Please note that all of our gyms run a full schedule. Mountain View has expanded its schedule. On ramps are ready to go at all locations.
If you are new to our site please visit the above links.
If you are an o
If you are new to our site please visit the above links.
If you are an o
AeLeah McDonald, Redwood City Athlete of the Month
AeLeah is as dedicated, motivated, and hard working as any CrossFitter I've seen. She has been working out with NorCal CrossFit, at our Redwood City gym, since the day we opened the doors. She is always the first one at the gym and the last one to leave, constantly working on different skills and getting training advice from our coaches. She takes a lot of pride in improving her movement, and it has reflected in her performance. Her incredible work ethic is contagious and she constantly brings up the moral and energy of the class. She has been an amazing part of our community as well, going out of her way to make all new members feel welcome.
It is inspiring to see how far AeLeah has come since she had a debilitating injury, that resulted in a major back surgery. She started CrossFit to help her recovery and hasn't looked back. She is proof that hard work, perseverance, and a very positive attitude can take you a long way. I have no doubt that she will reach her goals, both as a CrossFit athlete and professionally in becoming a firefighter.
When did you join CrossFit NorCal?
November 2012, I have been CrossFitting for about 8 months total.
Why did you join CrossFit?
I've been going to the gym on and off for over 10 years now. Not as serious as it sounds, although I felt like I was lifting pretty heavy. Chest and triceps one day, Back and biceps the next, and leg day... oh, and a ton of cardio! ugggh! I tried switching things up, but the gym just got so repetitive, I would get bored and eventually stop going then would have to start all over again. I dropped in to several different boxes (the free class) and knew CrossFit was what I wanted to explore, but the price initially held me back. I've been working on an ambulance since 2008 and my goal is to become a firefighter. I had back surgery in January 2011, total disc replacement, and went through a year of physical therapy where they had me lifting 50lbs max and doing crunches on the balance ball. I didn't think I'd ever be strong enough to pass a firefighter physical agility test again. I thought my dream was over. My husband and I decided that CrossFit would be worth the money and I initially joined a box in the Peninsula. I am stronger than I have ever been, even BEFORE back surgery and passed the CPAT (firefighter physical agility test)! I am still pursuing my dream.
What changes in your health, physique and overall performance have you seen since starting CrossFit?
Wow, I feel like a whole new person mentally and physically! My outlook on life in general is much more positive, I feel more confident in what I do and the muscles are an added bonus. I struggled most of my teen and adult life yo-yo dieting which led to eating issues, gaining weight, losing weight and being insecure because I never felt like I fit in with the other girls. Since I started CrossFit, with the love and support of my husband and family, I feel like I have become the person I was meant to be. I have a totally different mindset when I CrossFit. I set goals to challenge myself and achieve those challenges. I am excited to learn everything I can and become as good as the coaching staff at NorCal so I can help others one day. I eat to be healthy and fuel my body for daily activities and CrossFit. I train to be stronger, faster and more fit.
What advice would you give to someone with regards to starting CrossFit?
Just GO, don't wait! You have nothing to lose, except fat! I was super intimidated when I first started. I quickly learned that there are many people of different levels and there is nothing to be scared of. When I first started, I couldn't even do a pull-up and 65 year old lady was deadlifting more than I was! I now have a 225lb DL PR and can connect 10 butterfly pull-ups! One day, I will be as strong as my coach, Molly! =)
Favorite CrossFit exercise?
Snatches!
Favorite activity outside of CrossFit?
Spending quality time with my family, shopping and cats.
Proudest accomplishment at CrossFit?
Geez, I wish I could say muscle up already! I'm stronger and healthier than I've ever been.
Favorite place to eat a Paleo-ish meal?
Although I do not follow a Paleo diet, my go to (if I'm on the run) is definitely Chipotle - where else?!?
Something people would be surprised to know about you?
I wanted to be a professional skateboarder growing up... and I ride motorcycles!
What/who inspires you the most?
My husband, Camille LeBlanc and Coach Molly!!! They are such bad-ass females and my plan is to be as strong as them one day!
