Michelle, when and where did you start doing Crossfit?
I first started crossfit at Crossfit Zug in 2021, shortly after I moved to Switzerland and the gyms were opened again!
What was the reason you joined Crossfit Zug? How did you like it here when you started?
Before crossfit I trained Olympic Weightlifting and I always wanted to try crossfit. So when I was settling into Switzerland, I decided to do a trial session at Crossfit Zug and from that day I joined. I really loved the variety in the classes, and even though at the time we were training with masks and in separate square boxes, I could feel there was a good sense of community there which is exactly what you need after moving to a new country. I also very much liked that there were specific Olympic Weightlifting classes..
What are your favorite Crossfit exercises? Which ones don’t you like?
Given I trained olympic weightlifting first, I am biased towards barbell exercises, especially snatch and cleans. Since training in crossfit though, I do enjoy some more dynamic movements like box jumps and burpees that get my heart rate up.
You’re pregnant now and you still show up for the classes and keep training, that’s amazing! What motivates you to keep going?
There are many reasons that keep me training during pregnancy. First, it was already such a big part of my life to move regularly. I enjoy it so much and I like coming to the classes to socialise a bit during or after my work day.
There are also so many benefits for both mum and baby to exercise during pregnancy, so I am training for both future us. Birth and motherhood is a marathon, so staying fit is at least one way to prepare.
I also feel that being active throughout my pregnancy has helped me a lot to avoid pregnancy related pain. I notice my back will start to hurt if I have a week off from training and it is a relief to get back in the gym. Exercise is the best medicine.
Lastly, over the past few years at Crossfit Zug I have seen many other strong women train during pregnancy and being mums, and this motivates me a lot. I want to be them when I grow up!!!
How hard is it to adjust your training during pregnancy?
I didn’t find it that hard to adjust, there are always alternatives for me to do and I feel I can still do most exercise well. Each stage of pregnancy has its different energy levels, so I found in the beginning, managing my energy was difficult, and now towards the end I am just happy to be moving, even if more slowly. The one thing training in pregnancy has become stronger is my mindset around being happy that I have turned up and done my best, and not feeling I should do more or go faster.
What’s one thing you miss most about training during pregnancy?
I do miss practicing gymnastics movements, something I am not so strong at, but before pregnancy I felt I was progressing here. So I look forward to rebuilding on that.
Did you get any feedback from coaches or other members that they are afraid seeing you train whilst pregnant? If so, how did you react?
The coaches have been great at encouraging me during classes, always finding a good alternative for me and making me feel included. Most people are very positive when they see me training, which is a nice feeling. But I think I do make some people worried when I am still throwing the barbell above my head (but it feels completely fine to me)
Do you have any tipps if a member gets pregnant and wants to keep doing Crossfit? How should they proceed with their training?
I would say that any movement during pregnancy is a positive. In the beginning it can feel difficult as your body adjusts and maybe it feels training is the last thing you want to do, but just showing up and doing some movement will go a long way. Every day feels a bit different, just listen to what your body can do on that day.
I would also say not to be afraid, you will know what movements your body is happy to do, even into late pregnancy. Everybody will have different exercises that they stop early and exercises they do until the end that would not suit another person.
What’s one thing you love about Crossfit Zug?
It is definitely the people, I have made really nice friends here and I always look forward to coming to the classes to see people and the coaches.
I also love the team events at the gym. One weekend I particularly enjoyed was the Brute Strength training weekend, I learned so much that weekend but also could barely walk into work on Monday!
