Jessie Mommsen Preferred Name:
Jessie....but have answered to many names. Age: 38 Where did you grow up? Right here in Lakeville. When did you become a member of Mi5 Fitness? January 2019 What do you do when you are not at Mi5? Owner of Threads & Inks, which is a custom printing and embroidery business, not a tattoo shop as some people may think. Outside of work, I spend lots of time on the fields/ice/courts with my kids at their different sports. During the winter I play broomball. I like to work in the yard planting things, however I can't keep a houseplant alive to save my life! How did you find out about Mi5? From the Hamiltons and the Zikas. When/How did you realize CrossFit/Mi5 was the right fit for you? My intro to Mi5 was a little weird, I started and like 2 days later was told 'Surprise, we're moving!' Then spent a month going back to middle school (thanks Dave). Once we were into 2.0 and had the chance to use some (new to me) equipment, I realized how much that type of equipment challenged me. I have also been challenged by a couple people after class, they always push to do just a little more and always offering guidance and tips & tricks. What is your favorite WOD/movement? Power cleans or snatches What is your least favorite WOD/movement? Burpees over anything and rope climbs. What would your perfect WOD look like? Double unders, cleans/snatches, throw a few situps in there and maybe a heavy farmers carry. What is one thing you have been able to accomplish since starting at Mi5 that you never thought you'd be able to do? I never thought I would be in a competition, I appreciate that Katy asked me to be her partner, learned a ton about movements, working as a team and had lots of fun. Hopefully will be able to do another one again. The goal of a muscle up is still in the back of my mind. What motivates you to stay fit? My kids. But coming to the gym is MY time, this is my stress relief. I have a better day when I am here, being here gives me energy to work hard all day. I also love the crew I get to see everyday, you all motivate me to do my best. I know some people look at each WOD as a competition (either with others or just within yourself) I see everyone here as a teammate, we are all here to accomplish the same thing. Everyone is a better athlete, friend and person when you have a group that has some of the same goals as you. What is something about you that Mi5 members do not yet know? The very first CrossFit class I went to, I basically cried through the whole thing, not because of the actual workout, but because of the hype of CrossFit. I was so scared walking through the door, my nerves got the best of me. What advice would you give to someone just getting started at Mi5? When you see the weights that some people can move, how fast they can row, or how high they can jump, remember they once wore your shoes and was the new person in class. Everyone here is super encouraging and I feel so grateful to call these people my friends.
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Andy Hamilton Preferred Name: Andy
Age: 38 Where did you grow up? Forest Lake MN When did you become a member of Mi5 Fitness? Nov/Dec 2018 What do you do when you are not at Mi5? Father of four awesome busy kids Coaching their sports/activities Healthcare OR Sales Family activities Golf Volleyball Fitness How did you find out about Mi5? A good friend and fellow Mi5’er: Matt “WOD-Boss” Dokken When/How did you realize CrossFit/Mi5 was the right fit for you? After only a few “test” visits late last year, I recognized how structured Mi5 was. The programming consistency, class schedule and variety, coaching, people: everything added up, very quickly, and I realized it was a perfect fit. I was concerned about having to “rebuild” and get acclimated to a new community but it took no time at all. In spite of how obnoxious I am, I was welcomed with open-arms! 😂 What is your favorite WOD/movement? Big surprise! Any upper body movement is fun (Shoulders to overhead, etc) Really have grown to enjoy pull-up work, muscle-ups (finally), burpee Pull-ups. Rowing for time Rope climbs What is your least favorite WOD/movement? By far, Overhead Snatch... What would your perfect WOD look like? It would be an RS (remove shirt) WOD Arm curls and bench press to warm-up Mandatory pre-work out shakes A combination, for time, of: - Some rowing for Cals - Burpee Pull-ups - Box Jump Overs - Shoulder to Overhead - A whole bunch of NOT doing overhead snatch What is one thing you have been able to accomplish since starting at Mi5 that you never thought you'd be able to do? After a year at a different Lakeville club, I’ve had countless PR’s since joining Mi5. I’ve reached a new level of fitness and met an incredible group of great friends. Trying to keep up with Jon Ryan and Beating Utzpen that one time was fun too... What motivates you to stay fit? Fitness is something