Five Alarm Fitness

Bloomington, Illinois

member spotlight

Chatting with Kelly Huey

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Coach Josh sat down recently to speak with long-time member Kelly Huey about her experience with CrossFit, and her recent injury and recovery process.

Below are a few tidbits from that meeting. For more information about Kelly, her injury and osteoporosis, and why she loves CrossFit, we encourage you to watch/listen to the full chat on our YouTube channel, Five Alarm CrossFit; which can be found HERE.

CJ: What brought you to CrossFit initially?

KH: A challenge from my son that I couldn’t do it. He was coming here, and he said, “You can’t do it, I know you can’t do it.” I said, “Is that a challenge?” and he said, “Yes.” So, I came and I did it.

CJ: What was your first impression?

KH: That it was hard! But I liked it. I liked the variety of the workouts, that it was different every day, and the people.

CJ: Has your opinion of CrossFit changed over your 4.5 years?

KH: I was skeptical at first about it, but I do not have any regrets; and continuing with it, I love it. The strength I have – I mean, I’m old – I started this when I was 53. So, the strength I have now is incredible.

CJ: Do you remember one of your first Bright Spots, that you were really proud of?

KH: I still struggle with this, but the Snatch, adding weight for the first time, because I always had to do it with a 15# barbell, and when I added weight for the first time I was like, “Oh, my gosh, I did it!”

CJ: Okay, so a couple more questions. One, is there anything in your mind that is one of your favorite Five Alarm memories?

KH: The support I got from my 5am family when I got hurt. I might cry about it. They were so supportive. I got down one time at the gym and Laura and Cindy bought me flowers and sent them to school, so that was a nice surprise. I just think the support of this whole gym… the sense of family, the sense of support, to me that’s what keeps me coming back.

CJ: What would you say to someone who thinks, “I could never do [CrossFit], it’s too hard.”

KH: Anyone can do it. I started when I was 53 years old. I wasn’t very strong. Anyone can do it. Especially if I can do it! When my son challenged me, I was scared, I truly was. Because you see the competitions on TV, and think, “Oh, my gosh, what are these people doing to themselves.” Now I watch and I’m fascinated by that, that they can do this. And no, I’m never going to be like them. I reached a point, before my accident, that I don’t have to push press a ton of weight. I don’t have to deadlift a ton of weight. I just need to be in here to do the movements for myself. To make me feel strong. To stay healthy. And if I hadn’t been doing this with my accident, I wouldn’t be at where I am today with my recovery. I just can’t say enough about – don’t worry about it. You may never push press 100#. I know I’ll never do that, but at least I’m doing something.

Maridee Jefferson

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Maridee Jefferson
33
Analyst at State Farm

1. How long have you been doing CrossFit?
I started 3 years ago when my friend talked me into trying the intro class. Plus the cute ripped guy she set me up with was there as well (he’s now my hubby ) 😉

2. What, if any, training did you do prior to CrossFit?
I used to workout at Gold’s Gym. I had a personal trainer for a little bit because I had never been to a gym before going there. Mostly though I worked out on my own which got pretty boring.

3. What motivates you to keep coming back each day?
I’ve always been really active and I like the energy I get from going to the gym 4-5 days a week. I’m lucky that my husband and I get to go together and he’s a good motivator to me into the gym. The community at 5 Alarm is great as well, so the friendships that I’ve made there and motivation from others is another great reason to start my day at the gym.

4. What is your favorite/least favorite movement & WOD?
DB Snatch and wall balls are my favorite movements. Thrusters have always been my least favorite, especially heavy thrusters. I really enjoy partner WOD’s. They always push me to go harder and faster

5. What’s one thing you hope to accomplish in the gym in the upcoming year?
Since I’ve had to cut back on my workout intensity due to being pregnant, I hope to get back to the level I was pre-pregnancy. I’ve never been through this before so I don’t know how hard that will be to accomplish but I know I will have support and motivation from my fellow 5 Alarmers.

