September 2017's CrossFitter of The Month: Michelle Kopper

MICHELLE KOPPER: CROSSFITTER OF THE MONTH: SEPTEMBER 2017

The trainers & staff at CrossFit Silver Fox would like to recognize Michelle Kopper as our CrossFitter of the month for September, 2017.  Michelle came to CrossFit Silver Fox in December of last year looking for a change.  We are thrilled to have her at the gym  Michelle is a quiet one, but is a pleasure to have in class. She works hard and is never afraid to try anything. That, along with her great work ethic, and her cool shirts, has earned her CrossFitter of the Month.  Here is a little bit more about Michelle.

•       Age:
  28
•       Occupation:
  Auditor

•       City:  
  Corfu, NY
•       When did you start CrossFit?
  January 2017
•       What do you do when you’re not here? 
  Spend time with my husband and three dogs.
•       What brought you to CrossFit Silver Fox?
  My aunt and friend convinced me to try a free Saturday class in December 2016. We all signed up for on ramp starting in January.
•       What keeps you at CrossFit Silver Fox?
  The structure and environment. I have tried many different forms of exercise in the past from going to the gym, strict workout programs, and working out at home. I ended up quitting all of them after a short period of time because I didn’t have anyone pushing me to do it or I didn’t know what to do on my own. I really like that I can show up at Crossfit Silver Fox and have someone telling me exactly what to do and explaining/showing how to do it. The trainers are very encouraging and everyone there is super supportive and they all make you feel welcome.
  
•       Now that you're here, what was your biggest misconception?
  That you need to know what you are doing before you get started. I had no clue how to do anything when I first started and am still learning things along the way but no one makes you feel dumb for not knowing because everyone has been in your shoes. The on-ramp program is great because you learn everything in a group of other beginners before you get thrown into regular classes.
•       Biggest Improvements/struggles with CrossFit?
  I would say everything I am doing now is a huge improvement from where I started. I feel much more confident in my movements and in what I am doing in general. My biggest struggle would be increasing my endurance. Since I was very out of shape when I started I am still working up my endurance when doing cardio workouts.
•       How many days do you train at CrossFit Silver Fox?
  5 days a week sometimes 6
•       What makes your come in and train on days when you don’t want to?
  I travel often with my job and have to miss a week here or there so I know what it feels like when you miss some workouts and how it can impede your progress so I really work at not missing a day unless I absolutely have to. I try and stay focused on my goals and remind myself that I will never regret a workout but I will regret not reaching my goals.
  
•       What is your approach towards nutrition?
  I started using Advocare supplements and products 2 years ago and have been using them ever since along with a diet high in protein, veggies and fruit and some complex carbs. I definitely still have bad days and can get off track with my nutrition so I am really working on trying to keep an 80/20 balance.
•         Favorite workout?
  Any that I can complete within the time cap or I can do the RX. (and doesn’t involve the airdyne)
•         What is the most challenging part of your CrossFit journey?
  Staying out of my own head and comparing myself to others.
•       Super Power you would want most?
  Either time travel or freezing time because I am always late
  
•        Any advice for new comers?
  Don’t be intimidated and just try it because you will most likely be hooked.
•        Favorite activities outside of CrossFit?
  Playing with my dogs, hanging out with my husband / friends, shopping, most outdoor activities, eating and Netflix.
•         Name something about yourself that is a little known fact.
  I deer hunt.
•        Accomplishments at the gym. PR’s, Weight Loss, etc?
  I survived the summer open!
  In the past month I have PR’ed my deadlift (185), clean (95), and Jerk (90) nothing to write home about but a huge improvement from the training bar and 5 lb weights. I can also finally do a few double unders. I now have more muscle tone that I ever have and I am actually a consistent heavier weight than I was before due to muscle gain but I have lost inches and now focus more on my abilities and healthy eating than the scale.
•        Goals for the remainder of the year?
  I have been saying all summer my goal for the year is to have visible abs by Christmas and to be able to do a strict pull up and toes to bar. I would also like to
•        Who inspires you?
  My aunt who is usually working out right beside me that I often struggle to keep up with and all of the members of the gym who have kids, full time jobs and other commitments and still manage to make it to the gym regularly.