I’ve come to depend on to help manage the everyday stresses of life. I really appreciate how it makes me feel. I love the friendly competition and the motivation/drive that creates. What is something about you that Mi5 members do not yet know? In some circles, I’m something of a “legend” on the lanes. My Dad owned a bowling alley growing up and for many years, that was how I spent my winters. I’m one game short of matching the 9 sanctioned perfect “300” games my Dad has under his belt. I’ll let him have it.... What advice would you give to someone just getting started at Mi5? Don’t be intimidated by the sport itself: there’s something here for every level of athlete. There’s also a lot of flexibility in the sport and at Mi5, to grow/adapt with you. I'm so inspired by all of our new members and how quickly they, from every fitness walk of life, are able to jump right in and benefit from what Mi5 and CrossFit has to offer. Patience and commitment, especially in the first weeks is critical but the rewards are huge. As far as expectations, I’ve explained this to many people that have since joined Mi5 - it’s a like a miracle drug that you can’t get enough of. From the community to the translatable benefits the work-outs provide; picking up a child over my head, recreational sports/activities, everyday movements, all become easier. The coaches genuinely care, are happy to see you/welcome you, and it’s a place to go that will make you feel better overall (mentally and physically). I love the people, the banter, and the $hit we all give each other. It’s definitely a bright spot in my day! Mariah Cooke Preferred Name: Mariah
Age: 27 Where did you grow up? Blue Earth, MN When did you become a member of Mi5 Fitness? September of 2017 What do you do when you are not at Mi5? When I'm not at the gym I like to spend time with friends and family and travel pretty regularly. I also have a wonderful job as the supervisor at Fly My Group! How did you find out about Mi5? From the one and only Ashley Jacobson! I trained with her one on one to start out. When/How did you realize CrossFit/Mi5 was the right fit for you? I had always been a competitive athlete when I was younger and in high school, and when that was over I didn’t really have anything else to turn to. Years later I found crossfit and loved it because it’s a constant competition with yourself, and there’s no end to improving. I knew Mi5 specifically was the right fit for me after getting to know the coaches and members. My hour at this gym is always my favorite part of the day because you can leave your worries at the door and get lost in some fitness and fun with the best people. What is your favorite WOD/movement? Cleans! All cleans. What is your least favorite WOD/movement? Wall balls and deadlifts. What would your perfect WOD look like? Cleans and burpees! I also really enjoy long chipper WODs. What is one thing you have been able to accomplish since starting at Mi5 that you never thought you'd be able to do? Pull ups. I couldn't come close to doing one before and now I can do at least six strict! What motivates you to stay fit? I'm motivated by thinking back to where I've been, where I am now, and where I want to be. I also feel the difference mentally and emotionally when I’m not active and that’s enough for me to choose to stay fit! What is something about you that Mi5 members do not yet know? Since starting my fitness journey three years ago I’ve lost almost 40lbs. What advice would you give to someone just getting started at Mi5? Commit to showing up. One thing that has helped me is learning to not rely on motivation because sometimes it's just not there, especially during an extra stressful week or dealing with whatever may come up. Pack that gym bag and make it a habit to show up as many days a week as you've committed to. Also, don't compare yourself and where you’re at to others. Be proud of walking through the door, as sometimes that’s the hardest part. Lastly, feel confident in knowing you’ve picked the best gym out there! Penny Kaiser Preferred Name: Penny
Age: 40 Where did you grow up? Waseca, MN When did you become a member of Mi5 Fitness? April 2018 What do you do when you are not at Mi5? When I am not at the gym, I like to attend concerts, travel, hike, run, spend time with my significant other, family and friends, try new restaurants or breweries and read. I also really love my job as a Social Worker. How did you find out about Mi5? I had some friends from my old gym who used to attend Mi5 and I was looking for a change, so I did a trial in January and I loved it!! When/How did you realize CrossFit/Mi5 was the right fit for you? I might get sappy here for a minute?! Hands down, when you walk in, you see and feel the community vibe here. I was welcomed the moment I walked through the door – and that hasn’t stopped. And the coaches, all they want for you is to become a better