6. What one piece of advice would you give to somebody just starting out?
Listen to your coaches, push yourself, and always listen to your body. It’s important to have good form and feel comfortable with movements before packing on a lot of weight. I remember it used to be intimidating when I started out and had such low weights compared to everyone else. You’ll be surprised though, at how much stronger you get week after week.

What are other 5 Alarm athletes saying about Maridee?

Maridee is one of the hardest workers at the gym. She has excellent technique and is hands down one of the best in the gym on the rower. Maridee is always positive and encouraging to others. She is an excellent role model for young women everywhere. It is great that she gets to share her passion for fitness with her new husband Nick. I’m very happy for both of them as they move closer to having their first child. They will be great parents! – Barry Reilly

I was fortunate enough to be one of Maridee’s first coaches. Since then, I have gotten to compete alongside of her and witness first hand how strong she is both mentally and physically. Maridee is a dedicated athlete that quietly gets her workout in and has a smile on her face when she’s done. Currently, with her pregnancy, she continues on the path of fitness while inspiring others on a Monday morning when half the class might still be groggy from the weekend. I have heard more than once, “If Maridee can do it, I will too!” Keep quietly inspiring others and pass on your mindset of health and wellbeing to your baby! – Coach Erica Piwinsky

Maridee has incredible work ethic which is always recognizable, even being pregnant, in and out of the gym. When she met Nick and I saw how strong she looked, I wanted to start CrossFit. Maridee is always willing to help people out in classes whether it’s me, the newbie mother-in-law, or anyone else there. One of Evan’s favorite Maridee memories is when she thought that marathon bumper stickers were radio stations. Maridee is a great addition to 5 Alarm CrossFit and the Jefferson families and we can’t wait for their little one to arrive! – Sheri Jefferson

I was so happy when Maridee joined our box and even more happy when she became a regular in the Dawn Patrol. I knew Maridee outside the gym, so I knew what a truly wonderful and beautiful person she was, but I had no idea how strong and athletic she is! Maridee amazes me. She attacks each WOD, giving it her all and at the same time, encourages the rest of us. Maridee has such a positive attitude and great spirit. It is a gift to be able to workout near her and to know her. – Kathryn Copley

Over the last two years, I’ve had the pleasure of not only getting to know Maridee as an athlete, but also as a friend. She is one of the strongest and most humble people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. She’s constantly encouraging those around her with her positive attitude, her smile, and her presence. I know recently, she’s become even more of an inspiration for many, as she quietly attacks her workouts at 5 am each morning while pregnant. I have no doubt that she’s going to be an incredible Mom and role model for their baby girl.  – Coach Leah Wheeler

Motivated, determined, committed, consistent…These are just a few words that come to mind when I think of Maridee. Some might think those of just that workout at 5 am on a regular basis are crazy. Maridee continues to workout at this time throughout her pregnancy. She doesn’t use it as an excuse. Instead, she is always looking at options to make sure she gets a good workout in while growing little Miss Jefferson safely. Maridee, your strength and commitment to health are great motivation for those of us working out along side you. Keep up the awesome work! – Cindy Bruce

Dave Mouser

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David M. Mouser
42
Superintendent
Tri-Valley CUSD #3

1. How long have you been doing CrossFit?
I gathered the courage to walk into the gym in August of 2014.

2. What, if any, training did you do prior to CrossFit?
Mostly I just ate a lot. However, I lifted weights in my twenties. In my early thirties, I began running consistently. I’d completed several half marathons and the training associated. To be very honest, I’d had friends ask me to try CrossFit for a few years. I’d always turned it down because I was extremely intimidated by the process and was generally private when it came to exercising. I also thought words like WOD, Paleo, and Box were stupid. In August of 2014, I was in a rut and reached out to a colleague of mine that I greatly respected for some advice (Barry Reilly). He encouraged me to show up. It took a ton of courage to walk into the gym for the first time. I walked into a lunch hour work out and felt like Danny DeVito showing up to a Magic Mike casting call 🙂

3. What motivates you to keep coming back each day?
Honestly, it’s because it makes me feel proud. The workouts to me provide stress relief and a deep sense of accomplishment. Lately, I’ve started to see some significant gains and that feels pretty good. I eventually decided that it didn’t matter if I needed to scale a movement. Nobody cares. The coaches are really encouraging (Erica pushes me when I’m dogging it) and I’ve made some friendships that I really value. I also recognize that my health is important and deserves effort and attention. Finally, I’ve got a smoking hot wife that also joined that I need to keep up with!

