Athlete Spotlight: Angela Duke

Name: Angela Duke
Age: 45
Occupation: Nurse
Hometown: Rincon, Georgia
Which class time do you usually attend? 6 pm
Favorite WOD: I don’t have one
Favorite CF Movement: Alternating dumbbell snatches
Least Favorite CF Movement: There are so many….BURPEES, assault bike, running…I could go on and on
3RM Back Squat: 145#
1RM Deadlift: 210#
Favorite Food: Mexican
Dream Job: Family Nurse Practitioner
Dream Vacation Destination: Bora Bora
Favorite Motivational Quote: “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” -Confucius

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

How did you first discover CrossFit and what made you decide to start?
“My husband and oldest son had been attending for a little over a year, I had recently quit my full time job and finally had some free time, so I decided to give it a try for 6 months.”

Tell us about your fitness/sports background: 
“Other than recreational softball as a child, I have no sports or fitness background.  Exercise is not something that I have ever found a great deal of joy in, nor have I ever maintained a regular exercise routine until this past year.”

What sorts of positive changes (mental, physical, emotional) have you noticed in your life since getting involved at No Excuses? 
“I can actually visualize muscles I’ve never seen before! I used to have a lot of back pain working as a bedside nurse but that has improved significantly since starting CrossFit. I am stronger than I have ever been.”

Who or what keeps you coming back and motivated? 
“Definitely my family. We all attend No Excuses now and I am glad. It is something we can all do that keeps us healthy and moving. It is so easy to get caught up in not having enough time to exercise but making it a priority for all of us has helped.”

In what other ways do you use your fitness? 
“I have more energy now and generally feel better.”

Please share with us a favorite CrossFit or No Excuses moment. 
“Watching my oldest son in his first CrossFit competition.  I believe he was 12 and although he couldn’t do double unders at the time, he struggled through them and never gave up. Proud mama moment!”

Name one goal you would like to achieve in the next year (doesn’t have to be CrossFit related, but it can be) 
“Graduate with my Master’s in Nursing….one more semester to go!”

Tell us about your hobbies and interests outside of the gym: 
“I enjoy boating and the going to the beach.  I have been in school for 3 years and working so I have not had much free time, but when I do I enjoy spending it with family and friends.

What advice do you have for someone just starting CrossFit or is on the fence about starting? 
“I had never lifted a weight before coming to No Excuses and had no idea what I was doing when I started, and sometimes still don’t. I would have given up in the first class if I hadn’t been shown how to do the movements in the Foundations classes one-on-one. So attend all of the foundations classes.”

“Also, give it 6 months at least.  There will days you cannot sit without holding onto something and days you can’t lift your arms but it does get easier, just keep showing up, you will see results.  It’s a marathon not a sprint.”

What do you love most about No Excuses? 
“I love that it’s scaled for all and I am encouraged to do the best I can do within my limitations.”

Coach Laura’s Take: 
“I was excited when Angela joined because I had been coaching her oldest son in the teens class, and of course her husband Abram was already pretty established here, so it was nice to have even more of the family involved! Angela started out as a novice regarding anything “training” so it’s been really cool to watch her grow into a more confident athlete. She started unsure of her own strength and ability to do the movements and now she comes to class with more confidence around all the capabilities she has. It is a neat transition to see someone move from zero experience to where they are now! I know she will continue to see improvements, especially because she is so consistent with coming to class.”