ATHLETE OF THE MONTH- May 2018

Congratulations to Stephanie Huff, ALL IN’s May 2018 Athlete of the Month!

Tell us about yourself:

I am 46-years-old. While in high school, I was a tomboy and very athletic. I played basketball, volleyball, softball, and was a cheerleader. I tried to play football (the only other sport offered), but they wouldn’t let me play. ☹ I know it’s hard to believe now, but I was actually voted “most athletic” in high school. I was valedictorian and president of my graduating class. I am from Birmingham and came to Auburn in 1990 to attend Auburn University. I had every intention of moving back to Birmingham when I finished school, but met this guy (Chris Huff)…and never left. LOL. I am a family nurse practitioner and work part-time in the emergency department. I have a doctorate in nursing and teach nursing full-time. I am married to the love of my life and soulmate, Chris, and have 2 amazing children, London and Savannah. I guess they’re really not kids anymore since they are 24 and 21!

What is something interesting about you we would be surprised to know?

I got engaged after knowing/dating Chris for 2 weeks. I also grew up from the age of 8 till I went to college without electricity or a phone, but that’s a whole other story.

How long have you been coming to ALL IN CrossFit? 

I have been coming to ALL IN CrossFit since the doors opened January 3, 2013.

What made you start CrossFit? 

Well..my husband told me I was “getting thick” and needed to do something. LOL At the time, my feelings were hurt. Chris said he had a client named Shelby and she was going to open a CrossFit gym. He told me that, “She is in really great shape, and I think I’m going to start CrossFit at her gym.” I was intrigued. I made the mistake of Googling CrossFit and watched a video of these people jumping on a really high box among other crazy things. I was thinking, there is no way I can do that! Most people know I have MS, so knowing my mobility limitations…I was a little concerned. Well, I decided to give it a try. The first day, Shelby was there and really made me feel comfortable. She was supportive and encouraging. The next day, Chris was the coach. I was unsure because I really liked Shelby and the way she coached me. Well, the second day was not quite as smooth as the first day..I had to do kettlebell swings and they threw my balance off. I fell a couple of times during the workout. I was embarrassed and mortified and had a mini meltdown. I’m sure Chris was thinking, “What do I do with this woman who is falling apart.” LOL. He is now my favorite coach! Chris has helped me so much through the years. He has helped modify workouts to fit my mobility needs. 

What do you enjoy most about CrossFit? 

I love the feeling of getting through a tough workout that I thought I would never be able to complete. I also love the way CrossFit has shaped my body.

What is your favorite and your least favorite CrossFit movement or workout? 

My least favorite CrossFit movement is probably overhead squats because it really throws my balance off. My favorite CrossFit movement is either pullups or bench press, because they help make my arms look good!

What is your proudest CrossFit moment?

ALL IN CrossFit Open 2014. Thrusters were in the workout. Libba encouraged me to attempt the 65 lb thruster so I could get extra points for my team. I had never even done a 65 lb clean, much less a 65 lb thruster. I didn’t get it right away, but Libba kept encouraging me, and I finally did it! I only did the one, but oh did it feel really great!

What are your future CrossFit goals? 

Honestly, my future goal is just to be able to continue CrossFit. I have had a lot of progression with the MS and have gotten weaker, but I believe I am still doing as well as I am because of ALL IN CrossFit.

What impact has ALL IN CrossFit had on your life in and out of the gym? 

ALL IN CrossFit has helped me get in the best shape of my life. I love the friends I have made at ALL IN. It is such a fun, friendly atmosphere. I love how people comment on how great my arms look! I tell them it’s CrossFit. People are always amazed that I do CrossFit. I feel that if I can do it, anybody can. It may not be pretty, but I still try. I love that the people I work out with at 5am don’t judge me or stare. 

What is your favorite quote or words to live by? 

I love the quote by Ken Venturi- “I don’t believe you have to be better than everybody else. I believe you have to be better than you ever thought you could be.”

I also love the quote by Roy T Bennett- “Stay strong, stay positive, and never give up.”