version of yourself. The one moment where I knew I was a member for life was at GameDay Eau Claire when I saw the HUGE amount of support from the members who weren’t competing – what a commitment! I feel so blessed to be able to be a part of a community where we all want to see ourselves and others continue to be better versions of ourselves! What is your favorite WOD/movement? Anything involving squatting! Either Back Squat or Squat Clean What is your least favorite WOD/movement? There’s a few…but hands down the Assault Bike!! What would your perfect WOD look like? It has to be long – and something with running, deadlifts and cleans in it. What is one thing you have been able to accomplish since starting at Mi5 that you never thought you'd be able to do? Strict HSPU – I still need to scale it, but I’m making progress. What motivates you to stay fit? The ability to prove to myself how strong I am and how far I can push myself, the stress relief it produces – and I only have one body, so I have to treat it right. What is something about you that Mi5 members do not yet know? Back in 2001, I had a pretty significant weight loss of 50 pounds. Since then, fitness has become a high priority for me. What advice would you give to someone just getting started at Mi5? Have fun, give it your all and you won’t be disappointed! Angie Baumgart Preferred Name
Angie Age •39 Where did you grow up? •Burnsville, MN When did you become a member of Mi5 Fitness? •October, 2012 What do you do when you are not at Mi5? • My favorite hobby is raising my 16 year-old daughter, Emilie to be strong & walk in good faith! • Spending time with my fiancé, Nate...bless his heart for putting up with me! ;) • Faith...I have to work on that daily. • Work... certified 3:30am(ish) early riser. I am a Sr. Human Capital Management Strategist at ADP; been with them for 8 years. I am a work-a-holic; albeit, I do love my job and helping my clients thrive is something I’m very passionate about. How did you find out about Mi5? • Drove by on the freeway, saw the sign, and thought... “Holy crap, I have been needing something new and exciting in my life and this place is it!” Never looked back. When/How did you realize CrossFit/Mi5 was the right fit for you? • Honestly, right away. I’m the type of person who is extremely self-motivated, but humbly admit that I require the direction. I need to be pushed when it comes to wellness & fitness. In addition, I have been blessed with the most amazing “family” and friends on earth within the walls of Mi5. I couldn’t imagine my life without this community... I’m a better human because of this gym. Period. What is your favorite WOD/movement? • Deadlifts & DB Snatches What is your least favorite WOD/movement? •Bench-press :/ What would your perfect WOD look like? •In a perfect “WOD World” for me, it would be *21-15-9 of: •Deadlifts •Bar-facing or lateral burpees •DB Snatches What is one thing you have been able to accomplish since starting at Mi5 that you never thought you'd be able to do? •Pull-ups; even though I sh*t the bed at GameDay Eau Claire doing those... LOL and being able to officially Deadlift 230# (3 RM) What motivates you to stay fit? •It always starts and ends with yourself. Continuing to learn to love the skin that you’re in & challenging yourself are the keys to developmental growth. Our world can be so brutal and critical... so self-care is something that is so detrimental (both physically & mentally). If you take care of yourself, you become a better person, friend, spouse, & parent, overall. #selfcare #number1 What is something about you that Mi5 members do not yet know? •Some people do know this, but my daughter and I lost our home (and literally everything in it) to a fire in 2010. We had to start from square one with absolutely nothing. It’s when you truly have nothing, that you realize that you actually have everything... my heart grew 1,000 sizes that year, and I learned that so many people are so incredibly “good” in this universe. What advice would you give to someone just getting started at Mi5? •Be bold & brave. They always say the first step is the most difficult, but you have to take it in order to experience it. Know that you have a community of humans in this gym, who also “just started” themselves at one point. We may not all be the strongest in the same movements, but we all have kindness & bravery in common, which is all you need. Just put one foot in the door...and never look back. Scott Lombard Preferred Name : Scott
