Jeff Vanis Preferred Name: Jeff
Age: 36 Where did you grow up? Central City, IA (Blink and you will miss it) When did you become a member of Mi5 Fitness? July 2019 What do you do when you are not at Mi5? Dad of twin 8 year old boys who are always moving Data and Business Intelligence Consultant Cooking Golf Reading/Teaching myself about new things How did you find out about Mi5? Your resident shirtless crossfit athlete, Andy Hamilton. When/How did you realize CrossFit/Mi5 was the right fit for you? Having grown up wrestling in high school and spent a number of years doing marathons and triathlons, I love the individual aspect of pushing yourself and being fully accountable for your own success/failure. That being said, I also quickly fell in love with the community/team aspect and how supportive everyone is at Mi5. I have seen my overall fitness increase in ways I would never have imagined. What is your favorite WOD/movement? I enjoy my endurance/cardio workouts with some mixed in DB weights mixed in. T2B and Pull ups are climbing on the list Rope Climbs I am starting to embrace burpees (but that last one with 90... ouch) What is your least favorite WOD/movement? 6 months ago, I would have told you lifting anything overhead. Right now, it has to be a lot of the skill based movements that I cant seem to learn (DU, MU, Pistols, HSPU/Walks) What would your perfect WOD look like? A lot of thinking and I couldn't come up with my favorite, so I will go with a beach workout where we get to open water swim. I also really enjoy a good partner workout that involves some fast paced running intervals. What is one thing you have been able to accomplish since starting at Mi5 that you never thought you'd be able to do? Learning to string together kipping pull-ups and toes to bar has been great to see progression along the way. Having never tried rope climbs, I was ecstatic when I got my first and now look forward to when they are programmed. What motivates you to stay fit? Working out is my go to for managing stress! I am an early morning person, so I feel like it gets my day started on the right foot and sets the tone for the rest of the day. I love that others in class hold me accountable for showing up, Gorman and Wiski for pushing me on the strength workouts, Jaime for bringing me the extra weights when I debate what version of the WOD to do. I came for the workouts, but stay for the Mi5 community! What is something about you that Mi5 members do not yet know? I love cooking as well as going out to eat. I love trying new places/dishes and using them to inspire my own cooking. One of things I get the most joy out of it recreating dishes I have had but in a healthier way. I can spend countless hours in the kitchen (like on Thanksgiving day) and never feel stressed about preparing a meal for a large number of people. I currently have 3 knife blocks, 2 of which that only I use and will sharpen by hand and may be a bit protective over, and 1 for anyone else to use, but none are ever allowed in the dishwasher!!! What advice would you give to someone just getting started at Mi5? I wouldn't suggest your first workout be Murph, even if someone tells you that you will be ok. I got through it, but learned my lesson the hard way and spent a number of days getting pumped full of fluids. Go through on-boarding, take the time to listen, ask questions, learn the movements, and build into the heavier weights. Form will get you way better gains while keeping you healthy than throwing on more weight too fast. The coaches are so knowledgeable and are always willing to help give you pointers to improve.
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Mollie Barnes Preferred Name: Mollie
Age: 39 Where did you grow up? Hopkins When did you become a member of Mi5 Fitness? My first class was MiMove on 9/6/2017. I became an unlimited member after using up one punch card, I was hooked. I started with boot camps and tried CrossFit February 2018. What do you do when you are not at Mi5? (occupation, hobbies, etc.) Air Traffic Controller at MSP Tower, soon to be at Honolulu Tower, April 2020. My favorite thing to do is travel to the ocean. I am also a big lover of all things DIsney! How did you find out about Mi5? Google search "Crossfit Burnsville" When/How did you realize CrossFit/Mi5 was the right fit for you? My first class, walked in the door and Lisa Schwanke welcomed me immediately. What is your favorite WOD/movement? Team WOD's. You go, I go type. What is your least favorite WOD/movement? Squat What would your perfect WOD look like? Warm-up, some kind of game! Running, rope climbs, any overhead press, and sit-ups! What is one thing you have been able to accomplish since starting at Mi5 that you never thought you'd be able to do? Rope climbs, handstands, and pull-ups. What motivates you to stay fit? I feel good. I joke that my body age is 18 and I feel like I can do anything. What is something about you that Mi5 members do not yet know? I was on the Price is Right and I kissed Bob Barker! What advice would you give to someone just getting started at Mi5? Show up. Make a plan for the classes you will attend each week and stick to it. And most of all, go all in: talk to people, become part of the Mi5 family. Nathan Van Eps Preferred Name: Nathan Van Eps (Nate is fine too)