4. What is your favorite/least favorite movement & WOD?
My favorite movements are squats and power cleans.

My least favorite movement are snatches because I can’t do them, and am convinced that the human body is not meant to contort in that fashion.

5. What’s one thing you hope to accomplish in the gym in the upcoming year?
To continue down the path I’m on while working to improve my diet. Let’s face it, I’m not exactly counting calories 🙂 I also hope that I can give back in some way by being helpful to others.

6. What one piece of advice would you give to somebody just starting out?
Everyone in the gym genuinely wants you to succeed and remembers just starting out. Don’t be intimidated, ask questions, have fun, and if I’m in your class please note the location of the AED.

What are other 5 Alarm athletes saying about Dave?

When Dave told me over 2 years ago he was going to go to a Crossfit gym class, I could NOT believe it. We had started running 5K’s and half marathons a few years before, but had been opposed to trying Crossfit because a few people had relentlessly tried to get him to go to a different gym. But, he was ready to try something new and Barry invited him to come to a class. It took a lot of courage, but he tried it and really liked it. A few months later I tried it, and we’ve been hooked ever since. I’m proud of him for sticking with it because he has become stronger and more confident, and it’s a great stress reliever too! Dave is one of those people that light up a room because of his humor and positive attitude. He has formed some new friendships (he’s an official member of Wayne’s Mile High Club), and we both love the community and family feel of Five Alarm Crossfit. I’m proud Dave has been chosen as the 5 Alarm Spotlight Member this month! – Amie Mouser

Dave is that guy who, when he is around, you know you’re going to laugh and have a good time. He is always up for anything. He never complains. Never wants to back off and is always pushing himself and those around him. He is super motivating to everyone in class. He works hard and is always at the center of the biggest laughs in the gym. We always share a rack and I have watched his strength numbers sky rocket over the last few months. Super impressive! I have only seen him upset one time……(I didn’t think the haircut was that bad.) I am glad he is at 5 Alarm because every gym needs more people like Dave. – Wayne Geffon

Dave is one of the funnest people to coach in my classes. He’s not only hilarious but also very hardworking. When he comes into the gym, he’s always happy and joking around, but ready to tackle the workout of the day. For the past few months, he’s consistently setting new PR’s on pretty much everything he does. I’m glad I’ve been able to coach him and see all the progress he’s made. It’s been amazing! I can’t wait to see what the upcoming year has in store for you. Keep up the good work! – Ryan Reilly

Dave Mouser completes 5 Alarm CrossFit. Besides being arguably the funniest person in the gym, he’s just a delightful person. There are times he comes into the gym and you can tell he’s had a rough day, but he always manages to still crack jokes and never brings anyone down. As funny as Dave is, his main strength is, well…his strength! Sometimes he plays off that things are “too heavy” and then makes it look like baby weight! Keep up the great work Dave! We love having you here at 5 Alarm! – Catie Carlson

Dave really is a great guy to have around. He will make you work hard but also laugh with a unique ability to separate the two, yet always have a timely quip or moment of motivation hidden in his back pocket of his pocket-less work out shorts. Finding out that he hosts large seminars and speaking engagements in addition to his day job was no real surprise- as knowing Dave for only a short period of time you can see how these traits would translate to something interesting and meaningful. He is also an incredible dancer, and never one to be shy, regales the afternoon classes on almost a daily basis. His favorite music is “anything with a sick beat” and his hobbies include Jorts. Dave and his family are truly great people to know and in all cases will make you a better person just through being around them. I have attached my favorite picture of Dave below…. – Mark Larsen

Chandra Harsha Theegela

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Harsha
Harsha

1. How long have you been doing CrossFit?
This is my 8th successful month!

2. What, if any, training did you do prior to CrossFit?
Just regular workouts

3. What motivates you to come back every day?
This helps me to improve on multiple movements & has helped increase my stamina.

