Siobhan Kelly joined the community last August and been a committed member ever since. Siobhan shows how much you can achieve from consistent effort over an extended period of time. She doesn’t do any training out of class time, she just makes the most out of her one hour of class, 6 times a week. Siobhan also guarantees that all other areas of her within her control support her training: she sleeps 7-8 hours a night, and she keeps her nutrition on point. 

How do you like to rest and recover?

I have a tough time taking any rest days from the gym (just because I love it) but Sundays are my one day to recover. I usually spend it wandering the markets in summer or visiting with my mom or my girls. 
I do try to eat properly, much better lately and I make every effort to get at least 7 hours of sleep. Lack of sleep definitely effects how I feel when I train.

What do you eat on a typical day?

My average day starts with an egg with egg whites and a half a banana when I come home from the gym. Lunch and dinner is an animal protein and lots of veggies including a starchy veg. I really try not to snack between meals but I do have a sweet tooth.

Have you changed the way you eat since you began CrossFit, If so, how?

I have always tried to eat relatively “healthy” but I would often skip meals or just have yogurt or cottage cheese for dinner. I didn’t use to like cooking but now I actually don’t mind it and I plan and prep for the next day. I tried to food prep for a week but it’s not for me. I like my meals fresh but for lunch leftovers are ok.
I recently completed the nutritional challenge which really simplified things for me. I have continued as much as possible to limit sugars, packaged/processed foods as well as dairy and grains. It seems to be working for me.

How does training/CrossFit fit into your life?

It’s just a part of my everyday. I look forward to it every morning and in fact I go to bed excited having read the next day’s workout on Comptrain. A little obsessed I know! 
As a community mental health nurse, I think my morning workouts help me deal with my busy day.

What reasons did you have to train when you started CrossFit? Have those reasons changed? If so, how?

I have always been physically active. I played soccer, ran for 15+ years doing road races and the Ktown tri. I stopped it all because of my bad knees and joined a gym. After 4 years and connecting with a great group of ladies there was still something missing so I left and joined the gym. Can’t say exactly what it was that was missing but whatever it was I’ve definitely found it!! Everyone was and is so welcoming and supportive and the coaching is excellent!

What improvements have you made in the past 6 months that you are most proud of?

I think the changes I’ve made in my nutrition is probably my biggest improvement. I’ve also becoming more confident in my abilities which allows me to pushing myself more. Being older it was initially intimidating training with so many young people but in the gym I find my age really has minimal bearing on my ability. (To a degree of course) lol
I also try to work on my technique and with the coaches’ help I’ve had a significant improvement in my knee and back pain.

Do you currently have a main focus or goal(s) with your training?

I think my main goal is to enjoy my time in the gym and stay injury free.

What would you consider to be your greatest strength as an athlete?

My greatest strength would have to be my consistency. When I ran, I did it every other day rain or shine. I love feeling fit!

What is one thing that you do every day that you feel is essential in contributing to your success in the gym?

My commitment to the gym I think and being positive. There are days I feel like I just can’t physically do it but i always push through it and feel great after!

If you could give yourself one piece of advice when you started CrossFit, what would it be?

Change is good. Embrace it!

Do you have a favourite quotation or mantra related to training?

Fit is not a destination it is a way of life!