Congratulations to MaryBeth Reiss, our September 2022 member of the month here at Viking Athletics! MaryBeth is a mother of 4 girls, a loyal member of our morning classes, and has a very wide variety of interests. In true Jimmy Buffett fashion, she’s a jack-of-all-trades and master of none. And, MaryBeth prefers to get her steady-state cardio in by hiking with her dog, rather than sitting on a rower or bike. Learn more about MaryBeth below!
1.) What are your hobbies/interest/talents outside of the gym?
Jimmy Buffett likes to say he is a Jack of all trades and master of none. I like that and relate to it. I love almost everything and I’m ok at lots of things…. But those skills may fall short of talent! I love to ski with my family, play tennis with friends, cook for others, have tea parties with my girls, read any type of book, travel any where anyone will go with me, hike tall mountains, surf medium size waves, play mediocre piano and clarinet and sing horribly. I’m happiest surrounded by friends and family. Or having quiet moments in front of the fire with my dog.
2.) Share with us one thing that most people do NOT know about you?
I grew up riding horses. I went to college and jumped competitively for my university but didn’t love the team, the early mornings and the long competitions… so, I quit and joined the rugby team where I blissfully spent the remaining time at college playing rugby, singing songs and drinking beer. It was a great decision!
3.) How long have you been with us at Viking Athletics?
I’ve been here for just over 2 glorious years!
4.) Take us back to your first week here. How did you feel? Remember the workout?
It was back in the height of the pandemic. I wasn’t getting out much and I had a 3 month-old baby at home (and three other little girls). I was nervous. The gym seemed so serious and intimidating. Immediately I was warmly greeted by the 8:45 crew. That fall- Jason, Steve, Amber, Boo, Marri, Shelby and Jen and the various coaches were such a blessing. It was my escape and an hour to feel normal. I started at only 3 days a week and quickly switched to unlimited. Thank you, guys, for making me feel so welcome! I remember the lift was a snatch but can’t remember the metcon portion on my first day.
5.) What moment/achievement are you most proud of at Viking Athletics?
My breakthrough moment within the past year was when I got my kipping pull ups and could ditch the bands. I felt like I crossed over an invisible barrier to a new level. But no matter where you are, there is always ways to grow and improve. Because of this, you can have new wins everyday and feel fulfilled.
6.) Design your perfect workout?
It would be a 25 min AMRAP, and it would include a 400m run, 5 moderate weight cleans, 6 bar facing burpees and 7 pull ups.
7.) What is your least favorite movement?
Everyone who works out with me or coaches me probably thinks I’ll say snatch but it’s not. That’s just the one I suck at the most. Still striving to be better there! My least favorite workout is a conditioning day workout that includes something like 1000 m row, 2000m bike for 3 rounds. These just make me grumpy. If I’m honest, I tend to skip these and go for a run with my dog in the woods.
8.) Summarize your lifestyle in 5 words or less.
Full steam ahead (mostly) smiling
9.) Have you experienced any changes in your lifestyle since joining Viking Athletics?
I love everything about Viking Athletics. Every time I come, I leave happier, more fulfilled and feeling stronger. As adults, we don’t always learn something new or do something out of our comfort zone. At the gym, we are constantly learning, trying to improve, and pushing our boundaries. Sometimes we improve, sometimes we fall short. It’s humbling. I’ve found this extremely helpful as a parent. It’s so easy when we are trying to teach our children something new (ABC’s, skiing, soccer, manners…) to feel frustrated when they don’t get it right away. VA reminds me every day that I also don’t nail it every day and to be patient. Consistency and good coaching are key (at the gym and as a parent). Thanks, Vikings!
10.) What advice do you have for anyone who is thinking about joining or who has recently joined?
If you put in the work, you will get great results. You will feel both mentally and physically fulfilled. There is no better gym. Thanks to Erik’s great programming and coaches, it’s fail-proof. Show up, try hard, see results.