190401 - Meet the Athlete Monday - DR. & COACH LAURA

Birthday?

September 3, 1987. Virgo, baby!

Family?

One older sister and one younger sister. They are the best. I also have two rad nieces and a heap of cousins on the East coast. Oh, and my husband Rick and tiny pup Morty... you may have seen them puttering around the gym.

What do you do for a living?

I am a biologist at Colorado State University. In general I am interested in why animals do what they do, and I study how animals use personal experience, information from their parents, and their genes to produce behavior and personality. But most people at CCCF just know that I spend a lot of my time looking at fish, so I am a professional fish voyeur I do have a website if you're interested in my research, and I loooove talking about it if you have any questions! Http://laurastein.weebly.com

Hobbies?

When I am not in the fish room or coaching at CCCF, you can find me out hiking, snowshoeing, kayaking, backpacking, or anything else that gets me outdoors (likely turning over a log or two to find salamanders). I am also a huge TV and movie nerd, listen to podcasts nonstop, and am usually reading about three books at a time.

Favorite food?

Man I can eat a whole cauldron of guacamole by myself no problem.

Fun fact?

I don't know about a fun fact about me, BUT I can tell you a fun fact about almost any animal (and some plants, fungi, etc)!

How long have you been doing CF?

Since August 2015 when I joined CrossFit North Fort Collins, now CCCF!

Favorite CF Move?

Snatches and cleans! Overhead, front, and back squats! Rope climbs! Pull ups! I can't choose just one!

Least favorite CF Move?

Thrusters, jerks, push press, anything that points out my poor shoulder mobility (but I'm working on it!) Also the echo bike, on principle.

Why do you love CrossFit?

I have never been athletic. I did not do any sports as a kid or really engage in any physical activity through high school and college, and tried running in grad school but it didn't take. CrossFit makes me feel strong and capable. I can do things that i never thought I could, like pull-ups! When I first started I couldn't even jump and hold onto the bar. It's the first time in my life that I genuinely want to go work out. It also translates to the real world: my hiking has improved and I have more confidence at work and for trying new things (like when Rick drags me skiing). There is so much to do and learn and I never get bored. And the community is great! Speaking of...

What makes Choice City so special?

Everyone will tell you it is our community, and it is true. I was so nervous to join since I was overweight and very out of shape, but from day one everyone was encouraging and never made me feel like I didn't belong. We all celebrate each other at all levels. And the coaching is top notch. The coaches care about your personal progress, goals, and well-being and will guide you through movements safely, scale appropriately, push when necessary, teach mobilization, and work with you on skill progressions. It's so fun to see others reaching their goals! CCCF has given me lifelong friends and truly feels like a second home.

WARM UP #1 - 2 minutes of cardio
2 rounds of:
8 lunges
8 sampson stretch
8 Squats
8 Gorilla Squats
WOD #1 - (20 min. to achieve) Back Squat 1RM
10 EB, 5, 3, 2, 1, 1…

WARM UP #2 - 2 minutes of cardio
2 rounds of:
8 PVC Pass Thrus
8 Gandalf Stretch
8 push ups
WOD #2 - (20 min. to achieve) Strict Press 1RM
10 EB, 5, 3, 2, 1, 1…