Paula’s CrossFit journey goes far beyond favorite workouts or movements, though she’ll happily tell you she loves a good push press and has a soft spot for the 12 Days of Christmas workout. After eight years of CrossFit, what stands out most is the why behind her commitment. For Paula, CrossFit became a powerful tool for managing her health, understanding her body, and choosing long-term strength over short-term fixes. Supported by the CFV community and coaches, she’s built habits that extend well beyond the gym floor, with a clear goal of staying strong and capable for years to come. Her story is rooted in perseverance, love, and showing up even when it’s hard, and it’s one you’ll want to read all the way through.
1. How long have you been doing CrossFit?
I have been doing CrossFit for 8 years
2. What's your favorite workout?
I would have to say 12 Days of Christmas. I am not a huge Christmas person but this workout I love!!!
3. What's your favorite movement?
Push Press.
4. Why do you do CrossFit?
I do CrossFit to maintain my diabetes A1C. I am not sure why this is not a prescription by doctors for people who have diabetes. I also have knee problems and being in CrossFit has helped me understand how the muscles work and what weaknesses could cause certain problems. I am still working the issue but without CrossFit I would probably be in worse shape following doctor’s orders of band aid fixes.
5. What meal could you eat every day for the rest of your life?
Spaghetti.
6. What has CFV helped you do, achieve, overcome, etc?
When I started CrossFit my A1C was at 8 and currently sits at 5.7. Though it took time to bring it down with exercise and nutrition it was better than taking meds everyday. The meds were not working. The support of Converse CrossFit (Paula's first gym) and CrossFit Virilis has helped me maintain my A1C. My goal here is to stay moving to be able to keep moving when I am in my golden years.
7. If you could have dinner with anyone dead or alive, who would it be and why?
My mom cause I love learning more and more about her life. She has overcome so much and inspires me to push forward.
8. Top three favorite movies.
1. The Matrix
2. Inception
3. Queen of the Damned
9. What makes you the happiest?
My wife, she has helped me grow in my life so much and has supported me when I could not get right.
10. Anything else you want to add about CFV, CrossFit, or yourself?
I truly enjoy the people at CFV. We are all have things in our life that we struggle with but for the hour we spend together we all are working on the same goal supporting each other. Additionally, i can not stress how much the coaches are the greatest!! They each bring so much greatness out of us.
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