Sept 2021--Theresa Reiser

1. Tell us about yourself, your family, your occupation, your hobbies/interests.

I came to Saint Mary’s in eighth grade and was in the dorm for five years at Saint Marys Academy. I officially moved to Saint Marys in 2007. I married my husband Zach in 2012 and we have four boys and one girl. After high school I went to Cosmetology school and worked in salons till our first baby was born. I now do haircuts at home to keep up my skills and it lets me do what I love while taking care of my family.

2. When did you start CrossFitting? Why did you start? Why do you continue now?

Are you doing CrossFit in May 2017. My husband, Zach, and my dad, Phil Borgerding, joined CrossFit the previous November so I was introduced to it then. At the Christmas banquet that year I heard a speech from Monica Glasgow about how CrossFit really helped her scoliosis, which I also have and has caused me issues over the years. My husband also encouraged me to join so I decided I wanted to try it out. I didn’t know what to expect but I quickly saw how CrossFit could benefit me and I really loved it from the start. After my fourth baby I had to stop doing CrossFit for about a year and a half and now that I’m back I never want to leave. I love the atmosphere, the camaraderie, and the fellowship I have found here. It helps me mentally, physically, and spiritually. Through CrossFit I can do what I need you to take care of myself and show my children how important that is.

3. Do you remember your first WOD? What were your thoughts after your first WOD?

I don’t necessarily remember my first official WOD, but I remember my first on-ramp class. I might have panicked a little when I realized we were doing a work out in that first class. I know with on-ramp you pay for the first three months right away but I don’t think you could’ve made me stop after on-ramp. I have loved everything about CrossFit from the very beginning.

4. What do you enjoy most about CrossFit?

The thing I enjoy most about CrossFit is the fellowship that I find here. It really feels like a family and I know that we are all there for each other. And I know I wouldn’t do this alone so I’m very grateful for everyone that keeps showing up.

5. What is your proudest CrossFit moment?

I have had some proud moments in CrossFit, but I distinctly remember the first. On the Fourth of July, in 2017 shortly after I started, I decided to do the Fight Gone Bad WOD. The RX weights for that WOD were very daunting but I figured I would give it a try. It was hard but I did it! It was that WOD that showed me what I really could do. I may not have done very many reps but I did them RX and I was so proud of that. It has showed me over the years that I am stronger than I thought I was and I can do more than I ever thought I could before CrossFit. It gave me the confidence to try things, even outside of the box, that I was hesitant to do before.

6. What is your favorite move it or lift? What is your least favorite?

I really love strength training so I would say my favorite is probably the dead lift. I love getting PR’s because it really shows me where I am at.
My least favorite? Does anyone disagree with me when I say burpees? I really tried to convince myself after I started that I loved burpees, “I love burpees, I love burpees, I love burpees”. Needless to say, it didn’t work.

7. Have you had one or two CrossFit goals that you have achieved recently? What are your current goals and how close are you to reaching them?

I love getting PR‘s in strength so the most current have been the 1RM Deadlift , and the 5RM Back Squat. Before I got pregnant with my fourth I was so close to getting Toes to Rings, like an inch away!
So now I am really trying to work toward Toes To Bar. I’m getting there slowly but surely and I won’t stop till I get it!

8. What makes CrossFit different from other fitness programs you might have tried in the past?

The only other things I have tried in the past were on my own, at home, and for a very short minute at the gym. I am well aware that for me to succeed in fitness I need accountability. With CrossFit I know I can succeed! When I have to sign up for classes I know I will go, and if I unsign, people will see it and ask me why I didn’t come. If I don’t show up I know someone will be contacting me to find out where I am and why I’m not coming. It’s the best kind of accountability for me.

9. What impact a CrossFit Benedictus had on your life, in and out of the gym?

In the gym it has helped me improve physically and mentally. Out of the gym I have created friendships that will last a lifetime. I know I can count on anyone here for any support that I could possibly need. We are truly a family.

10. Tell us about your nutrition And how it has changed, if any, since starting CrossFit?

A few months before starting CrossFit I changed my nutrition for the better. Since joining CrossFit I am more inclined to stick to a healthier way of eating because I know it is the best thing for my body.

11. If you could write a WOD for the classes, what would it look like?

I have been thinking for a long time what I would write for this one.

Dream Sequence
20 rounds for time. 45 min cap
Walk around the rig
2 min rest
1 jumping jack
Water break
1 single under
Sit down in front of the fan
1 dumbbell snatch
Lay down on the floor 1 min

Mobility: roll yourself to the car and drive home…we’ll say a prayer you make it home safe!

JUST KIDDING!!!! 😆

I really have thought about it and have decided that I would rather just do the WOD that someone else creates. I do love a good strength session though.

12. What advice do you have for others about the importance of dedication taking care of yourself, of investing in yourself?

There are so many times in our lives that we give and give to those we care about. If we do not take the time to take care of ourselves how can we take care of others? I know that when I take care of my needs I am more physically, mentally, and emotionally able to care for the needs of those I love. What a gift it is to be able to have the capacity to give to others because I have taken care of myself. And what a gift to be able to model for my children the importance of taking care of themselves as well.

13. What advice would you give to someone new to CrossFit or who is thinking about giving it a try?

I would say give it a try and stick to it. It’s not easy but it is so incredibly worth it. You will lose nothing by investing in your well-being.

Open Forum:

First I would like to say thank you to Doc and Cindy Carroll for starting the box. I know it took a lot of work and consistency to get the box where it is today. Thank you to Joe and Bridget Thomas and Andy and Mindy McDonald for taking on the continuation of the box and leading us on. Thank you to all the coaches who direct us to our goals safely and cheer us on. To all my fellow athletes, thanks for showing up and keeping me accountable, and for helping to push me, to go a little faster ( Maria Wiemann 😁), to put a few extra pounds on the bar (Amy Cerny 💪🏻), to do the best I can. I wouldn’t be here without you. I wouldn’t do this alone.

And thank you to my family for supporting me in my fitness endeavors. It means the world to me.