October athlete(s): Mel Hopper & Marissa Gaige Oct 2019
The 04 is excited to introduce you to Marissa Gaige and Mel Hopper! These two have been staples in the 5:30 a.m. class for well over a year now... And man, have they been crushing it! Because of their success, these two strong and amazing women are the Co-Athletes of the month for October 2019! Read their Q&A session below:
So Marissa...
1. What or who brought you to The 04?
"My husband Scott had been going to 04 Strength for about 4 months. He continuously asked me to go with him and try it out. I never thought I’d consider going because I thought I could NEVER workout in front of anyone. I decided to join him on a Friday morning at 5:30a.m. about a year and a half ago and I’m completely hooked!"
2. What was it like getting started?
"Getting started was a little overwhelming for me. Getting up that early was just crazy for the first few weeks. I had never really worked out before and looking at all of the fit people around me, I would get very discouraged. David, Lizi and the other gym members at the 04 were very supportive and helpful which helped ease my nervousness."
3. What are you most proud of accomplishing?
"I’m most proud of not giving up. I started out at about 130 lbs and even though I wasn’t looking to drop a lot of weight, I have lost 15 lbs and can actually see definition in my legs and arms and abdomen. I feel great! I’m super excited now that I can do what I said I’d never be able to do, pull-ups!"
4. What are some of your favorite workouts or experiences at The 04?
"I like rope climbs and multi station workouts but my favorite workouts would have to be with a partner. My friend/gym partner Mel definitely keeps me on track and when I feel like I can’t run that last 800 meters after a long spicy workout, she’s always there to give me that push I need."
5. What advice do you have for someone thinking about jumping in?
"My advice to someone who is thinking about joining the 04 is simple. Do not waste your time making excuses. It’s going to be challenging and sometimes you’re going to want to give up but there’s really no greater feeling once you crush that WOD and hear that 3-2-1 done! Also, waking up the next morning thinking damn, my body hurts so good as you head to the gym to do it all over again."
So Mel...
1. What or who brought you to The 04?
"I joined the gym with my friends Scott and Marissa to try a new type of workout."
2. What was it like getting started?
"The first week was rough but I’ve been here 1-1/2 years now and I am able to keep up with those around me."
3. What are you most proud of accomplishing? (you can say more than one thing)
"I was so happy when I could finally do pull-ups and rope climbs. These were never part of my previous workouts and now I feel more confident."
4. What are some of your favorite workouts or experiences with The 04?
"I enjoyed my first synchro Friday Night Fury with my partner Marissa. Partner workouts are my favorite, because you have someone helping you count reps and there for motivation."
5. What advice do you have for someone thinking about jumping in?
"Come join us; every day is a whole new experience. Give it time: don’t be one and done."
