Member Spotlight, Lauren Pilie

We at CrossFit Nola are so proud of Lauren! If you aren't familiar with her, here is a mini interview to get to know her!!


When did you first come to CrossFit NOLA?
My husband I started our fundamentals class in May, 2012.

How did you hear about CrossFit, and what was your first experience?
I first heard about CrossFit from my parents, who started going about 5 years ago. They live in Georgia, which is where I lived at the time too, and I started going with them just before I moved to New Orleans.  My dad, in particular, is in really good shape and an excellent Crossfitter at almost 60 years old, so he is a big inspiration for me. He is a coach at his gym.

When are you due? Can you tell us about your experience doing crossfit while pregnant?

I am due February 16.  As I write this, I'm two weeks away from giving birth, and am still actively attending. I have loved pregnant CrossFit.  The biggest benefit has been no burpees.  Also, everyone at our gym is always sweet and encouraging, but even more so to big pregnant ladies!

How has Crossfit helped you with your pregnancy?
Many people have commented about how well I am still able to move and get around, and I know that is in large part due to continuing to stay active with Crossfit. Squats are also one of the most recommended exercises to help prepare for labor, and we do those all the time.

What advice would you give to other expecting mothers?
Don't be scared to stick with it! Lots of people seem to get really nervous when they see or hear about me doing as much as I continue to do at Crossfit, but I think the proof's in the pudding. Baby and I are both doing great, and we're 38 weeks in at this point. Your body will immediately tell you if something is not going to work for you as a pregnant Crossfitter (ex. for me: L-sits), so I just stop right away and sub something else.  Also, exercise during pregnancy has been shown to better develop the baby's brain and heart because of increased oxygen to the mom.

What  accomplishment are you the most proud of?
Although I have drastically reduced my weight in late pregnancy, I am proud that I can still front squat to full depth with good form without falling forward.
How many days do you crossfit?
Usually three days a week.

After a hard workout, what is your favorite meal?
I am a big vegetable person, so I love sautéed spinach, sweet potatoes, salad, etc.  Usually for quickness during the week, we'll eat a rotisserie chicken with it for protein.

On a Saturday night, where could we typically find you?
Either curled up on the couch with my husband watching a movie, or out to dinner with family.

What is one goal that you are currently working on that you will accomplish before the end of 2014?
I would like to be able to do a pull up by the end of the year.


Is there anything else you would like to say?
Crossfit has been a great confidence builder, allowing me to try things at the gym that I would be scared to attempt on my own. I am very glad that I had a strong background in it prior to pregnancy so that I could keep up with it, and I'm glad it will be there for me post-baby to drop the baby weight. I am thrilled that the Crossfit Kids program has started, as eventually our entire family will be able to participate.  We even bring our dog, Stickers, with us!  



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