Age : 48 Where did you grow up? Colorado When did you become a member of Mi5 Fitness? November of 2014 What do you do when you are not at Mi5? I am a Subject Matter Expert in the legal field specializing in Computer Forensics and eDiscovery. In my free time I enjoy golf, running, hunting, traveling, and shooting trap. How did you find out about Mi5? Bernie O'Brien When/How did you realize CrossFit/Mi5 was the right fit for you? My first day when Angie called me ****stick. I knew these were my people. What is your favorite WOD/movement? I look forward to "The Murph" each year. While it is certainly a challenge, I love everyone coming together doing the same WOD to honor Lt. Michael Murphy. What is your least favorite WOD/movement? Thrusters What would your perfect WOD look like? Anything that does not include the aforementioned movement of thrusters What is one thing you have been able to accomplish since starting at Mi5 that you never thought you'd be able to do? I have gained strength in my core allowing me to hit the golf ball much further. I never thought would be able to hit the yardages that I can now, and I attribute that to Mi5. What motivates you to stay fit? I enjoy it and I like the way I feel What is something about you that Mi5 members do not yet know? I have a hidden talent, I think of it as more of a "gift". I can eat weight in Sashimi. Just sayin' What advice would you give to someone just getting started at Mi5? The same advice that I received when I started. Go to BootCamp classes and learn the movements (also meeting tons of people) at lighter weights. All of 0ur Members! Thank you for your support during our move to Mi5 2.0Rick Gonzales Preferred Name: Rick Age: 67 next month Where did you grow up? Laurel, Maryland. Graduated from the Univ of Maryland (Fear The Turtle!) When did you become a member of Mi5 Fitness? September 2013. What do you do when you are not at Mi5? I'm retired. The few hours I'm not at MI5 doing Boot Camp, Boxing, and Yoga are spend investing in stocks and options, big mountain downhill skiing out West, and cooking. How did you find out about Mi5? A former trainer, Matt Strand. When/How did you realize CrossFit/Mi5 was the right fit for you? Instantly, never a doubt after the first workout. Exhausted, sore, and couldn't wait to go back. What is your favorite WOD/movement? Murph: 1600 meter row, 100 pull ups, 200 push ups, 300 air squats, 1600 meter row. What is your least favorite WOD/movement? Burpees, (of course!) What would your perfect WOD look like? 20 minute AMRAP of "Spicy" Cindy: 5 pull ups, 10 push ups, 15 air squats, 20 sit ups, 15 heavy KB deadlifts, 10 heavy kettle bell swings, 5 heavy bicep curls. What is one thing you have been able to accomplish since starting at Mi5 that you never thought you'd be able to do? Pick one: Handstands, 335 lb dead lift, 25 pull ups, 30" box jump. What motivates you to stay fit? Being able to live life on my terms with no constraints. What is something about you that Mi5 members do not yet know? I plan on entering the Minnesota Senior Olympics this summer and winning the 50 meter dash. What advice would you give to someone just getting started at Mi5? Have fun, trust the process, and attend consistently. These people will become your family Katie Lockrem
When/how did you realize CrossFit/Mi5 was the right fit for you?
I loved training with both Chris and Andrew so I never questioned whether Crossfit/Mi5 would be a good fit for me. I would have followed them to any gym whether it had the Crossfit name or not. I stay because Mi5 has the best trainers who show up every day to help others do better and be better. Their gym community not only supports, encourages, and motivates you through a challenging WOD, but also life outside of the gym as well. What is your favorite WOD/movement? Anything where I am constantly moving - so pretty much a boot camp WOD What is your least favorite WOD/movement? The Mi5 5k day What would your perfect WOD look like? I love a WOD that is at least 20 minutes, has at least 3 different movements and that is cardio based. What is one thing you have been able to accomplish since starting at Mi5 that you never thought you’d be able to do? Considering one of my high school coaches came into the weight room and said, “Ms. Lockrem, laying on the equipment does not count as lifting the equipment”. I think that every time I finish a WOD I have accomplished something that I never thought I would be able to do or I should say want to do. What is something about you that Mi5 members do not yet know? I painted the inside of that gym (the blue wall ball lines are mine), took down walls, scraped glue off the floor in 100 degree heat with no air, and when I was done Chris G. told me I was a horrible painter. What motivates you to stay fit? It's not so much about staying fit for me as it is about staying mentally healthy What advice would you give to someone just getting started at Mi5? I don’t think you have to give any advice to someone just starting because Mi5 speaks for itself. Once you walk through those doors, do your first workout, and meet the community you will be hooked….. it doesn’t matter how sore you feel …..you’ll be back. |
AuthorHeidi Marshall Archives
June 2019
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