4. What is your favorite/least favorite movement?
I love doing Cleans (as long as they aren’t squat cleans) and Deadlifts!

5. What’s one thing you hope to accomplish in the gym in the upcoming year?
By next year, I will get a muscle-up!

6. What one piece of advice would you give someone just starting out?
Stop talking and get into CrossFit!

What are other 5 Alarm athletes saying about Harsha?

I’ve had the pleasure of watching Harsha from the beginning of his journey at 5 Alarm. I’ve watched him go through progressions like a champ and continue to push himself in workouts. He’s taken huge strides in strength and conditioning and keeps on moving forward. He makes me proud to be his coach and to see such excitement every day in the gym. I cannot wait to see what is next for Harsha!! – Coach Chris McFarland

He is very friendly, funny and energetic. He encourages not only just him but also others participating in the WOD. He always gives 100% to his targets to reach them and pushes others in the gym. He has improved and gained in his techniques and confidence to achieve his PRs by setting PR after PR. Keep pushing and great work, Harsha! – Sharan Peetani

From the first day I met Harsha, he brought great positive energy to the gym. Always smiling and pushes himself to do better. He is a great deal of fun to be around! – Mike Buob

Zach Maxwell

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Zach Maxwell
Zach Maxwell

1. How long have you been doing CrossFit?
I started participating in CrossFit classes in August 2013.

2. What, if any, training did you do prior to CrossFit?
I competed in high school basketball and football, and strength/conditioning for those sports.  During and after college I went to the gym and did your typical exercises for each body part certain days of the week, mixing in some running.  The workouts tended to be sporadic and not consistent from month to month to see the results I wanted.

3. What motivates you to keep coming back to 5 Alarm each day?
I enjoy the different workouts given day to day, week to week.  It’s never the same and it gives you a goal to work toward: learning a new skill, beating a previous time, competing with a fellow athlete.  The friendships I have made keep the workouts and environment fun instead of suffering by yourself.

4. What is your favorite/least favorite movement and WoD?
My favorite lift is the clean and least favorite is the snatch.  My favorite workouts usually include some running aspect or a chipper workout.  Workouts like Helen or Nancy are some I like.

5. What’s one thing you hope to accomplish in the gym in the upcoming year?
Be more consistent getting ring muscle-ups.

6. What one piece of advice would you give to somebody just starting out?
These workouts can be for anyone and everyone.  All workouts are scalable, so ask the coaches.  Be consistent and you will surprise yourself with what you can do.

What are others in the gym saying about Zach?

As the adage goes, “hard work pays off,” and this could not be more true of Zach. Being a longer-tenured member of the gym, I have had the opportunity to see his consistent drive and will to improve take him from being a CrossFit beginner to one of the stronger all-around athletes in the gym, all while remaining humble about his accomplishments. Zach is always a pleasure to be around and workout with, always supporting others and pushing them to do their best. – Nick Jefferson

Zach Maxwell continues to grow as an athlete every day he is in the gym. He has a great competitive spirit and is encouraging to his fellow athletes. When he first started he was the “strong, silent” athlete that did his work and went on with his day. Now, Zach has become a vital part of the core of our CrossFit community and it brings a smile to my face, as one of his coaches, to see the hard work he puts in pay off. Keep inspiring others, Zach! – Coach Erica Piwinsky

I have had the pleasure of getting to know Zach as part of the 5am crew. During his time in the gym, I have watched him grow in strength and confidence. Zach is an excellent role model for other young men as his priorities are being a good husband and father. He works extremely hard and has become one of the best all-around athletes in the gym. It is always great to partner with Zach because he will push you to do your best. I often see him putting in additional work, even after some of our most challenging workouts. What I like most about Zach is you can always count on him to bring strong energy and a positive attitude. – “Coach,” Barry Reilly

