MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Heather Rider

Q: What brought you to CrossFit in the first place? 

A: My husband wouldn’t stop talking about it. He was so obsessed, and I had to see what the big deal was. 

Q: What was your first impression? How has that changed? 

A: I didn’t know I could still move like that! I was 40 with two kids when I started CrossFit, and I hadn’t tried to jump or climb or swing on a bar in so many years, I thought I couldn’t do it. After one workout with box jumps and kettlebells, I was hooked. It felt so good just to move in a variety of ways and it never got boring. There was a new challenge everyday. Now I’m a bit older and starting again, and it’s still so fun to see what I can do. But this time around, I’m being more careful, getting a great workout but taking care of my old(er) joints. It’s about being healthy and fit for me. I still try to keep up with the kids sometimes though!

Q: What was your first “bright spot”? 

A: I can still do pull ups!

Q: What’s your favorite CrossFit CTRL memory?” 

A: I helped with a competition recently, and it gave me a chance to meet members I had not yet met. It was a lot of fun!

Q: What do you love most about CrossFit CTRL? What keeps you coming back each month? 

A: I love the focus on wellness. It’s not just about strength and speed, but being your best inside and out. 

Q: Who inspires you? 

A: Watching people tackle something new that scares them, or something hard that they’ve been working on, makes me think about what limitations I put on myself that don’t need to be there. 

Q: What is your current occupation? What are some hobbies, clubs, groups or activities you participate in?

A: I am a pediatric physical therapist. When I’m not working, I care for my autistic teen and my 12 year old. We watch a lot of movies at home with our teen. We do a lot of Scouting, camping, and hiking with our tween. I like to read too, but only fiction. 

Q: What would you say to someone you love to encourage them to try CrossFit CTRL? 

A: You don’t need to get in shape before you start CrossFit. You don’t need to be a certain age or body size. Just go. Start where you are and move up from there. Literally anyone can do CrossFit with the right modifications. And you couldn’t find a more supportive group of people to help you get started!