but it can be) 
“Deadlift over 200 lbs.”

Tell us about your hobbies and interests outside of the gym: 
“I enjoy spending time with my friends and family.  You can always find me at Peachtree Ridge’s Varsity Lacrosse games cheering on Tyler Botts’ team.”

What advice do you have for someone just starting CrossFit or is on the fence about starting? 
“DO IT!!!  Everyone has to start somewhere and if you come you will see results.”

What do you love most about No Excuses? 
“I love how helpful the coaches are and how its a home away from home.”

Coach Laura’s Take:
“MacKenzie has taken to CrossFit really well over the last year! She dabbled in it some over the years, but taking the leap and be consistent in her training has paid off. She is moving more weight than ever, getting stronger and starting to work on more technical things like kipping pull ups. I have loved seeing her confidence grow and know she will continue to improve over the years.”