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Name and age:

Kelsey Ford, 24

Occupation:

Administrative Assistant at Peltram Law during the week; Bartender at Steelhead Bar & Grille on weekends

Tell us about your fitness journey.

When I was younger I took a lot of dance classes and tried playing different sports but never really felt like any of it was for me. I had a very high metabolism all through high school and was very thin. I was teased about being skinny and was scared to do anything fitness related for fear I'd lose weight! I think my junior year in college was when I realized I couldn't eat whatever I wanted anymore and I needed a healthier lifestyle. I started running (maybe jogging is a more accurate term.. I think a lot of runner's slow mile could lap my fast mile ha..) and although I never loved it like I wanted to, I finished two half marathons! I tried yoga, various workout videos, P70x (I quit with 20 days left.. oops). Really anything and everything to try to find something that I looked forward to doing and made me feel good. Last November I was looking into CrossFit gyms because I had heard so much about them, but then a friend told me about Farmgirlfit. I went in for a class a week later and I've been hooked ever since! 

If you could tell your Farmgirlfit story in 100 words or less, how would it read?

When I joined Farmgirlfit, I had the strength of a toddler. I wish I was kidding.. I was so nervous walking in that door the first day! I didn't know how to lift weights and I definitely couldn't do more than one push-up on my toes. Now, less than eight months later, I can do things I didn't think my body was capable of and I am so much happier! 

What has been your greatest fitness (performance) accomplishment so far? Do you have a performance goal? 

Kipping pull-ups! My first few months I watched in awe when someone would jump up on the the bar and do pull-up after pull-up.. Okay, I still watch in awe. But I never thought I'd be able to do them! I feel like my performance goal every day is to push myself to do better than the time before. I always leave feeling accomplished after every Grind!

How has FGF helped you become more healthy / When it comes to your health, what goals do you have?

The 8-week Sugar Challenge at the beginning of this year was a big eye-opener for me! Limiting certain sugars in my diet really made me feel more alert and just all around better! I stopped drinking soda last year but still had cravings all the time. Since the challenge I haven't craved it once! I also noticed I started being more conscious of the food I put in my body, especially before and after a workout. I still love beer though, dangit ;)

I think my health goal is just to continue eating healthy and to try to make time to meal prep for the week! I know that would help me not reach for an unhealthy snack during the work day.

My favorite exercise at FGF is: 

I love when I see pull-ups or handstand push-ups on the board. They challenge me in the best way! I also really enjoy when one part of the Grind is finding a max. It's nice to be able to keep track of your progress that way.

My least favorite exercise at FGF is:

Squat snatches and overhead squats. These are so incredibly hard for me! Also burpees... but really, who likes burpees?!

My favorite thing about Farmgirlfit is:

How great I feel the second I walk through the door until I leave. I love the smiles I get as I walk in and the conversations I have before the workout starts. I love that every single Grind kicks my ass in a way that has me grinning from ear-to-ear after. I love all the amazing women I've met and the lifelong friendships I've made. And most of all, I love the trainers whose positivity and strength get us all through every sweat dripping minute! These women change lives :) I know they've changed mine!

How have you integrated the Farmgirlfit mission outside of the gym?

I've noticed little things that I've changed.. It may sound silly, but I don't drive around the parking lot at the store looking for the closest spot anymore. I don't know why I ever thought that extra 20 steps (or 100 at Costco) was going to ruin my day. I also talk about FGF to people so much that I've encouraged quite a few women to join! Maybe it's just so I'll shut up about it, but whatever works ;)

When you're not pumping iron at FGF, what does the rest of your life look like? 

Well if having two jobs didn't keep me busy enough, I also volunteer at the Spokane Humane Society when I can. I am getting married in June so a lot of my time is spent planning the details of that as well! When I have spare time from all that craziness, I love to cook, go to the dog park with my huge 115lb pup, and spend time with my fiance and family :) I may also be addicted to Grey's Anatomy..

Any advice for new members, or your fellow Farmgirls? 

New Members: At the beginning you are going to be nervous. You are going to be sore for days after every workout. But you are not going to regret one day of it. Set your goals high because you can achieve so much more than you could ever imagine under those purple beams!

Fellow Farmgirls: You ladies are amazing and so encouraging. Whether you have been here since the beginning or just a few weeks, I appreciate and look up to every one of you!