Ashley R

Who are you? Tell us a little about yourself? Maybe something that would surprise us :)

I’m a California native who’s lived in the great state of Texas for the last 23 years – so I’m pretty much a Texan now. I work as a behavior therapist to individuals with autism. The special needs community is dear to me and one of my greatest joys. My students have taught me just as much as I’ve taught them and they’ve played an integral part in the person I am today. And for that I’m grateful. I’m an extroverted introvert with varied interests/hobbies that include music, dance, reading, art, and learning about different cultures.

How long have you been a Behemoth member and how did you hear about us?

I started with Behemoth on 1/4/2021. (Not only is January my BGYM anniversary month, but it’s also my birthday month, so this honor is doubly special) I was bored with doing the same YouTube workouts and I didn’t want to waste my money on another gym franchise. One day I decided to look for a CrossFit style gym in the area and Behemoth was the first location on my map search. I took one look at the website and thought, “These are regular people who look like they’re enjoying themselves. And there’s a sense of community - I like it!” So I contacted Aja and the rest is history.

How has being apart of Behemoth impacted your life?

Since joining Behemoth I’ve become healthier and stronger both physically AND mentally. I’m a perfectionist by nature and in the past I shied away from anything that I couldn’t execute flawlessly. Behemoth has helped me work through my perfectionist tendencies because I’m regularly pushed out of my comfort zone. I’ve come to realize that perfectionism isn’t the goal, but rather consistent progress. This mindset has translated to other areas of my life. I’ve begun tackling various challenges with a “Just do it!/Eat that frog!” attitude. My perspective has changed – I now view challenges as opportunities for growth.

What are some of your proudest accomplishments since starting with us? (this can be physical, mental, emotional, don’t just think inside the gym, this can be anything you truly feel great about!)

One of my proudest accomplishments in the gym was becoming one of the winners of the Summer 2021 Re-Calibrate Challenge! It was definitely unexpected. Another BGYM accomplishment of which I’m very proud is having an almost 200lb deadlift! Six months ago my deadlift was 135lbs. It’s been awesome to see how I’ve progressed. I’m looking forward to reaching a 225lb and 250lb deadlift  Outside of my BGYM milestones, I’ve lost weight and lowered my cholesterol from 214 to 175. But I have to say that the accomplishment that I’m MOST proud of is finally having a workout regimen that I’ve stuck with. Behemoth is the first gym that I’ve consistently attended. I LOVE being here and unlike previous gyms I’ve attended, I’ve never had to talk myself into coming to class. I WANT to be here and I hate it when I miss.

Talk a little bit about your journey, who were you or what were you struggling with before starting with Behemoth and who are you now since being a part of this gym culture and community?

Approximately 2 months prior to joining Behemoth I made the decision to start my health and fitness journey. I was the heaviest I’d ever been and I was over it. During my year of unemployment from 2010 to 2011 I became increasingly sedentary and started to pack on the pounds. For the next 10 years I went through a vicious cycle of losing weight and then gaining it back…and then some. And it wasn’t that I was unknowledgeable about nutrition and exercise – I just simply wasn’t consistent. Not to mention, over the years I’d become an emotional eater and had paired food with several of my daily activities. I hated the way I felt. But on Thursday, November 19, 2020, I decided that enough was ENOUGH. I was getting my health back and maintaining it this time! I’ve always wanted to be fit and athletic and I’ve always admired people who had natural athleticism. As a child I loved watching American Gladiators after the Saturday morning cartoon lineup. I wanted to be strong like the women on the show, I just didn’t think I’d ever see that dream come true. Behemoth has helped me prioritize my health and nutrition and made me realize that I am strong. It’s given me a body confidence that I didn’t have before – I appreciate my body in ways that I didn’t before. Although I’m not where I want to be, I’m definitely not where I was. And I haven’t even reached my full potential yet in terms of my strength.

What is your favorite part about Behemoth and what keeps you coming back?

Outside of the workouts, I love the community and accountability. I’ve met so many great people and made new friendships. In addition, the coaches are awesome and they each bring something unique to the BGYM culture. The classes, people and results keep me coming back. Oh, and I love that the coaches call us athletes. I’ve never been called an athlete before.

What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting out with Behemoth or maybe hesitant in starting out?

Behemoth provides top notch coaching, you’re definitely in good hands! It doesn’t matter your fitness level, the coaches meet you where you are and will modify movements to suit your individual needs. As you go through the workouts give yourself grace and understand that progress happens over time. Learn to find and celebrate the small victories! And don’t compare yourself to others (sometimes easier said than done), but rather strive to become the best version of yourself.

Behemoth Mad Lib

1. My hidden talent is?

I can cut a rug! If there’s one thing I could do all day, it’s dance. Hip-hop, jazz, line dancing, salsa…doesn’t matter. Dancing in my drug.

2. My favorite movement at BGYM is?

Deadlifts!

3. #Breakfastcrew, #Brunchcrew, or #Cocktail crew?

#CocktailCrew – that’s my tribe!

4. I have yet to, but have always wanted to?

Travel internationally

5. When I’m not working on my fitness at BGYM, I like to?

Listen to music and dance

6. I would love to see...

all the coaches do The Floor is Lava challenge on Netflix

7. Beast mode engaged when this song comes on during my workout?

My Name is Mud by Primus