Athlete Spotlight: Viviana Grisales

Name: Viviana Grisales
Age: 33
Occupation: Military – Medic by trade but currently a First Sergeant
Hometown: Medellin, Colombia
Which class time do you usually attend? 5pm or 6pm (I tried the 6am and miserably failed)
Favorite WOD: Cindy
Favorite CF Movement: Cleans
Least Favorite CF Movement: Wall Balls – These are the worst for shorties like me -_-
3RM Back Squat: 145lbs
1RM Deadlift: 210lbs
Favorite Food: Tacos!
Favorite Movie: Fifth Element and anything with Denzel Washington in it 🙂
Favorite Athlete: I don’t really have a favorite athlete but I love sports overall… Pro football, soccer, and baseball.
Dream Job: Own a Business … like a wine store… because wine is everything!
Dream Vacation Destination: Maldives
If you could have any super power… I already have a super power… being a Mom is all I need 🙂
Favorite Motivational Quote: “Surround yourself with the dreamers and the doers, the believers and thinkers, but most of all, surround yourself with those who see the greatness within you, even when you don’t see it yourself.”
-Edmund Lee

How long have you been doing CrossFit?
“Since December 2016”

How did you first discover CrossFit and what made you decide to start? 
“I heard about it through friends and some close military friends who decided to venture off and own a box. I finally decided to do something different and signed up without knowing much about the workouts.”

Tell us about your fitness/sports background: 
“Mostly cardio and weights here and there, and my annual fitness test. I don’t really have an athletic background.”

What sorts of positive changes (mental, physical, emotional) have you noticed in your life since getting involved at No Excuses? 
“Joining No Excuses CrossFit definitely changed my outlook in fitness and what my body is capable of. I have never been so sore in my life, but in my years in attempting workouts, I have noticed more results with CrossFit. I am stronger, stamina is better, and just overall physical changes that I’ve only achieved with CrossFit workouts.”

Who or what keeps you coming back and motivated? 
“I absolutely love the camaraderie and community environment No Excuses offers. Also, the results speak for themselves and this is exactly what keeps me motivated. There are no excuses not to come back and get your 60 min worth of crazy workouts specially if they are designed by Chris Fischer (I am still traumatized by the one with barbell squats, jumping lunges, and something else.. God that hurt) ;)”

In what other ways do you use your fitness? 
“Clear the mind from daily stressors…”

Please share with us a favorite CrossFit or No Excuses moment. 
“Completing my first Murph was pretty amazing…”

Name one goal you would like to achieve in the next year (doesn’t have to be CrossFit related, but it can be) 
“3 strict pull-ups.  (Crossing my fingers).”

Tell us about your hobbies and interests outside of the gym: 
“Traveling to different places is my favorite thing to do.”

What advice do you have for someone just starting CrossFit or is on the fence about starting? 
“Patience is key! I wanted to perfect all the movements right away but I learned that people who have been doing this for years aren’t perfect either…”

What do you love most about No Excuses? 
“The coaching staff and the people are all so helpful. The welcoming environment No Excuses offers is amazing. Everyone just wants you to succeed.”

Coach Laura’s Take: 
“I remember when Viviana started it was apparent that she was going to be a quick study in this “CrossFit thing.” Viviana is determined, quick to take coaching and is always looking to improve some aspect of her movement. Most of all she is fun to be around and brings her A game to every class! She’s only a year in—I’m looking forward to seeing where she goes from here!”