Member Since: 2021

Favorite Movement: Front Squats and Bar Muscle-ups

Favorite part of MR: I truly admire the exceptional programming at MR. Beyond being a hub for CrossFit, MR offers a diverse array of activities that truly enrich my experience. From invigorating summer bike rides, which happen to be my personal favorite, to engaging in 5k, 10k, and even half marathons alongside fellow members. And let's not forget the exhilarating experience of competing in HYROX FITNESS RACING, where we push ourselves to new limits together. MR fosters a community where fitness knows no bounds.

What surprised you about CrossFit when you started? What surprised me about CrossFit when I started was how quickly I learned that every movement could be scaled until mastery, and the supportive environment where everyone roots for each other's progress was truly remarkable.

Fun Fact: I truly enjoy cooking and playing video games.

Member since: January, 2023

Favorite Movement: I love the prowler push and jump roping, because I am truly shocked and amazed these are now movements I can do since joining MR.

Favorite part of MR: Without a doubt, being a part of the community is my favorite part. It is such an encouraging, supportive environment. It's the people who make me look forward to working out at the gym. I also appreciate how much incredibly helpful guidance is provided through coaching.

What surprised you about CrossFit when you started? The fact that it really is geared towards so many different levels of fitness. I had the impression that CrossFit was only for people who were already elite athletes. I realize that you really can begin wherever you are right now.

Fun Fact: I am a stationary fiend and lover of reading (let's talk family drama and romance novels anytime ;)

Member since: 2021

Favorite Movement: Snatches; Still a work in progress but I always feel like I've accomplished something when I get them right

Favorite part of MR: The community. I had no idea when I joined that I'd find the people that would made Chicago feel like home.

What surprised you about CrossFit when you started? How it can be adapted to meet people where they are in their fitness journey. Doing CrossFIt has helped me learn I can do things that are hard both in and outside of the gym. As long as I am patient, I can break things down and accomplish anything.

Fun Fact: I love to cook and bake, and make a really good mac and cheese

Member since: 2022

Favorite Movement: Devil's Press

Favorite part of MR: "The people I got to know and workout with everyday. Felt welcome since day one."

What surprised you about CrossFit when you started? "How much fun it can be to do a workout in a group and the variety of movements I could get to know and improve on."

Fun Fact: "Love water sports, especially surfing. Currently trying to find a balance between CrossFit and Triathlon."

Member Since: 2018

Favorite Movement: Clean and jerk is a fun movement for me. Still working on my muscle ups and handstand walk

Fun Fact: Taking long naps is fun for me. I love cooking and hot weather.

Member since: 2021

Favorite Movement: Squats and wall balls

Favorite part of MR: “The best part of MR is the community; everyone is very friendly and always supports and encourages you to do your best in each class.”

What is something that surprised you about CrossFit when you started? “The programming of each class, which provides a challenge but also can be adapted to your physical conditions.”

Favorite music to workout to: “Any Latin music, reggaetón fan!”

Fun fact about Maria: “I love outdoor activities like hiking or camping”

Member since: 2022

Favorite movement: “I would have to say most barbell lifts, though particularly deadlifts and back squats.”

Favorite part of MR: “My favorite part is definitely how friendly everyone is (coaches and fellow classmates), and how approachable coaches make the workouts with different options on how to push yourself in a safe and healthy way. “

What surprised you about CrossFit when you started? “I was surprised at how much you could scale the workouts as a total beginner. It really made it easier and more fun to start jumping into classes. I still couldn’t believe I was doing wall walks during one of my first workouts - it felt so incredibly cool to work at something I never thought to try or that I could do.”

Fun Fact: “I have a Westie named Laika who is my precious pup. I also used to volunteer at a jail pre-pandemic teaching crochet.”

Favorite workout music: “I love a good, high energy beat heavy piece, so my typical ‘grind down and bust stuff out’ music is 90’s/early 00’s Europop/electronic music.”

Member since: 2020

Favorite Movement: Front Squats

Favorite part of MR: “MR has an awesome community full of nice, up-beat and fun athletes and coaches!”

What surprised you about CrossFit when you started: “How versatile and mentally engaging it is and how much fun it is to learn new movements”

What is something you have done in MR that you never thought you’d do? “Walk on my hands (for like 3-4 steps, but still!) When I first started Crossfit I wasn’t even comfortable with getting upside down on the wall.”

Fun Fact: “One of my favourite hobbies is cooking and baking delicious plant based foods!”

Member since: 2017

Favorite Movement: “Everything with the barbell. If I had to pick one it’d be the clean and jerk. It just feels badass.”

Favorite part of MR: “The diverse and challenging programming. I know that no matter which days I show up, I’ll get a great workout.”

What surprised you about CrossFit when you started? “Anyone can do CrossFit regardless of fitness level. Every single movement can be scaled. All you have to do is show up and try.”

What is something you have done in MR that you never thought you’d do? “I would have NEVER attempted to do 200 burpees in one go.”

Fun Fact: Emma left MR for a while while she lived in Boston getting her masters from MIT! She currently works for an affordable housing non-profit. She loves exploring restaurants and the neighborhoods of Chicago.