29 Nov Member of the Month: Audrey Maury

It’s member of the month time and this time around it’s the turn of one of the pillars of the CrossFit GVA community. Audrey began training with us in June 2015 and many of you may know her as one of the most impressive performers we have at CrossFit GVA. However, she did not start out that way at all and when she began, there were no outward signs of the progress to come. What Audrey did display, however, was a huge amount of determination to improve and a willingness to put in a lot of work and dedication. The result is the athlete we all see every day at the gym. However, more importantly Audrey is a fantastic member of our community. Whenever you see her is always smiling, laughing and encouraging people and provides positivity wherever she goes. As a result we are very happy to give a little insight into her background and training as our November member of the month.

Where are you from originally and how long have you been in Geneva?
I was born in Geneva and I have always lived here.

What do you do for a living?
I work with my family. My grandparents created a business in 1954 and now I work together with my parents and my brother. We transport and recycle construction material in Geneva. Maybe you have seen the big red trucks in the city? ? I work mainly in the office with my mum on the administration side of the business. I’m very lucky to work with my family as we get on really well.

How did you get into that job?
I always worked in the family business while I was studying at school and university. For me the logical next step was to continue working with them.

How long have you been doing CrossFit?
I started CrossFit in June 2015 so that makes 4 and a half years now.

Why did you start?
I was training in a commercial gym at the time and my goal was to lose weight. I was trying to get a certain physique which I didn’t manage (and never could have managed…). I discovered CrossFit when I was looking for group classes to change my routine. I was bored with training and was looking for something to motivate me.

What other type of sport or fitness did you do before CrossFit?
When i was younger I played volleyball, swam and played tennis. But never at a competitive level, just for fun outside of school.

What frustrates you most about training?
At the start i found gymnastics very frustrating. It looks so easy when the pros do it! Why is it so hard?? (yes, gymnastics is definitely my weak point). But I’m no longer frustrated as I have accepted what are my strong points and weak points.

What progress are you most proud of?
Considering I come from the world of fitness and my mobility was always bad, I am proud of the progress I have made in weightlifting. Even if I still have room to improve and I never stop learning, I am happy where I am now considering where I started.

What other hobbies do you have other than training?
I like discovering new places or people. I like travelling and I like learning.

You are very serious about training. Do you still enjoy it?
Oh yes, I love it! I am always learning new things which I love. Of course there are highs and lows and weeks (or months) where motivation might be lacking. But it always feels great to come and spend time at the box with my CrossFit friends!

Did you always think you would get into the competitive side of CrossFit or did you start just for fun?
I started competing just to spend some time with my friends and see what it was like. I never thought about it as anything but that. I still see competitions as the chance to spend time with people who share the same passion as I do. I know that I’m not the best (not even close) but hanging out with friends, laughing, encouraging team mates and laughing with the judge when you don’t know how to do a muscle up (which I know very well!!).

You have made a huge amount of progress since you started. Did you expect that or is it a surprise for you?
Thank you ! Yes its true that I have made a lot of progress since starting. I can’t say it’s a surprise because I have put a lot of work into it. But when I started I never thought I would get to where I am now. Of course there is always room to get better and that is what keeps me motivated to continue.

If somebody with no CrossFit experience saw you training, they might think that they could never do what you do (even if you were a beginner once too!). What advice would you give them on how to start CrossFit?
Anything is possible ! Don’t say “oh I could never do that”. You will see that if you are patient and work hard, you will get there. Leave time for learning as there are lots of things to learn in CrossFit. Trust the process. Everything comes in time, stay focused on technique. Don’t hurt yourself trying to follow other people who are lifting heavier than you. I know “leave your ego outside” is hard. But you have nothing to prove inside the box. Listen to your coaches. Each one of them will have a different approach to help you to improve. Make sure to write down your PRs, even the small ones. That always feels good and allows you to see your progress. That’s already a lot of advice, so I will stop there!