Tia has been a member at Recursive for almost 4 years and started coaching with us this past September. Even with her mask on, you know she’s always smiling! Learn a bit more about her – be sure to read all the way through to the end to find out her special talent (it’s a good one!)

Years at Recursive: Since July 2017
Years Coaching: 6 months
Certifications: CF-L1

FAVORITES LIST
Color: navy blue or millennial pink
TV Show: Such a hard question! Depends on the day: Breaking Bad, Sex Education, Schitt’s Creek, Love Craft Country
Movie: Rent
Food: Paneer Tikka Masala from Amber Indian Cuisine
Candy: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Book: The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
CrossFit Movement: Squat Cleans
Song to Workout to: Bang Bang by Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj

If you work outside of the gym, what do you do?
I’m in my last semester of grad school studying social work. I’m part of a federal program where I participate in 2 years of work payback in exchange for my tuition being paid. So I’ll be working in public child welfare with a state or county agency in Wisconsin for the foreseeable future.

Did you participate in high school or college sports (or after college)?
I (begrudgingly) ran cross country in high school. I was not a kid that liked to work out. My parents had a rule about playing an instrument and a sport in high school and I thought that when I “missed softball tryouts” I would be off the hook. My dad, who has a degree in exercise science, saw through my lie and started programming workouts for me at home. I hated it at first, but after a while I started to really like running and a friend convinced me to join the cross country team!

When and why did you start CrossFitting?
CrossFit Fort Atkinson was down the street from me when I was in high school and my dad was really into it. I signed up as a way to get better for cross country season and to have something fun to do with my dad. A few years later my parents opened up their own gym and it has firmly been a part of my life ever since!

Why did you initially choose Recursive as an athlete?
I lived downtown while I was going to college at UW Madison and it was the closest gym! Even as I have moved around town I stayed at Recursive because of the great community we have built.

Why did you decide to become a CrossFit Coach at Recursive?
CrossFit being the family business I have thought about becoming a coach for a while. It really aligns with social work and my natural skill set. I love working one on one with people to meet their goals (even and especially if they seem small). My greatest joy is giving a suggestion and seeing it “click” for the person I’m working with. They do the work all on their own, but I get to be there for the journey, and I think that’s pretty incredible.

What is your favorite thing about Recursive?
I love how welcoming it is. CrossFit can be pretty intimidating, but we have been able to keep an environment of inclusivity, levity, and welcoming.

What is your favorite Recursive memory?
For the Open in 2019 I PRed my squat clean after many failed attempts. I was cheered on by a huge crowd at the gym. I never felt so cool.

What is one of your proudest Recursive Coaching moments?
I had a member tell me about a goal they achieved in a class while I wasn’t coaching. It meant so much to me that we had built that rapport where they knew that I was invested in their goals even when I wasn’t physically with them.

How has Recursive changed your life?
I have made real grown up friends! After graduating college I was really worried about how to make friends as an adult. I feel like CrossFit has given me a way to do that!

What is something else fun you’d like to share about yourself?
I can rap all of The Real Slim Shady by Eminem.

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