Athlete of the Month: Rebecca Steenhoek
Birthday: November 27, 1983
CrossFit Birthday: November 15, 2016
How did you hear about CrossFit? Before I started CrossFit, I ran a lot, did several at home workouts (i.e. Insanity, T25), and eventually found a small gym in Waukee. But I never felt challenged enough. Next door to the small gym in Waukee was a CrossFit gym. I would watch them and think, I want to try that and I wonder if I could do that?! So one day at work, I pulled up the CrossFit Affiliates map and searched for gyms close to my home. CrossFit 515 was the closest so I did some research on social media and was really excited about what I saw! I signed up for the intro class and I remember being really nervous and anxious because I didn’t know anyone and didn’t really know what I was getting myself into but I’m so glad I made the decision to give it a try.
How has CrossFit changed your life? First off, CrossFit has changed how I view my body. I used to think cardio was the best and only way to get strong and lean. Now, I want to be stronger and build muscle. Before CrossFit, I had never squatted, benched, deadlifted, and had no idea what a snatch was. But I was excited to learn and challenge myself to see what my body was capable of.
Also, I’m a very competitive person and was searching for an avenue to channel my competitiveness. CrossFit has provided that avenue for me to compete with myself each day and compete with the other women at the gym (I know I shouldn’t do this but I can’t help myself). There are so many strong, inspiring, kick ass women in the gym that I look up to. They push me every day to be better. With that said, CrossFit has also been very humbling. There’s always a skill to improve on, more weight to put on the barbell, and a faster time to get. I love the variety and the challenge of each day.
Finally, CrossFit has introduced me to some of the most kind, supportive, inspiring, and encouraging people. I’ve learned so much from the coaches and other members. The atmosphere in the gym is positive and fun but also focused and hard working. Each day I walk in the gym, I’m motivated to be my best and I leave the gym happy and fulfilled.
Favorite & least favorite movement My favorite movements are burpees, pull ups, running, and rowing. My least favorite movements are snatches and the assault bike.
Family info I’ve been married to my husband, Brian, for 8 years. We have a son, Owen (5), daughter, Emma (almost 3), and baby #3 is due in November
Favorite saying You are responsible for the energy you create for yourself and the energy you bring to others.
Something interesting about me I drink between 1.5 – 2 gallons of water a day. And, I’ve never had a bug bite. I get bit but for some reason my skin doesn’t react.
Favorite songs to work out to Like a lot of people, I don’t hear the music during workouts but if I got to pick, my favorite music is hard rock. My playlist would include Metallica, Tool, Linkin Park, Halestorm, Foo Fighters, etc.
Favorite TV show or movie I don’t get time to watch many movies but my favorite tv shows are Lost, Breaking Bad, Deadliest Catch, Blacklist, New Girl, and right now we’re waiting for the new season of Ozark and House of Cards.
What movement or skill were you most excited about when you were able to do it? Climbing the peg board to the top! I had climbed to the girl’s line on the peg board once and the next time it was in a workout, I was climbing up, got to the girl’s line, and heard Bobby yell from across the gym “go to the top!” So I thought, well if Bobby says so, I’ll give it a shot and I made it!
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