Mackenzie, tell us about yourself.
I’m Mackenzie, the older sister by 2 years. I grew up in Auburn but now live in Kent with my husband Geoff and our corgi named Elvis and cat named Waffle. I work in tech as a Program Manager.

What made you start CrossFit?
All credit goes to Nicole & Geoff. Nicole convinced Geoff & I to come to a Saturday community workout and he was really interested in joining after that so we did!

What do you enjoy most about Imperial and/or CrossFit in general?
The Imperial community is great and helps me look forward to the workout. In general, I like that CrossFit takes me out of my comfort zone and continuously challenges me. 

What’s your most favorite and least favorite movement/lift?
I’m not a fan of wall balls or running in general. But I do like deadlifts and back squats. 

What impact has CrossFit had on your life inside/outside of the gym?
My confidence and mental toughness has improved a lot. I feel like WODs are a game of “this is horrible, I want to stop” and “this is not even the hardest workout you’ve done, you can do it”. I also love that I can share this experience with my sister and my husband. 

When you’re not CrossFitting, what is your favorite thing to do?
Now that summer is around the corner, I am really looking forward to paddle boarding! 

What piece of advice would you give to someone who is just starting out/thinking of joining?
It seems intimidating at first but you can go at your own pace and scale whatever you need to. But don’t be afraid to push yourself because you will be surprised with what you are capable of. (Something I’m still working on!) 

Tell us about your results/how far you’ve come since joining!
In the past 6 months I’ve added over 50lbs to my PRs for deadlift and back squat! 

Nicole, tell us about yourself.
I’m Nicole, the little sister.  I have two cats named Pepper & Pearl.  I went to WWU (go Vikings!) and graduated with a chemistry degree and now work in composite manufacturing as an engineer. 

What made you start CrossFit?
I wasn't seeing the results I wanted in a normal gym and hated programming my own workouts (heavy inspiration from instagram).  The idea of CrossFit sounded nice, as long as I was able to get to the gym, everything was pre-programmed for me from the warmup to the strength, WOD, and cool down.  All I had to do was show up which makes working out more fun!

What do you enjoy most about Imperial and/or CrossFit in general?
The coaches are always there to help give advice or work with you to have better form.  Everyone is always encouraging you to push yourself, but also understand when you’re taking it light for a day. 

What’s your most favorite and least favorite movement/lift?
My favorite movement is cleans, but I HATE snatching (I always make that my rest day).

What impact has CrossFit had on your life inside/outside of the gym?
I’m able to do longer hikes without needing constant breaks to catch my breath.

When you’re not CrossFitting, what is your favorite thing to do?
I love to bake, snowboard, paddle board, hike, and rot in bed with my cats.  

What piece of advice would you give to someone who is just starting out/thinking of joining?
Convince your sister (or friend) to join with you!  Whenever I don’t feel like working out I’ll text my sister and ask if she’ll be there, when she says yes it gives me motivation to go, plus it’s an excuse to hang out too. 

Tell us about your results/how far you’ve come since joining!
I’ve increased my bench press and back squat by 20 pounds.