Over the last year, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know Zach as both an athlete and a person. He’s one of the first athletes in at the 5 am class and always has a smile on his face and a positive attitude to match. In the last few months, Zach’s athletic performance has skyrocketed. He’s setting PR after PR, killing the workouts, and even got his first ring muscle-up! Zach is a great example of what hard work and dedication looks like, both in and out of the gym, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for him. Keep up the great work, Zach! – Coach Leah Wheeler

Antoinette Muhammad

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Antoinette Muhammad
Antoinette Muhammad

1. How long have you been doing CrossFit?
One year and 2 months.

2. What, if any, training did you do prior to CrossFit?
Prior to CrossFit, I was a member at Gold’s Gym. While there, I did some weight training with my husband, Anthony, and cardio work on the treadmill.

3. What motivates you to keep coming back to 5 Alarm each day?
My husband’s encouragement and support. Also, the inspiration from the coaches at 5 Alarm and the high fives, fist bumps, and encouragement from the other members.

4. What is your favorite/least favorite movement?
My favorite movement is squats and least favorite is burpees.

5. What is one thing you hope to accomplish in the gym in the upcoming year?
In the upcoming year, I would like to work on strengthening my upper body.

6. What one piece of advice would you give to somebody just starting out?
For new comers to CrossFit, I would recommend they just keep coming and don’t be scared!

What are Antoinette’s peers saying about her?

I want to thank Mrs. Leah Wheeler for offering me the opportunity to write a few words about my beautiful and sweet wife, Mrs. Antoinette Muhammad. Personally, I am very proud of her as a wife and mother; but I am also proud and grateful for her accomplishments during her first year of CrossFit. I was blessed to drink the CrossFit juice first; I was praying and hoping that I could convince Antoinette to try a CrossFit workout. Antoinette’s initial thoughts about CrossFit were negative. She felt the box was a loud and chaotic place. Antoinette swore she would never do things like Olympic lifting but now she is completing WOD’s that have over-head squats and she can do double-unders. She is always bragging how she can do push-ups and how her gait has improved. I thank God that she loves the CrossFit juice and that we can share our CrossFit lifestyle together. Keep up the great work Antoinette and a special thanks to all the Coaches and CrossFitters that helped my wife over the past year. – The Proud Husband of Antoinette Muhammad (Anthony)

She embodies what we want to see in a gym. She is always asking questions. She is an easy person to coach because she is always eager to learn and willing to push herself. It can be easy to take a day off and just go through the motions but she never seems to. – Chris McFarland

Antoinette is developing into an amazing athlete! It has been a joy watching her make gains in such a wide range of movements. I strongly discourage the use of the word “can’t” and she has embraced this mentality (some days more than others)! Seeing her smile and positive attitude about whatever the WOD holds for her that day is a pleasure, from a coaching perspective. I am very excited to see what she accomplishes next! – Erica Piwinsky

One year ago during the 2015 Open, I met Antoinette. At the time, she was on the sideline cheering her husband, Anthony on to getting his very first toes-to-bar. She was so full of encouragement for not just him but also for me and everyone participating. Along with that encouragement came a lot of questions about CrossFit. I think she was hooked then. Most of the time, you will find Antoinette at the 9:00 a.m. class. She comes in with a smile on her face and a sweet spirited determination to improve each day! She finishes every WoD with determination and improved execution every session. I am confident that the coaches would agree with me, she has improved and gained in her technique and confidence over the course of this year. She has a mean deadlift! Her quiet strength is simply inspiring! If you haven’t yet met Antoinette, make sure you do! I have no doubt you will love her and be inspired as I am! – Lorena Allen

During our short time working together, I’ve been impressed with the changes I’ve seen in Antoinette. She has always been a sweet, caring, smiley person but over the last few months, I’ve noticed her confidence really beginning to grow. She readily listens to coaching cues and has steadily been increasing her working weights during both the strength and WOD’s. I have no doubt that she’ll be able to achieve any goal she sets her mind to. Antoinette, thank you for being you! We love having you in the gym and you are an inspiration to us all! – Leah Wheeler

Ryan Reilly

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1. How long have you been doing CrossFit?
I have been doing CrossFit for about 4 years but started consistently coming the summer of 2015.

