We are excited to announce our newest member of the month, Breegan Houlihan! You can often find Breegan here bright and early in the 5:30AM or 6:00AM classes working hard, and then staying after to do some extra work and/or socialize. She’s also the one responsible for all of that free Quest protein that was floating around the gym for a while… Thanks, Breeg!
From day one, she has always had a smile on her face and a friendly, outgoing presence at the gym. Even when dealing with an injury or struggling through a movement she does not like, she’s always willing to give it her all and laugh about it after. She is also always on board to help out when needed. She was here Friday through Sunday of the Showdown this year, and we couldn’t have done it without her. We are so lucky to have her as part of our community. Though we are thrilled that she was accepted into her Masters program for Athletic Training, we are sad that she will be leaving us for Plymouth State University at the end of the summer. Congratulations, Breegan!
How did you get involved in CrossFit? What was your first WOD/experience?
I worked at lululemon on Newbury Street while I was in college, and my co-worker Christen Mitchell always talked about CrossFit. She was actually a member at CrossFit Southie! After graduating from college I moved to Southie. No longer being at in college or at home with a free gym membership, I decided to finally pull the trigger and see what CrossFit was all about. My first WOD was the Saturday intro class with Tina Mo. It was a real struggle to get in and out of my beach chair at M Street beach for the next few days.
When did you start coming to CrossFit Southie?
I took the intro class in June 2014 right after my 23 birthday. I became an official member of CFS the following week. The only other boxes I have worked out at have been vacation drop-ins. So far, I have yet to see a community and coaching staff that matches what we have at Southie.
Is this the first CrossFit you’ve worked out at / how long have you been CrossFitting for?
This is the first and only box I have worked out at and I have been here for a little over 1.5 years.
When did you realize that CrossFit was right for you?
I was a competitive swimmer through high school and quit 2 weeks into my freshman year of college. I was constantly searching for something that challenged me the way that swimming did, but did not find that in any work out or exercise classes until CrossFit. As soon as I took the intro class and felt how sore I was the next day I knew this was something I had to stick with. After about 6 months I couldn’t believe the changes in my strength, body, and overall fitness. Beyond the physical changes that CrossFit has given me, I have met some of my best friends at CrossFit Southie. It’s a weird thing to find your people and then think of how you got so far in life without them.
What are you short-term and long-term CrossFit goals?
Short term, I would love for my squat clean to finally catch up with my front squat 1RM. Long term, I hope to continue training at least 4 days a week while I am in grad school. I hope that some day in the distant future I can do a muscle-up!
What is your biggest accomplishment?
I think my biggest accomplishment was maintaining my gym schedule while I was in school the past year. Working two jobs on top of a full course load for school was difficult but CrossFit kept me sane and motivated, and I ended up with a 3.95 GPA. A few weeks ago I found out I was accepted to the Masters in Athletic Training Program at Plymouth State University! While I am so excited for this step, I will definitely be sad to leave CFS.
What is your favorite / least favorite WOD/movement?
My favorite movements are cleans, snatches, double unders, and rowing. My least favorite would have to be burpees and box jumps.
What do you do for a profession outside of CrossFit?
I am a nanny! I work for an amazing family in Southie and am so thankful I was able to work with them while being in school.
What are your hobbies outside of CrossFit?
I have an obsession with music, so I am constantly searching for new tunes or jamming to my favorites. I am a beach fanatic and am there whenever possible in the summer! I also love crafting and have been very into chalkboard calligraphy recently.
Do you eat Paleo or Zone? What is your favorite paleo/non-paleo meal?
Ugh eating habits. My least favorite topic of conversation. I actually do not eat fruits or vegetables. Not sure how I’m still alive but somehow I’ve made it through 24 years. I have a condition called Sensory Processing Disorder, which can affect any combination of your senses. In my case, my taste, hearing, and smell are extremely sensitive. The texture of fruits and vegetables (yes all of them) makes me gag to the point where I will literally puke. Sorry for the TMI. So I eat a lot of chicken, ground beef/turkey, eggs, rice, and Greek yogurt. Eating is what I struggle with the most without a doubt but it’s a work in progress (thanks to Michelle for always helping me!)
Fun fact?
I had 5 wisdom teeth. Don’t think that extra one gave me any extra wisdom but it definitely contributed to the 3 weeks of swelling after its removal!
Partner WOD 1
12 Minute AMRAP
50 Double unders Each (both athletes work at the same time) or 300m Run As a Team
40/30 Calorie Row
-One partner works at a time on the Row. Accumulate as many Rounds/Calories as possible.
Rest 3 minutes
Partner WOD 2
10 minute AMRAP
40 Double Unders Each or 200m Run as a team, one person must carry the medball
30 Partner Wallballs
Rest 3 Minutes
Partner WOD 3
8 Minute AMRAP
30 Double Unders Each or 100m Run As a team
6 Muscle-ups/16 Ring Dips
One person works at a time for the muscle ups/dips.
Score = Total Reps excluding the double unders
L2 – 1/2 dubs
L1 – singles x 1