Athlete Spotlight: Makena Lundin

Name: Makena Lundin
Age: 18
Occupation: High School Graduate! Soon to be college student
Hometown: Suwanee, GA
Which class time do you usually attend? 6:00
Favorite WOD: anything heavy or with double unders
Favorite CF Movement: Heavy Squat Cleans
Least Favorite CF Movement: Anything cardio
3RM Back Squat: 215
1RM Deadlift: 245
Favorite Food: Burgers
Favorite Movie: Divergent Series
Favorite Athlete: Brooke Wells
Dream Job: Work with kids with Special Needs
Dream Vacation Destination: Hawaii
If you could have any super power… To fly!
Favorite Motivational Quote: “Spread love everywhere you go, let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” -Mother Teresa

How long have you been doing CrossFit?
“Since August/September of 2014 (freshman year).”

How did you first discover CrossFit and what made you decide to start? 
“I started CrossFit to get stronger for softball. Never really could get into a “normal” gym and completely fell in love with CrossFit my first WOD.”

Tell us about your fitness/sports background: 
“I played almost every sport when I was younger: tennis, ice hockey, cheerleading, soccer, karate, swimming, basketball, and softball. I played softball very competitively until going into my sophomore year of high school. A week after coming back from a University of Arizona softball camp, I completely tore my UCL in my elbow and had to have Tommy John surgery.”

What sorts of positive changes (mental, physical, emotional) have you noticed in your life since getting involved at No Excuses? 
“I have been able to build so much confidence in myself. When I started CrossFit, I always compared myself and would get down on myself about the littlest things: not going fast enough, not being strong enough. I have realized that its not about everybody else in the room, it is about me getting better one day at a time. If I was better and stronger than I was a month ago, then I am winning. It still creeps up on me today, but I have grown not only in my strength, but also my confidence and being able to love myself.”

Who or what keeps you coming back and motivated? 
“The community of No Excuses always welcoming me keeps me motivated. Also even though the WOD’s suck, all the time, it is a weird good kind of suck. Its a, “wow I just did that” and at the same time, “wow my muscles hate me” kind of suck. And I always leave in a better mood than I came in that day.”

In what other ways do you use your fitness? 
“Gosh, EVERYTHING. I feel like on a daily basis I am saying, “I can do this because of CrossFit.”

Please share with us a favorite CrossFit or No Excuses moment. 
“My favorite moments to be a part of and watch, are when everybody gets behind the last person, not because we want them to hurry up so we can leave, but because we are FOR them. Everybody gets behind everybody no matter if you have never talked to them or if you are their best friend.”

Name one goal you would like to achieve in the next year (doesn’t have to be CrossFit related, but it can be) 
“Get a muscle up! And really just get stronger.”

Tell us about your hobbies and interests outside of the gym: 
“I love volunteering. I interned at my church this whole last year in our elementary program. I helped form and work with Gwinnett Church’s middle school special needs program; also work with Happy Feat! I love adventures, all and any types of adventures.”

What advice do you have for someone just starting CrossFit or is on the fence about starting? 
“It is one of the best decisions you can ever make. It seems like every class you find something you did not know you could do before and that gets your confidence up. And even if you’re having a bad day and do not want to come, you will always leave in a 100% better mood because of what you can do and what our No Excuses family can do for you.”

What do you love most about No Excuses? 
“I absolutely love the community of our gym. I always walk in knowing that I will have a friend and somebody to laugh and smile with.”

Coach Laura’s Take: 
“I remember when Makena and her sister first came in to try out our Teens class. It’s hard to believe we have had Makena and her family around for 4 years! To see Makena grow and develop not only as an athlete, but as a young woman has been an absolute joy. She is a fierce competitor and extremely hard-working. She has developed into a more mature athlete, gaining strength and skill. I am most proud of how she brings energy, enthusiasm and love for others to all of her endeavors. Makena always brightens any room she is in with her genuine spirit and smile! We will miss her when she goes off to college!”