July Athlete of the Month

Congratulations to Jen Best for being named the Athlete of the Month for July! Jen has been crushing it, she keeps getting better at strict gymnastics, has taken more steps to improve her diet on her own, and is as consistent as they come in the gym, even over our time when we were working out at home. We are lucky to have her in our gym!

1. Please tell us about yourself. I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. Cooper and I met in college and moved to Colorado in 2003. We have 2 children-Aaron (11) and Addison (4). I live and work as a teacher in New Castle.

2. When did you become a member at Defiance West? April 2017

3. What made you join Defiance West and why do you do it now? Friends and co-workers were members and talked very highly of the gym and workouts. I also worked with Cory and Cierra at school and admired their commitment to fitness and overall wellness. After exercising on my own for years, I appreciate the instruction, intensity, and varied workouts of CrossFit.

4. What were your thoughts after your first workout? I was hooked from Day 1 and excited to take on a new challenge knowing that I had a long way to go.

5. What is your athletic background? As a kid I tried a little of a lot of things-Gymnastics, dance, tennis, and swimming. I was on the swim team and water polo team throughout high school. As an adult, I have done a lot of rock climbing, ice climbing, hiking, skiing, and biking.

6. What is your favorite movement or workout? Anything for short people, but specifically handstand push ups, pull ups, push press, overhead squats, and deadlifts.

7. What is your least favorite? Wall balls, biking, and rowing in that order.

8. What has been your favorite or proudest moment since joining? Being able to do strict pull ups, joining the 500 Club, and working hard to improve both strengths and weaknesses.

9. How has Defiance West changed your life, lifestyle, and level of fitness? I always say Defiance West has changed my life for the better. It has improved my nutrition, sleep, and overall fitness and wellness. I look forward to working out everyday with my husband and friends, and feel stronger both mentally and physically.

10. What are your fitness goals for this year? To continue to improve overall wellness and strength. I would like to be able to link kipping pull ups and kipping toes to bar for an entire workout.

11. What is something most people don’t know about you? When we lived in Austin 20 years ago, Cooper and I would drive through the night to rock climb in Mexico for the weekend.

12. What advice would you give to people looking to get started at our gym? Defiance West is a community of athletes of all ages and ability levels. The coaches are excellent in differentiating and providing options for everyone. Members are exceptionally supportive of each other. Ignore preconceived notions regarding CrossFit. Your efforts will achieve results.