Ashley Gagne

Favorite WOD:   A long chipper

Least Favorite WOD:  Anything short and breathy 

Tell us about your sports & fitness background: Always group exercise classes with mix of this and that until developing a love of intense hiking and skiing in my twenties – Crossfit was a great way to get in shape for weekend adventures.

How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD... what was it, and how did it feel? 

We moved to Laramie, Wyoming, and there wasn’t a YMCA for group exercise classes, so I gave Crossfit a try. I can’t remember the WOD, but there was a lot of running out in the cold – between that and the elevation, I was destroyed but I loved it. 

What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)? 

I feel better and have better mobility. My workdays are physically demanding, and I handle it better now than I ever did before Crossfit.

What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? 

This is our 3rd Crossfit gym as we have moved a lot. Every gym has provided a sense of place and welcomed us into the community. It’s invaluable when you’re a new transplant. 

Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFKSQ moments:  

I love getting a new skill I never thought I would be able to do like handstand push ups and pull ups. 

Any advice for people just getting started?  

Crossfit feels a bit intimidating when you first start – that’s normal. Stick with it and monitor your progress – you’ll be amazed! 

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

Hiking, skiing, surfing – really any outdoor exercise that doesn’t involve running (sorry, Rodney!).