Athlete Spotlight: Ashley Williams

Name:Ashley Williams

Age:31

Occupation:Teacher

Hometown:Monroe

Which class time do you usually attend?:9:30

Favorite WOD:Cindy

Favorite CF Movement: Rope Climb

Least Favorite CF Movement: Squat Snatch

3RM Back Squat:135

1RM Deadlift:200

Favorite Food: Carbs

Favorite Movie: Gone with the Wind

Favorite Athlete:Addison Blu

Dream Job:Nike Athlete

Dream Vacation Destination:New Zealand

If you could have any super power…:Super Speed

Favorite Motivational Quote:“I don’t know half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.” The Hobbit

How long have you been doing CrossFit? (Since Month, Year)

7 Months

How did you first discover CrossFit and what made you decide to start?

“Addison started doing CrossFit over a year ago, and when I would come to his competitions the community was so wonderful that I decided to join so I could hang out with my new friends.”

Tell us about your fitness/sports background:

“My parents were both high level athletes so exercise has always been a large part of our lives. I started gymnastics when I was 3, played tennis, and did ballet. All of those lasted until my late teens. When I graduated high school I continued working out at local gyms and when I was 21 I started running. I picked up sponsors for my running when I was 24 and raced professionally for 4 years. When we moved to GA I continued running and working out at local gyms until I started doing CrossFit earlier this year.”

 

What sorts of positive changes (mental, physical, emotional) have you noticed in your life since getting involved at No Excuses?

“Since I have been staying home with my babies I haven’t made a lot of friends but that really changed when I started doing CrossFit. The community at our gym has really become like family to me. We hangout outside of the gym and our kids love to play. That is something any of fitness community I have been in has lacked.”

Who or what keeps you coming back and motivated?

“Addison Blu, and Christen Flowers Plus all the other amazing people I look forward to seeing at class.”

 

In what other ways do you use your fitness? 

“I purchase personal programming from Chris Fisher. I also run regularly and workout in our home gym.”

Please share with us a favorite CrossFit or No Excuses moment.

“I am bias towards body weight movements.”

 

Name one goal you would like to achieve in the next year (doesn’t have to be CrossFit related, but it can be)

“I’d love to take a family vacation instead of buying lots of gifts for Christmas.”

 

Tell us about your hobbies and interests outside of the gym:

“I love spending time outside and reading.”

What advice do you have for someone just starting CrossFit or is on the fence about starting?

“Give yourself time to learn. Any new thing takes time and practice to master and the most important thing is safety. The community will cheer you on, we all believe in you!”

What do you love most about No Excuses?

“The community!”

 

Coach Chris’s Take:“Ashley is ready and up for any challenge.  She wants to learn new things and then perfect them. Ashley is never satisfied with being okay… she wants to be great at everything. Also, her fun and cheerful personality make class more fun for the coach and the members.”