Interview with Heather Hodges

Ines Subashka: Introduce yourself.
Heather Hodges: My name is Heather Hodges, I’m 39 years old and the mother of 2 sons ages 8 and 9.

IS: How long have you been doing Crossfit?
HH: I started CrossFit on October 1st, 2008.

IS: Have you been involved in some other sports before that?
HH: I played volleyball in college and a little tennis as an adult.

IS: How did people around you accept the fact that you are doing crossfit?Did they take a jaundiced view of it?
HH:  My husband started CrossFit before I did and I thought the workouts sounded ridiculous and dangerous. But when he started getting in great shape I started to take notice and wanted the same thing for myself. Some people who didn’t know much about CrossFit have warned me that it is too strenuous, but I have found that the CrossFit method is a fantastic way to get in the best shape of your life when it is supervised by a competent coach.

IS: Do you have a nutrition plan that you follow? If yes, do you meet disapproval from you friends?Or do they understand why you eat the way you do?
HH:  I follow a Paleo/Primal eating plan along with good supplements and vitamins (AdvoCare). I eat lean meats, lots of vegetables, fruit, raw nuts, olive oil and coconut oil. I do eat steel cut oatmeal and I have cream in my coffee as a treat. I try to avoid sugar, grains, and processed foods as much as possible.

IS: What does crossfit mean to you and did it change your life in some way?
HH:  CrossFit has been a powerful influence in my life. It helped me get in the best shape of my life and I’ve changed careers because of the positivity and community of CrossFit. When I found CrossFit I was a psychology instructor at a university, now I own a CrossFit gym and am a trainer full time.

IS: What is your favorite WOD and which one do you hate the most?
HH:  My favorite WOD is “Cindy” and my least favorite is “Claudia.”

IS: Is it hard for you to combine your daily tasks with workouts? And have you ever used the excuse that you are too busy to workout?

HH: I have the blessing to be able to work in a gym so I really can’t make the excuse that I’m too busy. What I do find as a gym owner is that I miss working out with a class. Sometimes I have to train on my own between classes or during a break at the gym and that can be lonely.

IS: What is your biggest accomplishment in crossfit so far?
HH: I made it to the 2010 Regional Qualifier in really tough region last year. I am also able to do handstand pushups and muscle ups and at my age I’m really proud of that.

IS: Do you remember some funny story with you and crossfit?
HH:  I don’t know about “funny” but I’ve got plenty of inspiring stories from CrossFit. But the most phenomenal thing I think I can say about CrossFit is the community is accepting, generous, and supportive.

IS: What advice would you give to the beginner crossfiters in Bulgaria?
HH: Be persistent in your training but also be patient, there is a lot of delayed gratification in CrossFit. It may seem like one workout or one good meal don’t matter, but they add up over time to a mountain of effort that will yield you big results over time. Stay focused, train hard, eat well, sleep long, and have fun!