MelMel shows what the result of intensity looks like. Post “FGB”. Proof that a 15 minute workout can crush a grown woman.
Melanie has been with us now since March 25th of this year. She was pretty skeptical when she first joined. She was only the second woman to join Orange Coast CrossFit so to get her in was quite a momentous occasion for us. After going back and forth with me she finally relented and joined the team. At first she started with one foot cautiously in. She would come two or three days a week. She would purposely skip shoulder or upper body workouts for fear of getting “bulky”. Progress was forthright but slow. After about a month she came to me and said that her jeans were fitting tighter. I told her to be patient that all women experience some lean muscle growth before any fat comes off. I also suggested for her to switch over to a more Paleo eating style. Thankfully she listened to all of my advice and since then she has become one of our top athletes and greatest spokesperson. She no longer avoids any workouts and because of it she has become incredibly strong. I will let her give you the details on the physique changes. (Post to comments please Mel:) ) I can tell you this however. Shes very easy on the eyes. I’m jealous Ryan! So its MelMels birthday on Saturday and true to tradition here at OCC there will be a birthday workout in her honor slated for Saturday morning at nine. Be there!
WOD
Thanks OPT for the WOD
Front Squat
10 sets of 2 reps @ 90% of 3 rep max (maintain same weight throughout all sets.)
Then 2 rounds of:
50 Double Unders
20 Knees to Elbows
Thank you in so many ways JMF! I was reading this post when I was waking up this morning chuckling to myself… Everything you wrote was SO true. My original goal of starting CF was to get into the BEST shape of my life at 30… drum roll please… I DID IT!!! I will be 31 tomorrow and hands down, without an ounce of doubt, am I the BEST shape of my life.
While most people that I know comment that my arms are looking buff and my back looks GREAT… The REAL improvement has been my ever challenging rear end. Before CF I had saddlebags, while they weren’t terrible, I have ALWAYS hated them, they jiggle, they have cellulite, YUCK. My goal was to get a tighter ass, nicer legs and then to overall tone up everything. While I have been athletic my whole life with snowboarding, horseback riding, running and anything else outdoors and fun, I am not the girl with ANY natural muscle. Every bump and muscle bulge has been brought to me compliments of CF. I have worked EXTREMELY hard over the past 4 months and am trilled with my results. While I really haven’t dropped much weight overall, as that was not my initial goal, I have gained so much strength, stamina & toning that it’s ridiculous!
Paleo you say? YES… While I am NOT doing the Paleo challenge, I have drastically adjusted my diet to a more Paleo approach and love every second of it. I cook dinner almost every night and get excited about the new foods that I can make. Let me give you a little recipe I made on Wenesday that was amazing… Sauted Zucchini with olive oil and lemon pepper, topped with Trader Joes carnitas, fresh organic heirloom tomatoes, fresh cilantro & LIME LIME LIME… IT TASTED AWESOME!!!
I love CF, I love OCC and I love you all of my new friends! Thank you everyone and Happy Friday!!!
Mel, I think you look absolutely amazing! I had no idea you were 30; you don’t look anywhere even close to that. Damn girl!! I’m just starting out, and you have been a huge inspiration and motivation to me. Hopefully, with a little bit (or a lotta bit, in my case) of hard work and some dedication, I’ll get to your level one of these days
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEL!!! You are truly an inspiration to all of us OCC gals!
Few quick comments:
-I can testify to the accuracy of JMF’s story as I witnessed all stages of the process.
-I can also confirm that Mel Mel has transformed her body over the past few months and continues to do so. It’s Hot!
GREAT WORK!
Thanks too, to Mel for bring this upcoming event to our attention.
Bootcamp Challenge
http://www.bootcampchallenge.com/
Saturday, September 26, 2009…..9:00am start
Marine Corps Recruit Depot…. San Diego
Mel, Ryan, Chip and I are going for sure….several others are talking about it.
Congrats Melanie! I had the opportunity to watch Melanie do FGB at our box in Fresno (CrossFit-FTF) She did so awesome and blew many of our athletes away! Melanie, You are a solid crossfitter and it has obviously had a huge impact in your life. I look forward to seeing you in the 2010 CrossFit Games!!! You will be one of the top performers!!
Rock and Roll Girl! Keep up the great work!
Happy birthday Mel!!!
Happy Birthday Mel Mel. I remember your first day. I’m so glad you stuck with it. You’re a true example for the box.
What is so cool about Mel, besides her amazing physique is the fact that she is so nice and smart!! Happy Birthdy Mel!!
First of all happy birthday tomorrow. To tell you the truth, I thought you were in your twenties:) You’re one of the few people that sees a challenge and says “bring it”. Whether it be a casual hike up a mountain in the middle of the desert or a mud run or a bootcamp challenge. Continue on with your dedication to personal fitness and crossfit. OCC wouldn’t be the same without you.
Mel: Having both started in March ’09, we are classmates of a sort. If you get my metaphor – you are one of those “chicks” who sits in the front row, pays attention all the time, takes copious notes, but is still what I call, the “humble student” [your ego is in balance]. You are a standout because of your consistent commitment, achievement [you don't just show up, you execute], support for others and everybody likes hangin’ out with you. Happy B-Day! Bravo!
You have all warmed my heart with your gracious posts and kind words… Sending you all a ~virtual hug~!
Happy Friday Everyone!!!
XOXO,
Mel Mel