From Coach Pete: One of my favorite parts of coaching is watching people transform not only physically, but mentally in the gym. Alicia started at Roaster Barbell with zero CrossFit experience and in two short years has become one of the highest performing athletes as well as one of the toughest mentally. Alicia’s success is no accident and I look forward to seeing what else she is capable of! Thank you, Alicia, for being such an important part of our community! You have worked so hard and this recognition is well deserved. #teamroasterbarbell
1) What is your why? What gets you out of bed in the morning?
My why is for my kids. I want to set a good example for a healthy lifestyle, and I also want to be able to keep up with their endless energy! I place high value on exercising, so my hope is that they see their mom enjoying physical activities and want to incorporate that into their routine for the rest of their lives.
2) What is your most meaningful goal? Could be life or fitness or anything.
My most meaningful goal is to be happy with myself both emotionally and physically, and I think those two things are related in so many ways. For me, CrossFit has provided a way to challenge and nurture both my emotional and physical needs.
3) If you could have lunch with anyone ever, who would it be and why?
Family is so important to me. I would like to have lunch with my Grandma. My dad’s mom died when I was young and I never really got to know her. From the stories I’ve heard, she overcame a lot of challenges in her life and I would love to know more about her.
4) What is your favorite part of training?
Without a single doubt, the community. The Roaster community has to be the most uplifting and encouraging group of people I have ever met. This doesn’t take away from how hardworking everyone is either. I have watched myself over the last year transform into a person I never even knew existed, and I have the people that surround me to thank for that. They push me to be a better version of myself, give me the strength to push through hard workouts, and tips and tricks to obtain new skills. I am forever grateful.
5) What is your least favorite part of training?
My least favorite part is when I start to feel like I’m working really hard and not making progress. I know that this is all part of the process, but it’s very frustrating, and an obstacle that needs to be overcome mentally.
6) What has been your biggest obstacle on your fitness journey?
My biggest obstacle has been patience. I’m an impulse person and need/want things to happen immediately. I’ve recognized that the success of my personal goals is a long journey with plenty of ups and downs, but I’m here for it.
7) What would your ideal day consist of?
My ideal day is working out in the morning, brunch with my gal pals (including mimosas of course), get some shopping in, and then end the day hanging with my family.
8) What is something that no one knows about you?
I struggle with anxiety. I’ve struggled with it since the passing of my brother five years ago. I was in a pretty rough state for quite a while but I have since learned to accept it as part of who I am, and I’ve learned how to manage it.
9) Who is your biggest inspiration?
My mom. She is the type of person I can only hope to become. She is so selfless even though she has been through so much in her life. I look up to her in so many ways and she will always hold a special place in my heart. I hope my daughter Grace and I have the same special bond that my mom and I share.
10) What brought you to Roaster Barbell?
Rachel Stallard! She has been on me since the day I met her! It was covid times and my job had moved to completely virtual so I was doing home gym at the time, which was definitely not giving me the results I wanted. She finally convinced me to give it a try and I was instantly hooked.
11) How has the gym influenced your life outside of the gym?
I would have to say I’m more disciplined. I think it takes discipline to be consistent in anything you care to do well. CF has taught me that consistency equals results. This includes progress in the gym, my nutritional habits and my job at NASA.
12) What advice would you give someone who is on the fence about Roaster Barbell?
Do it! You honestly have nothing to lose and only everything to gain. It can be scary trying something new, but if you’re willing to learn, everyone is rooting for your success at Roaster! The coaching, the community, the confidence in learning a new skill or getting a PR is something that can’t be explained until you’ve lived it. It is the greatest feeling in the world.
13) If you could go anywhere in the world for a day where would you go and why?
I would go to Tahiti to stay in one of those over-the-water huts. It’s definitely number one on my bucket list. I’m most happy when I’m on a beach or at a tropical destination, probably because I’ve only ever lived in Ohio where it’s miserable nine months out of the year. My husband and I have spent most of our relationship checking off beach destinations. Now if only I could win the lottery to make that happen….
14) Is there anything else you would like to add?
I would like to thank Coach Pete for selecting me for this spotlight! I really am grateful for the opportunity to share my thoughts and hopefully encourage others to join our madness! We do some crazy things inside the gym, but my favorite part is the conversations we have between sets and before or after class (despite Pete’s gentle megaphone reminders to stay on task). Also, the moms class is the best!
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Thank you for taking the time to get to know Alicia and her journey! If you would like to learn how you could become our next success story, just email Coach Pete at ptaylor@mail.bw.edu and lets begin talking about how Roaster Barbell and help you reach your goals!