I was fortunate enough to get to spend some time at my old gym in North Carolina while I was traveling for work this week and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to do some portraits of East Coast CrossFit‘s owner, my friend, Holly.  I spent almost 4 years at this gym before we moved to Virginia and this is where I was introduced to Crossfit.  Holly and her husband are the nicest people you could hope to meet and so many of my close friends came from this gym.  Holly is always pushing me, but not in a way that makes me want to cry/hurt her, and she always puts her athletes first.  I do not know how many times I have seen her stop her workout to answer a phone call or talk with a new client and answer questions, always with a smile on her face.

Meet Holly:

The thing I like most about CrossFit is the possibilities! I was not an athlete growing up (or at least I didn’t consider myself an athlete). Luckily I came from a small town where everyone made the sports teams. I always had a fair amount of strength because I grew up on a ranch, and a lot was required of that lifestyle, but I didn’t always see my muscles as a beautiful thing. CrossFit showed me that there is beauty in strength regardless of body type.

Living in a small town, my relatives and my community were all part of my family. I was always surrounded by people who believed in me and pushed me to be my best. Now that I am a military spouse, moving has become part of my normal routine. CrossFit was the best way I found to keep consistency regardless of my location. I am part of a community of people who are my biggest cheerleaders and toughest critics. They will push me, make me better than I was yesterday, and show up at my house at a moments notice if I needed anything. CrossFit is the epitome of perseverance, achievement, and dedication.

I am the athlete that was scared to death to start, but cannot imagine my life without it now. I have found greater confidence in all aspects of my life. I realized that workouts will be varied, but the heart of the CrossFitter is the same: push others, push yourself.

The determination to succeed is what makes an athlete. It is not what you look like or how good you are. Being an athlete means that you are determined to work hard and seek improvement every time you tackle an obstacle or WOD. You will not give up. Every person at my box is an athlete, and I could not be more proud of each one.
As a coach, I teach form and build up athletes physically and mentally. I can admit my weaknesses but am not defined by them. I am a strong woman who has a goal to help others realize their potential.

My favorite lift/movements are rowing, front squats, kettlebell work, and tire flips.

When I think of CrossFit I think of: Camaraderie, Possibilities, Confidence, Perseverance, Achievement, Dedication

See the I am CrossFit series from the beginning: I am CrossFit – Jamie or view the next in the series, I am CrossFit – Violet.