We love sharing stories of movement and change from across the fitness landscape… this week, the spotlight is on a mover from the CrossFit world who will inspire your socks off. She has an amazing talent for head to toe athleticism.
CrossFit athlete Lauren Gravatt, aka LG Thunder, is no newbie to fitness. She's done her fair share in the past 10 years starting with 5K’s, sprint triathlons and mud runs then on to trail races, half marathons, Tough Mudders, and Olympic distance triathlons. Loving the variety of exercises and putting her body through tough physically demanding situations, she realized that her strength was still lacking. (Wait what?) Enter her first workout in a CrossFit gym. Total double-take.
“It’s the most grueling workout out there. But it’s also the most rewarding. And it’s not just another exercise fad - it’s a way of life, it’s a community.”
By channeling the CrossFit positive vibes, Lauren learned to trust that she could handle more, push herself to new limits and reach what seemed like insurmountable goals.
Rethinking Fitness
After her first taste of CrossFit, Lauren’s body ached for days. This bad*** athlete discovered muscles she never knew existed. “I thought that I was super fit, but I got my butt kicked with one workout,” she recalls. “That was enough to get me hooked!”
Eager to learn more, she rang her brother Jordan, owner of a CrossFit box, and he showed her the ropes (so to speak). Didn't take long before Lauren decided that CrossFit was her true calling. She now spends endless days and nights training, coaching, and competing. “I was intrigued by the techniques and by the fact that I could apply the functional movements to life outside of the gym. It is a true test of my fitness and I’m stoked to hold my own beside top CrossFit athletes,” she says.
When asked what she’d say to someone on the fence about trying CrossFit, her lips curve into a smile. “Try it,” Lauren advises. “You’ll learn a lot about yourself in one workout, and then you’ll either come back for more or you won’t.”
Embracing the CrossFit Community
The way Lauren explains it, there’s no way to sugarcoat it – CrossFit is hard work. It challenges you physically, mentally, and emotionally. That’s why embracing the close-knit CrossFit community is just as important as technique. The camaraderie and support of fellow CrossFitters keep you positive and super pumped so you can crush that pull-up, box jump, or 205 bar.
The CrossFit community is known for it's close-knit relationships, Lauren explains, “These are MY people. We train together, sweat together and laugh together. I’m surrounded by first-class athletes who empower, motivate, and inspire me. They’re like an extension of me.”
Lauren thrives on pushing others to become the very best versions of themselves. “Coaching gives me the biggest buzz,” she enthuses. “The highlight of my day is seeing the people I coach give their all to get that snatch just right or master double-unders. I love being part of their journey.”
And now that Lauren is about to compete in the 2016 CrossFit Games Regionals, this time with a team, she’s all the more grateful for her relationships in the CrossFit community. “I realized team life is more fun,” she says. “We are as close as immediate family, and I feel stronger having them in my corner. We push each other incredibly hard but that’s what it takes.”
Fueling up
In order to maintain her competitive edge, Lauren has to stay fuel-conscious. But that doesn’t mean she lives a life of deprivation, quite the opposite actually. “I have to eat A LOT to stay fueled. And I’m a sucker for chocolate covered almonds and dark sea-salted chocolate,” she says. “I need my daily dose of chocolate.”
To ensure she gets the fuel she needs, Lauren has her Power Supply meals delivered straight to the gym for easy post workout chow down. The new Chicken Kale w/ Carrots and Spinach is her fav (yum) and is perfect for post workout macros. “Power Supply makes healthy, balanced eating super simple. I have no time to cook, I have to stay focused on training,” she says. “The meals are delicious, convenient and good for me.”
Strengthening the Mind, Body and Soul
Thanks to CrossFit, Lauren says that she’s become stronger in mind, body, and spirit. “I have the confidence to explore, keep an open mind, and try new things,” she says. “Sure, sometimes I fail – but I’m loving every minute!”
Some Fun Rapid-Fire Q & A's
Q: What would you tell your 20-year-old self?
Stay confident and trust in your abilities. Life is always going to be changing; nothing is permanent. Eat chocolate.
Q: What is one of your biggest goals?
Make it back to the CrossFit Games!
Q: What does your morning routine look like?
Wake up, start coffee, bite of chocolate, wash face, head out the door to the gym. That’s literally how it goes.
Q: Favorite workout move of all time?
Double unders - working on triples.
Follow Lauren’s advice: trust you can do more, look to your community for motivation, and have a bite of chocolate. You’ll be amazed at what you can do! Join us in cheering her on at Regionals. Follow Lauren and Power Supply on Instagram @lgthunder @mypowersupply.com.
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