Erika Hansen: Featured Athlete of July 2019

Coachable | Hardworking | Positive
These are the attributes we look for in the Athletes of The Hill.

“A staple of consistency in the 7pm class and an athlete that is the hallmark of proactive exercise.  Erica never lets her work schedule get in the way of making it in and get her sweat on. Side note, she’s also a twin.” 

-Josh

Let’s get to know more about Erika:

What is your favorite color? Blue.

Pick a silly question or answer them all: What would your spirit animal be?
Koala. I’d like to hang out in trees, on a beautiful island, and sleep for my daily routine.

Row, Bike or Run? & Why?
Row. I have terrible running technique and I nearly die every time we have a workout that involves the assault bike.

What is your favorite CrossFit Movement?
It’s so hard to pick just one. I’m going to pick an olympic lift and a gymnastic movement. Squat snatch and bar muscle ups.

Favorite Restaurant in KC? Or favorite Cheat Meal?
I’m going with cheat meal and that will always be In-N-Out. Burger, fries, and a strawberry shake.

When did you start working out at The Hill?
October of 2016.

What were some of the emotional or physical challenges you were having before you started at CrossFit Memorial Hill?
I had just relocated to KC two weeks prior to joining the gym. I moved for a new job and literally knew no one. I’ve always enjoyed working out because I love how it makes me feel and the mental clarity it gives me. I knew that with moving to a brand new place, I needed to get out and put myself in situations where I would be able to meet new friends. Additionally, I felt like I had plateaued a bit at my previous gym, so a new environment with new coaches and new training was just what I needed. Insert Crossfit Memorial Hill 🙂

What did the frustration feel like as you tried to solve those challenges before you started at The Hill?
Trying something new and putting yourself out there can be a little intimidating, but I knew I wasn’t going to reach my goals if I didn’t.
How have you seen those challenges improve since joining The Hill? What does life looks like now? Life is wonderful. I travel a lot for work and I miss the gym dearly when I’m away. It’s a really cool feeling to look forward to going to the gym every evening to be with people who share a common goal and are interested in making each other better humans.

How is The Hill different than other gyms you’ve been to?
100% transparency, I’ve never been a member of a gym quite like this one. From the coaches to the training to the staff to the members, everyone is incredible. It’s a home away from home and I honestly couldn’t ask for anything better.

What keeps you coming back? And where do you find your motivation when the workout looks difficult?
I love the challenge of a workout.  I try to be my best self every day and I know, that for me, working out is an integral part of that.  I don’t look at the workouts prior to coming to class. I just show up and know that regardless of how hard it’s going to be, there’s always a finish line.

How do you make working out fit into your busy schedule?
It’s a non-negotiable for me.  I make time because I see the way it positively affects my life.  

What would you say to someone thinking about starting CrossFit?
Try it!  Anyone can do it and everything can be modified.

What are some of your goals in or out of the gym? Personal Records or achievements that your proud of?
Continue getting more fit.  I’m not a very competitive person, so PRs don’t really matter to me.  I just intend to continue showing up and giving it my all and having fun along the way.  

What would your dream workout be?
Deadlifts, toes to bar, double unders.  

Anything else you would like to share with our #fitfam?
I know I don’t know a majority of you lot, but it’s really neat to be part of such a cool, inspiring group of people!