Member Spotlight–Chelsea!

1. Name

Chelsea Ann Jubrey

2. How long have you been doing CrossFit (and at TBL)? What class(es) do you normally attend?

I joined CrossFit about 6 months ago. I started at the end of January right when the open was starting. I was persuaded to participate in the open and although I didn’t know a thing about CrossFit the open was a lot of fun. I loved the atmosphere of everyone cheering each other on. I didn’t know that many people yet and I could hear members yelling my name while I was competing which was really awesome.

When I first started I was definitely a bit of a cherry picker. I would only attend classes with familiar movements but I quickly realized that wasn’t many and I wasn’t going to make much progress only attending 1-2 times a week. So I started going every day and the nervousness and embarrassment of not knowing a movement never came. The coaches and members were all incredibly helpful. I also realized that there were other people still learning the movements as well. I learned that TBL is a place that welcomes and accommodates athletes of all ages and all abilities.

I usually attend the 4:45 class however when my work schedule allows it I go to the early morning and afternoon classes. I like to switch it up as often as possible so I can workout with different people and different coaches.

3. What’s your why? Why did you start? Why do you stay?

I initially joined CrossFit because I was tired of going to the gym and not seeing results. I was having a difficult time pushing myself at a regular gym. For instance, I would never try to lift a weight that I was afraid to fail at. If I dropped a weight at another gym the entire gym would turn and stare at me and not in a good way. I stayed for the challenge. There are so many movements that I’m still working on. CrossFit provides a lot of opportunities for athletes to improve and PR. I also stayed for the community. I think it was the open that really made me love TBL. I have always been apart of sports teams since I was little and I ran track for the University of Rhode Island for 5 years. I really missed being apart of a team and having the support system of my teammates and that is exactly what TBL is. They are my teammates who make me want to show up every day and they push me to give my best effort.

4. What does a typical day look like for you? In and outside of the gym!

My typical day involves waking up around 6:00 to get ready for work. I work as a teacher in New Britain at a magnet school so I’m usually out of work by 2:00 which is really nice. I have plenty of time to get home, eat, go on a run (sometimes), and get ready for CrossFit.

5. What do you enjoy most about Silk City Fit? Favorite/least favorite movement?

I like AMRAP and cardio workouts the best. I dislike wall balls and burpees usually because they are placed in a workout and meant to be the “rest” or the easier part of a workout but it never feels that way to me.

6. After a hard workout, what is your favorite meal?

After a hard workout, my favorite meal is a bottle of wine, but sushi is good too!

7. What is one goal you are currently working on?

I have a lot of goals that I’m currently working on such as kipping pull-ups, handstand push-ups, double unders, and my snatch form.

8. What is one tip you would give to incoming/new members?

One tip I would give to incoming/new members is don’t cherry pick workouts like I did. If you don’t know a movement or are worried a workout is too difficult still come. I promise that the coaches and members will be there to help you learn and scale movements and its nothing to be embarrassed about!

9. What accomplishment are you most proud of (inside and outside of the gym)?

The accomplishment I am currently most proud of outside the gym is this May I earned a Master’s degree with a 4.0 GPA. At the gym, we recently just finished up the hatch squat program. I just got a 30 pound overhead squat PR and I got into the 200s for my back squat. Also just today I did my first HSPU without a mat. I’m learning that no PR is too small!