From brand new Bench Coach – Ashley Grimes!
For as long as I can remember my dream was to become a teacher. I earned my degree in Physical Education and Health Promotion, subbed in local school districts, and coached track and field at the high school I graduated from for years. Eventually, I realized teaching in a public school classroom wasn’t for me for various reasons. I also had to stop coaching due to my current job. At the time, it felt like I had thrown my life away and was suddenly starting from ground zero. I called it my “quarter life crisis.” A few years later, I realized I was just a normal human trying to figure life out, just like everyone else.
Sports and physical activity had always been a huge part of my life. I was a high school and college athlete, with indoor and outdoor track and field being my main sports. In college, lifting became a part of our routine. I quickly learned to love it. After ongoing injuries ending my collegiate athletic career, I struggled with something that sounds a little silly now…I didn’t know how to workout alone. Going from year-round organized sports and team environments to motivating myself solo felt completely foreign.
I tried to navigate the campus gym alone, Zumba classes, random online programs – nothing really stuck. Life got busy, work took over and physical activity slowly disappeared from my routine. In 2016 a friend invited me to a bring-a-friend night at UPCF for a Boot Camp she was doing. I was incredibly nervous because of how long it had been and how out of shape I felt, but after that night I knew this place could be a place for me. Everyone was supportive, encouraging and there were all types of fitness levels. I signed up for two boot camps and eventually joined group classes.
Unfortunately, finances got tight, life happened and I drifted away from fitness for several years. I tried working out on my own again, but quickly learned my sister and I were NOT good workout partners! I attempted at-home workouts where the couch conveniently wouldn’t tell anyone I quit after 5 pushups or quit short of the end because I got too tired. Somehow seven years from ending my first time at UPCF passed by in a blur of a work, home, work, home cycle with not much of anything else.
Before rejoining UPCF in the fall of 2024, I had reached out to Michael about coming back. He would message me, I would ghost him. He would still message me, I would still ghost him. (Sorry Michael!) But eventually I hit a point where I knew something had to change. I kept telling myself my job was “physical enough,” but deep down I knew it wasn’t giving me what I actually needed mentally or physically. I missed feeling strong. I missed moving with purpose. I missed having something that was for me outside of work.
Starting up again was intimidating, but muscle memory is definitely a thing. It didn’t take long for movements to come back and I quickly felt lighter, happier, stronger, and excited to be in a routine again. I’ve hit PRs, lost strength and regained it, had terrible workouts and great ones, but none of it has stopped me from wanting to walk back through those doors. The friendships I have formed have been an extra plus!
I’ve missed coaching track and field, so this bench coaching opportunity felt right. The community at UPCF is unmatched, and seeing the longevity of members is a testament to what Michael, Lauren and all of the coaches have built here. I’m genuinely excited to continue learning, growing within CrossFit, and helping fellow UPCF members along the way. See you in class! 🙂
