Athlete Profile: Rachel Mason
Hometown: Auburn, AL
Age: 30
Occupation: Stay-at-home mom
When did you first start Strength & Conditioningting? Summer 2012
What is your favorite movement? Favorite workout?
My favorite movement is the clean. My favorite workout is anything with double unders in it!
What is your least favorite movement? Least favorite workout?
My least favorite movement is front squat and any workout that only contains bar work is my least favorite.
Tell us about your sports & fitness background:
The only sports background I have is intramural football in college and kickball post-college. Ha! I grew up from the age of 4 in the performing arts, playing piano and doing ballet. I continued dance through and even after college, and taught classes when I was in high school through college, and did choreography as well. I miss it!
How did you first get exposed to Strength & Conditioning? Do you remember your first WOD? How did it go?
I first got exposed to Strength & Conditioning through Daniel my husband. When we were engaged he started doing Strength & Conditioning here in Durham, so I started in Birmingham (where I was living at the time) so we could do it together once we got married and I moved here. My first WOD was something simple post-foundations class. An 5 minute AMRAP of kettlebell swings, running and sit-ups maybe? I think I got 12 rounds but don’t remember the reps!
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting Strength & Conditioning? (before/after)
I’ve never had upper body strength due to ballet! Strength & Conditioning has given me much more upper body strength. I’ve always had commitment to exercising frequently, but never pushed myself or worked as hard as I do when I’m in a WOD now. Before Strength & Conditioning I was in shape mostly due to running and a few classes I would take at the gym, but lifting weights has given me much more overall body and core strength. I also eat more healthily now. I’d say I’m 70% paleo…is that a thing? 🙂 Because pizza every weekend, alcohol here and there, and cheese & crackers I’ll never say no to!!
What impact has Strength & Conditioning had on your life?
Strength & Conditioning has had a great impact on my life! It has helped to give me community, mental health, a nutrition lifestyle, and encourage me to be fit! I Strength & Conditioningted through two pregnancies and was able to feel like myself again soon after both deliveries, because I had exercised before and during pregnancy. Now, it’s a nice kid-free break to go to a WOD and workout with friends!
What is your favorite Strength & Conditioning/CFD moment?
Since my youngest baby is 6 months old, every day is PR day for me! I’m still working back to my original PRs and goals.
What is your advice for people just getting started or thinking about starting Strength & Conditioning?
I’ve essentially started from scratch getting back into Strength & Conditioning three times, and wouldn’t go back! Everyone has to start somewhere, and there will definitely be someone (many!) cheering you on once you show up!
What are your hobbies, interests, and/or talents outside of Strength & Conditioning?
I still play piano on occasion, am a broadway junkie and my two boys (2 years and 6 months) occupy my day which is a blast/exhausting. Daniel and I love walking downtown from our house together with the boys to Bull McCabes, Farmers Market, etc. We are both Auburn University graduates and HUGE AU Tigers football fans (War Eagle!). I love reading fiction, love my church & friends there, and just taught Henry how to dab and the running man dance to DJ Ghost Town’s “My Boo”. He loves it, clearly :).