2. What, if any, training did you do prior to CrossFit?
I played football in high school and we did weight training with that.

3. What motivates you to keep coming back to 5 Alarm each day?
The people I workout with are the motivation to come to the gym. Without the coaches and my workout partners, I doubt I’d have as much fun as I do working out.

4. What is your favorite WOD?
Murph is one of my favorites as I love chipper workouts & we do it every year to get better at it.

5. What’s one thing you hope to accomplish in the gym in the upcoming year?
I hope to improve on my form with the Olympic lifts but mostly snatches.

6. What one piece of advice would you give to somebody just starting out?
Make friends or bring you friends in ASAP. They are what will motivate you to go to the gym and get better everyday!

What are others in the gym saying about Ryan?

Ryan is one of those people you just love to have in your class. From a coaching standpoint, he’s a very coachable athlete and always gives 100%. He also spends time both before and after class working on different movements and trying to improve weaknesses all the while encouraging those around him. He’s also a great friend! I’ve yet to meet someone in the gym he doesn’t get along with or who doesn’t like him ☺ Keep up the good work, Ryan! You’re doing amazing! – Leah Wheeler

I met Ryan several times before he started CrossFit when he would visit the box with his Dad! He was a shy young man and didn’t say much, but it always struck me as awesome that he would take the time to WOD with his parents. How cool is that? Then, he began showing up by himself and, usually, at the class Mark and I attended. It was fun to watch him integrate into the community and more inspiring to watch him grow with CrossFit as his foundation. For me, he has become a friend, someone I joke with, talk with, and enjoy spending time with outside the gym. He is an incredible young man with unlimited potential and I’m proud to say that he is my WOD buddy and friend. I was there when he got his first muscle-up, recorded it, and sent it to his Dad. He never ceases to amaze me and always encourages me. I’m inspired by his dedication, commitment, and never-ending smile! When I think about the box, it makes my heart happy that you can walk in between 4:45 & 6:30pm and see people coming together, ranging in age from teens to 50’s, and really enjoying the experience of spending time together. Ryan is a big part of making that happen and for that, I’m grateful. – Donna Johnson

As parents, we could not be more pleased with Ryan’s work ethic at the gym and how many friends he has made in the process. We are very proud of how hard he works to improve in just about every area of fitness. He continues to get better every day as he is now consistently beating his dad and has become one of the elite athletes in the gym. One of the highlights of the year was Ryan teaming with his Dad as well as Brett, Erica, Cassie, and Dana at the D-town Throwdown in September. Ryan loves hanging out at the gym and has made a number of lifelong friends. We love that great coaches and friends, who are excellent role models, surround him. We are grateful for the 5 Alarm community. Ryan has become much more confident in himself as a result of his time at the gym and this has transferred to other aspects of his life. We are very proud of Ryan as we think he is an excellent role model for others and are excited to watch him continue his progress as a person and an athlete! – Barry & Lisa Reilly (very, very, very proud parents)

Ryan Reilly (or Ry Ry as I mostly call this youngster) is one of my favorites. He pushes me in the gym—trying to get bigger muscles than each other and the friendly rivalry of beating each other every WOD. All jokes aside, Ryan makes the gym more enjoyable and fun and there aren’t many days when we aren’t in class together. Ryan brings out the best in people and is literally one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. For being only “almost 20,” he brings so much to the table. I’m so excited to compete with Ryan in a few weeks and am glad that our paths crossed and we are official WOD buddies (if that’s even a real thing). – Catie Carlson