Blitz: Inside Stories - Nic

Next up in our new series of in-depth member stories… Nic! We will be sharing these longer background stories about some of our members, delving into their what, why and how when it came to joining Blitz; and the personal impact training with us has had.

Read on for Nic’s full inside story….

Tell us a little about yourself and your training background…

Hello, I’m Nic! I’m a Partner in a Tech Consulting firm living in Twickenham.

 I wasn’t very athletic growing up and thought my uni roommate was insane to get up for a Step class (acceptable in the 90s) on a Saturday morning when there was a whole day of doing absolutely nothing to enjoy.  In my late 20s, I began exercising more, particularly running, which I still enjoy. I've taken up open water swimming and cycling over recent years, and completed my first Olympic distance triathlon this summer.

What initially motivated you to start doing CrossFit at Blitz and how has that motivation evolved over time?

I was working with a PT (Coach Steve) at a gym in Twickenham who was also a coach at Blitz (which did something called ‘Crossfit’.) When Steve left to move to Australia he recommended I try Blitz and I’ve never looked back! I’ve been a member for quite a few years now - long enough to get the 1000 class hoodie, not quite long enough to know what I’m doing.

My motivation when I started out was about physical appearance, and while that is still important (I’m one of Hotel Chocolat’s MVPs), it is now much more about the mental and longevity benefits. I want to be running and deadlifting when I’m 90.

How does your gym routine fit into your overall daily schedule, and what adjustments have you made to prioritise it? 

For many years I worked away Monday to Thursday in glamourous locations such as Solihull and Bradford. Long hours and hotel life made it difficult to commit to a gym routine. I made a conscious decision about 5/6 years ago to seek out roles that were primarily London based which has allowed me to commit to a schedule. 

I try and move every day before work (a ‘sitting down’ job) – so a 7am class at Blitz, a run or even just taking a longer walking route to the train station. I enjoy the work I do, but it is demanding and sometimes intense, so protecting my movement time has been a game changer for me. Its now non-negotiable.

What physical or mental benefits have you noticed since you began consistently going to the gym?

There is a strong connection with consistency at the gym/exercise and my mental and emotional well-being. I started running when my Dad became ill – I guess as a way of escaping, sticking on the tunes and zoning out for a while.  

An additional element that Blitz has added in my exercise routine is more consistent strength training which I find a very empowering form of exercise.  I’m not going to break any records, but charting my own progress lifting heavier weights has been an unexpected pleasure – and I love training with the many inspirational strong women (and men) at Blitz 

Lockdown was a tough time for many of us. Living alone, the virtual classes that Blitz ran were hugely valuable for me both physically and mentally. They provided that human connection particularly during the early days. I have fond memories of doing handstands against my patio door with Coach Anna worried I was going to break the glass, and a lot of jumping jacks with Coach Tim!

What challenges do you face in maintaining a consistent gym routine, and how do you overcome them?

I’ve learnt to be more relaxed if I go a few days without being able to train, but I do generally find a way (as mentioned after many years of having no routine) - even if that means the occasional 6am class or a shorter run.

How has going to the gym impacted other areas of your life, such as work, relationships, or personal growth?

The self awareness needed to recognise that training isn’t a linear process, the willingness to take on a challenge, and not to compare your own progress to anyone else are all hugely relevant to my career.  Leaving one’s ego at the door and being humble are also fairly solid life tools.

The Blitz community has been such an unexpected gift. Through Blitz I have made some incredible friends, and met wonderful members of all ages, shapes and sizes who are all on their own fitness journey. The team of coaches (present and past) have always been so encouraging, challenging and inclusive.  It’s a cliche, but Crossfit really is for everyone, I’m proof of that. Oh, and it’s FUN!