Preferred Name: Brennan

Age: 27

Where did you grow up?
Apple Valley and Lakeville

When did you become a member of Mi5 Fitness?
I took a few classes in the summer, then became a full fledged member in the fall.

What do you do when you are not at Mi5?
I'm an Autism Spectrum Disorders teacher at a special education school in Apple Valley.  When I'm not working, I like spending time in the boundary waters, cooking new foods, checking out new breweries, snowboarding, trying new things. I'm enjoying being able to be active and feel good about it, so anything along those lines.

How did you find out about Mi5?
From my dad, Kegger!

When/How did you realize CrossFit/Mi5 was the right fit for you?
After realizing how welcoming and nonjudgemental everyone is. The environment and community is inviting and a comfortable place to put yourself out there and work hard, regardless of your skill level.

What is your favorite WOD/movement?
Probably the bear complex.

What is your least favorite WOD/movement?
Really anything bodyweight. Burpees.  Actually jump rope is incredibly aggravating at times.

What would your perfect WOD look like?
Probably something like 21-15-9 Squat cleans and pull-ups. Or Heavy Grace. That one looks pretty perfect.

What is one thing you have been able to accomplish since starting at Mi5 that you never thought you'd be able to do?
Hand stand pushups!

What motivates you to stay fit?
After my college athletic career was over, my lifestyle got away from me and the bad choices started adding up.  Eventually I got tired of feeling like I was falling behind my friends and family.  Have you seen my dad? Try keeping up with that! I want to be able to continue snowboarding with my brothers, portaging canoes in the boundary waters, and maybe even compete in something.  My lifestyle before that wouldn't have been conducive to that, so here I am!

What is something about you that Mi5 members do not yet know?
I'm a retired acro-yogi, a form of yoga that involves a partner and acrobatics. Look it up!

What advice would you give to someone just getting started at Mi5?
Trust the process! Change happens over time, keep putting in the time and the changes will come.  Also, don't be scared to just get out there and try things.  Chances are you'll surprise yourself with what you can do!

Preferred Name: Michelle

Age: 46( but don't feel it😊)

Where did you grow up? Woodbury

When did you become a member of Mi5 Fitness?
I became a member at Mi5 about 4 years ago. 

What do you do when you are not at Mi5?
I am a taxi driver to my kiddos- driving to various activities and sports events. 😊.  We also love to play soccer and basketball as a family -boys against the girls ( of course).  Also, I love to take my dog on long walks and go on short runs.   I have worked part-time as a dental hygienist for 13 years (so yes I floss my teeth!)

How did you find out about Mi5? 
My girlfriend stalked Mi5 for a month and convinced me for another month that we should give it a try. 

When/How did you realize CrossFit/Mi5 was the right fit for you? 
It didn't take long to realize that it was an awesome community to be a part of, especially when I didn't laughed out of the gym for my total lack of coordination! I had never done anything like this before, only running some and doing a little yoga. Everyone was so supportive and kind.

What is your favorite WOD/movement?
I love when we do tabata style and lots of circuits!  

What is your least favorite WOD/movement?
Probably back squats since I still struggle with form.

What would your perfect WOD look like? 
Maybe a little yoga, core and cardio!

What is one thing you have been able to accomplish since starting at Mi5 that you never thought you'd be able to do? 
A pull-up!! I can do 3, but I really want to conquer a kipping pull-up.

What motivates you to stay fit? 
My family!  I want them to see how much I enjoy staying fit and I want them to be proud of me. 

Also, I can't forget about Michelle B-  She has been so motivating about getting in shape and keeping me accountable!  

What is something about you that Mi5 members do not yet know? 
Big groups intimidate me!

What advice would you give to someone just getting started at Mi5? 
​Stick with it and it really will get easier😊- nobody's judging because we all have struggled at one time or another.

Preferred Name: Michelle Boushee 

Age: 45 (46 on January 2nd so expect burpees after New Years!) 

Where did you grow up?
A farm near the VERY SMALL town of Zell, SD.  I'm sure everyone has heard of it!   

When did you become a member of Mi5 Fitness? 
October of 2016.  Sorest month of my entire existence. 

What do you do when you are not at Mi5?
Jogging, watching my son swim, Reading, Playing with 2 Crazy Dogs and a Cat, Traveling, Enjoying the Occasional Cocktail

How did you find out about Mi5? 
Michelle Kalbler has been telling me about it for YEARS.  I finally decided to listen to her and see what was behind the sign I kept seeing from Interstate 35.

When/How did you realize CrossFit/Mi5 was the right fit for you? 
In June, after 9 months of talking myself into going each time, I realized I actually wanted to go.  I felt better, I LOVED the people and my trainers, I could see muscle tone changing...and it was a huge moment for me!

What is your favorite WOD/movement? 
I love the box jumps.  And yes, I fall off them.  And any kind of crunch the trainers can throw at me.  

What is your least favorite WOD/movement? 
That damn bike.

What would your perfect WOD look like? 
Heavy cardio, some dumbbell work and end with yoga/adjustment.

What is one thing you have been able to accomplish since starting at Mi5 that you never thought you'd be able to do? 
Michelle and I competed in the MI5 games.  It wasn't even on my radar.  I didn't think it would ever be possible.

What motivates you to stay fit? 
My son is a swimmer.  Watching him dedicate himself was huge motivation for me!  

Michelle Kalbler and I push each other to get there every week, to try new things to see what we old ladies can do. I want to be her!!!!  

Athena (who needs to say anymore?).

What is something about you that Mi5 members do not yet know? 
I can be serious.  And I once worked for Sesame Street.

What advice would you give to someone just getting started at Mi5? 
Find a friend to motivate you each day. Don't let those first workouts scare you.  Give it time and you will see changes and feel incredible about yourself!  Try all the classes to find what fits.  You will LOVE these trainers and this community of people!