Nicole Elia

Favorite WOD:  I love the Endurance Workouts.  A few weeks ago, the workout was Every 7 minutes for 3 sets, 800 m run, 15 renegade rows, and max dips in remaining time. I like workouts that have a mix of strength, and cardio (prefer Row or running). 

Least Favorite WOD:  Anything referencing ‘Karen.’  

Tell us about your sports & fitness background: I was a ballet dancer for over 20 years.  I stopped performing when I was 17 but continued to practice until I was 25.   In high school I earned my varsity letter in Cross Country.   After I was done with dancing, I did various fitness programs: hot yoga, Barre Classes, and Pilates.  I’ve been the most consistent with Pilates (for almost 5 years). and still do Pilates twice a week along with CrossFit.  The two programs work well together. 

How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD... what was it, and how did it feel?  A few of my co-worker do CrossFit in other parts of the country, they told me about it.  At the time it seemed a little out of reach for me, but I had suggested for my husband Andrew to try it.  After a few months of learning about the community through my husband I wanted to see if I could do it too.  I remember my 1st WOD was ‘The Human Condition,” the workout was scaled.  I learned during Fundamentals just to ask the coach at the beginning of the workout for guidance and how to get set up.  The workout was super tough, but when I was done, I felt I accomplished something.  CrossFit has certainly taken me out of my comfort zone (in a good way).  

What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)? I have noticed my energy level is up, I sleep better, and I am much stronger.  I am in the best shape I have ever been in.   

What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? Since Andrew and I do CrossFit together we often compare results and talk about the workouts after.  When one of us complains we typically tease one another, which I think helps motivate us to try harder. We both push each other to be better and it is fun working through the challenges of Crossfit together.  

Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFKSQ moments:  About 6 months ago, I was in Rodney’s class, we were working on rope climbs.  I wasn’t 100% on doing rope climbing, but Rodney gave me some tips. He coached me through each movement, and next thing I knew I was at the top. I climbed the rope 5 times in that class, and I was so jazzed.  Everyone in the class gave me a fist pump which was awesome.  I went home and I told Andrew, I called my customers, co-workers “the ones who do CrossFit”, told my daughter when she came home from school, and wrote to strangers on Facebook (my post on Women Who CrossFit got 227 likes, and 40 comments from complete strangers!).  I realized the CrossFit community is special ‘we all celebrate each other’s win regardless of how small.’  

Any advice for people just getting started? You’re never too old to try to get stronger.  

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? 

I have a wonderful Family.  My husband Andrew, my daughter Abigail, and an 18-month-old dog named Cosmo.  We are comic book nerds, so my dog is named after the super dog Cosmo from Guardians of the Galaxy, not Seinfeld or the cocktail. Many of my hobbies and interest are enjoyed with my family.   We have a camper (currently parked at the Delaware beaches this summer).  Camping is important to our family because it allows us to disconnect from our technology and appreciate the outdoors.  Even if it is a short trip, it is a welcome break.  

I love to cook and bake.  My Italian food is the best, but I experiment with variety of cuisines.  I especially like to take comfort food and try to make it healthier without sacrificing flavor.  My family loves my chocolate chip cookies, and my chocolate pie.  Andrew and I are foodies, so we enjoy trying all different types of food and drink.  

I am my daughter’s Troop Leader for Girl Scouts.  We do all sorts of activities like hiking, learning about robotics, farming, animal rescue, and yoga.  

Finally, I love to grocery shopping.  I rarely go with a list. I let the fresh produce led me to my meal plans for the week.  I know this drive Andrew nuts, because I will easily walk back and forth through grocery store 3 or 4 times.  When we do Costco runs, I challenge myself to make different meals with the bulk veggies.  I’m not a fan of food waste.