AeLeah is as dedicated, motivated, and hard working as any CrossFitter I've seen. She has been working out with NorCal CrossFit, at our Redwood City gym, since the day we opened the doors. She is always the first one at the gym and the last one to leave, constantly working on different skills and getting training advice from our coaches. She takes a lot of pride in improving her movement, and it has reflected in her performance. Her incredible work ethic is contagious and she constantly brings up the moral and energy of the class. She has been an amazing part of our community as well, going out of her way to make all new members feel welcome.
It is inspiring to see how far AeLeah has come since she had a debilitating injury, that resulted in a major back surgery. She started CrossFit to help her recovery and hasn't looked back. She is proof that hard work, perseverance, and a very positive attitude can take you a long way. I have no doubt that she will reach her goals, both as a CrossFit athlete and professionally in becoming a firefighter.
When did you join CrossFit NorCal?
November 2012, I have been CrossFitting for about 8 months total.
Why did you join CrossFit?
I've been going to the gym on and off for over 10 years now. Not as serious as it sounds, although I felt like I was lifting pretty heavy. Chest and triceps one day, Back and biceps the next, and leg day... oh, and a ton of cardio! ugggh! I tried switching things up, but the gym just got so repetitive, I would get bored and eventually stop going then would have to start all over again. I dropped in to several different boxes (the free class) and knew CrossFit was what I wanted to explore, but the price initially held me back. I've been working on an ambulance since 2008 and my goal is to become a firefighter. I had back surgery in January 2011, total disc replacement, and went through a year of physical therapy where they had me lifting 50lbs max and doing crunches on the balance ball. I didn't think I'd ever be strong enough to pass a firefighter physical agility test again. I thought my dream was over. My husband and I decided that CrossFit would be worth the money and I initially joined a box in the Peninsula. I am stronger than I have ever been, even BEFORE back surgery and passed the CPAT (firefighter physical agility test)! I am still pursuing my dream.
What changes in your health, physique and overall performance have you seen since starting CrossFit?
Wow, I feel like a whole new person mentally and physically! My outlook on life in general is much more positive, I feel more confident in what I do and the muscles are an added bonus. I struggled most of my teen and adult life yo-yo dieting which led to eating issues, gaining weight, losing weight and being insecure because I never felt like I fit in with the other girls. Since I started CrossFit, with the love and support of my husband and family, I feel like I have become the person I was meant to be. I have a totally different mindset when I CrossFit. I set goals to challenge myself and achieve those challenges. I am excited to learn everything I can and become as good as the coaching staff at NorCal so I can help others one day. I eat to be healthy and fuel my body for daily activities and CrossFit. I train to be stronger, faster and more fit.
What advice would you give to someone with regards to starting CrossFit?
Just GO, don't wait! You have nothing to lose, except fat! I was super intimidated when I first started. I quickly learned that there are many people of different levels and there is nothing to be scared of. When I first started, I couldn't even do a pull-up and 65 year old lady was deadlifting more than I was! I now have a 225lb DL PR and can connect 10 butterfly pull-ups! One day, I will be as strong as my coach, Molly! =)
Favorite CrossFit exercise?
Snatches!
Favorite activity outside of CrossFit?
Spending quality time with my family, shopping and cats.
Proudest accomplishment at CrossFit?
Geez, I wish I could say muscle up already! I'm stronger and healthier than I've ever been.
Favorite place to eat a Paleo-ish meal?
Although I do not follow a Paleo diet, my go to (if I'm on the run) is definitely Chipotle - where else?!?
Something people would be surprised to know about you?
I wanted to be a professional skateboarder growing up... and I ride motorcycles!
What/who inspires you the most?
My husband, Camille LeBlanc and Coach Molly!!! They are such bad-ass females and my plan is to be as strong as them one day!
Workout for Wednesday:
Buy in: Max Dead Hang Pullups (one set)
15 Sumo Deadlift (225/155)
25 Air Squats
35 Double Unders
3 Rounds
Buy Out: Max Kipping Pullups (one set)