Age: 44 Where did you grow up? I grew up in rural Minnesota, near La Salle. I went to school in St. James. When did you become a member of Mi5 Fitness? 03/26/2018 What do you do when you are not at Mi5? I am a Software Developer for Optum. I like to read, watch movies and shows, and play video games. I like to do some landscaping around the house, for a little bit anyway. I like to collect some interesting stones. How did you find out about Mi5? When my old gym (CrossFit South Metro/Reisen Fitness) was closing, DJ dropped in with some fliers. I heard good things from the members of my old gym. When/How did you realize CrossFit/Mi5 was the right fit for you? Having a desk job can be terrible for your fitness. I had been occasionally weightlifting (bodybuilding/powerlifting style). I started long distance running (slowly). I tried some triathlons. I came to the realization that a mix between these modes of fitness was best and much funner. I started with the 'Alpha' program in Lifetime for a couple months. I was told about CrossFit and recommended a gym. I started in November 2011. I did like the Alpha training, but I liked CrossFit better. What is your favorite WOD/movement? For a movement, I like the one rep max snatch. For a WOD, I like the first 2019 CrossFit Games workout the best. 4 Rounds for Time 400 meter Run 3 Legless Rope Climbs 7 Squat Snatches (130/185 lb) What is your least favorite WOD/movement? For a WOD, something mono-tonic, like a 2k row. For a movement, I am not good at HSPU. But I plan to get better at them. What would your perfect WOD look like? I like WODs with many different types of movements and implements. 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 had honestly kinda given up on (or not ever worked on) stringing together muscle-ups, but just recently was able to do this. What motivates you to stay fit? (*) being healthier (*) being able to move better (*) looking good What is something about you that Mi5 members do not yet know? When I was digging in my back yard, to level the ground for my shed, I found an amethyst and an ancient fossilized coral. What advice would you give to someone just getting started at Mi5? If you are new to CrossFit, start slow. The gym members can do something amazing things that take time to master. Advice for Mi5 in particular is just to talk to everyone. It is a good group of people. Katie Goulet Preferred Name - Katie, KT, KTG, I've heard a lot of variations
Age - 29 1/2 Where did you grow up? Burnsville aka "the dirty burn" When did you become a member of Mi5 Fitness? July 2018 after living in Pine County for 4 years where there was no CF within an hour radius... or Chipotle What do you do when you are not at Mi5? I am a school psychologist and behavior interventionist (I really just consider myself a social-emotional learning specialist). I love working with kids- they are hilarious. Never a dull moment. Literally... never. I do other cool things like Spikeball, all the yard games, working out/lifting heavy things, games--lots of games, reading, anything personal growth-related (I'm an enneagram 9 so it is what it is). How did you find out about Mi5? I moved back to Burnsville, researched all the CF gyms in the area and made a spreadsheet. Mi5 had a really amazing Groupon so... #goodmarketing Very thankful it turned out so well (but I don't believe in coincidence, so...) When/How did you realize CrossFit/Mi5 was the right fit for you? When I noticed a shift in my mindset and I was able to stay consistent and dedicated and actually excited to work out. New friends are cool, too. What is your favorite WOD/movement? Deadlifts, squats, burpees... What is your least favorite WOD/movement? Anything lunges and wall ball What would your perfect WOD look like? Hmm maybe a mixture of heavy deadlifts and box jumps, double unders, burpees (but not jump over row burpees) What is one thing you have been able to accomplish since starting at Mi5 that you never thought you'd be able to do? Biggest thing is a mindset shift on my health & wellness. I enjoy working out now because of how good my body and mind FEEL afterward- no longer to accomplish a weight goal or make my body look like an unachievable photoshopped picture (lol but seriously, diet culture). I am consistently amazed that my body and mind can push through and accomplish these workouts that literally seem impossible. What motivates you to stay fit? On the days that I lose motivation, it's the PEOPLE that get me to the gym. I have made so many amazing friends it makes me want to cry. Love you guys. What is something about you that Mi5 members do not yet know? Hmm...I'm left-handed, I'm an introvert, and I really hate Bon Jovi music please no more Bon Jovi What advice would you give to someone just getting started at Mi5? Stick with it and it will feel better. Learn how to do movements correctly and use the right weight for good form... it can be really easy to get caught in the ego but CrossFit is not about that, it's about progress. And I promise you if you keep showing up, you will feel progress in no time! Caroline & Jeff Luckraft
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. 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. |
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February 2020
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