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September rolls in a new Athlete of the Month…

Agghhh, the last month of summer can always be a bit sad. But something toΒ  brighten your spirits can be the smile and positive spirit of our September Athlete of the Month Hailey Richards!! Hailey is always very active in our community as well as at the gym. She is always consistent at coming to the outdoor classes and has made huge progress. Hailey always has something positive to say even being on the Assault bike for a 12:00 calorie test πŸ˜ΆπŸš΄β€β™€οΈπŸ‘πŸ˜„ Please read more below about Hailey and get to know what makes her such a great addition to our Tides family and an inspiration to us all!

πŸƒπŸΌβ€β™€οΈ I am originally from Bad Axe, MI, and I gradually made my way to southwest Michigan. I graduated from Saginaw Valley State University with a B.S. in Exercise Science, so I’ve had a passion for fitness for quite a while! I actually used to teach fitness classes at both SVSU and U of M! While I have a passion for exercise science, I also have a passion for policy and people, so I moved to Ann Arbor to obtain my Master of Social Work at U of M. I’ve now been in southwest Michigan for about a year, and while I grew up on Lake Huron, I have to admit, Lake Michigan is even more beautiful 😍🌊

🌻 How long have you been with Tides and what made you decide to start?

πŸƒπŸΌβ€β™€οΈ I started at Tides in October 2019. I started the same week I started my new job because I fell in love with functional fitness while at Wolverine Strength and Conditioning in Ann Arbor. I was ready to get back into a routine!

🌻 When did you realize this gym was right for you?

πŸƒπŸΌβ€β™€οΈ Emily and Brian were so welcoming! I knew I wanted to be a part of the community when they invited me to join them for a post-workout event before I was even an official member!

🌻 What were your thoughts after your first WOD?

πŸƒπŸΌβ€β™€οΈ Probably something along the lines of β€œI’m exhausted…but I’m hungry for more!” (Sounds like all of us!)

🌻 What is your favorite/least favorite WOD/movements?

πŸƒπŸΌβ€β™€οΈ Favorite: anything with running πŸ˜…. My fellow Tides community members count on me showing up for the WOD when there’s running involved. Example: Murph. Least favorite: probably power snatch or overhead squat

🌻 What have you learned since joining Tides?

πŸƒπŸΌβ€β™€οΈ I had a really bad experience when I joined a competition back in undergrad and seriously injured my back. That being said, I’ve learned it’s okay to modify. The coaches are great at helping to modify or even completely change the workout for you when needed (thanks Chanelle and Karie πŸ˜‰).

🌻 What is your proudest moment at Tides, or something you accomplished that you never thought you would do?

πŸƒπŸΌβ€β™€οΈ Recently, we figured out our one rep deadlift max. I was proud of my new one rep max because I was not expecting to lift as much as I did. The wodify prediction based on my past workouts was way lighter than what I actually accomplished!

🌻 What motivates you during a tough workout?

πŸƒπŸΌβ€β™€οΈ The coaches and the community! We cheer each other on, and even when we are too out of breath to cheer, knowing that we are all struggling together keeps me going! The toughest workouts seem to help us bond the most!

🌻 How have you seen yourself change- mentally and physically since joining Tides? What impact has CFT had on you in and out of the gym?

πŸƒπŸΌβ€β™€οΈ In the gym, I’ve begun to focus more on myself and my own goals for the WOD, rather than focusing on what everyone else is accomplishing. I compete against myself, which has helped me grow mentally and physically.
Outside of the gym, I’ve become much more confident in my own skin. I feel strong πŸ’ͺ.

🌻 Do you have any advice for people just getting started at Tides?

πŸƒπŸΌβ€β™€οΈ Just show up! The coaches will help you modify where needed, and everyone is so supportive. And as I say for any new workout regime, give it at least three weeks of consistency, and you’ll be hooked πŸ˜‰! It takes time and practice to get used to anything new ☺️

🌻 When you’re not working out, what is your favorite thing to do?

πŸƒπŸΌβ€β™€οΈ Go to the beach, play soccer, long walks, spend time with friends and family, board games, book club discussions, community events

🌻 Anything else you’d like to share?

πŸƒπŸΌβ€β™€οΈ I have a long-haired calico cat named Ella who was a former stray. She may be a scaredy cat but she’s so sweet and silly 😻

πŸ’₯ Quick Questions πŸ’₯

Favorite Cheat Meal: Silver Beach Garlic Greek or Margherita GF Pizza πŸ•

Favorite Musician/Band: Pretty much anything, but most often you’ll find me listening to rap or metal (Meek Mill, Drake, Asking Alexandria, Beartooth to name a few!)

Favorite Sports Team: Michigan Wolverines #forevergoblue πŸ’™πŸ’›γ€½οΈ

Favorite TV Show/ Movie: right now it’s Schitt$Β Creek (ew David!)

Favorite Athlete: Megan Rapinoe, Dean Karnazes

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