Ashley Martinez, 25, Pembroke Pines, FL, office administrator at Wholesale Merchant Group.
Why do you do CrossFit? I do CrossFit because it keeps me fit. Not only is it a great workout, but it is so much fun!
How long have you been doing it? I have been doing CrossFit for almost 2 years.
Do you compete in CrossFit? So far I have only competed in one CrossFit competition. It was such a great experience and I look forward to competing more in the future.
Most challenging aspect of CrossFit: CrossFit is challenging all together on a daily basis. The one thing I am still working on is muscle ups.
Most fun aspect of CrossFit: I think what makes CrossFit so much fun are the people that you meet. I have made some really great friends and the CrossFit community is like a family.
Most rewarding aspect: The most rewarding aspect of CrossFit is definitely the progress that you make. It is the best feeling when you see how much stronger you become when you work consistently.
Who/what inspires you when you’re feeling weak? Other CrossFit athletes inspire me when I’m feeling weak. I follow several CrossFit athletes from all over the US on instagram so that I can see what they’re up to for motivational purposes.
Advice for others who’d like to get started: You should definitely try it! It’s tough at first because there is a lot to learn, but stick with it and you’ll love it, especially when you begin to see your progress and physical results.
Your must-have equipment for CrossFit: Wrist wraps (my favorite are PR wraps) are a must-have for wrist support, long socks for rope climb days, and gloves for Olympic lifts.
Favorite healthy food: Edamame is my favorite healthy food. I can snack on it all the time!
Favorite not-so-healthy food: Cookies are my favorite not-so-healthy food.
Funniest /weirdest/most awkward experience doing CrossFit: I’d say the funniest, weirdest, most awkward moment I’ve experienced during CrossFit was when we made a Harlem Shake video at our gym. We all started off working out and then randomly break it down to the Harlem Shake song wearing crazy costumes.
