Congratulations to Marri Fairbanks, our November member of the month! Marri has been with us since the very beginning, before Coach Erik took over gym ownership. In fact, Coach Erik and Marri were classmates when CrossFit Relentless first opened back in 2009! Over the last 14 years, Marri’s husband Jon joined the gym, and both her children have gone through our Youth program (starting at ages 8 and 10). In their time here, they learned movement patterns that would serve them in both high school and college sports. More recently, Marri has been a member of our powerlifting program. More on that and Marri below!
What are your hobbies/interest/talents outside of the gym?
Outside of the gym I love to play tennis (which I started 2 years ago), hike, garden, needlepoint, cook, volunteer and travel.
Share with us one thing that most people do NOT know about you?
I hold the CT State record (in my age group/weight class) for the deadlift at 110kilos (242 pounds).
How long have you been with us at Viking Athletics?
I have been a member for 14 years! I started at CrossFit USA in Berlin, CT in 2009 which then moved to West Hartford in 2010 and became CrossFit Relentless. There are still a few of us at Viking Athletics that started at CrossFit USA.
Take us back to your first week here. How did you feel? Remember the workout?
My first week was a real eye opener. I remember being so sore but loved that feeling because I knew I had done something difficult to feel that way. Of course I got hooked. I can’t remember the exact workout but I do remember warming up with the class and being dumbstruck that the others could run and talk at the same time. It was all I could do to keep up with them.
What moment/achievement are you most proud of at Viking Athletics?
I have participated in quite a few CrossFit competitions with my sister, Erin Healer, and love the feeling and energy at them. Two and a half years ago I joined the VA Powerlifting Team and have participated in 2 competitions so far. My next one will be in March 2024. My goal is to achieve CT State record status for my squat and bench.
Design your perfect workout?
I love the days that we perform all three lifts (bench, deadlift and squat).
What is your least favorite movement?
Wallballs!
Summarize your lifestyle in 5 words or less.
Keep moving. Learn new things.
Have you experienced any changes in your lifestyle since joining Viking Athletics?
Gosh yes I have. There are so many examples but one specific one that my husband I and joke about. Quite often he will come home and find that the furniture has been moved. I like to rearrange things by myself which I could not do before VA. Being at the gym is part of my lifestyle and quite frankly I get cranky if I don’t work out. I have added walking 2 miles as a cooldown.
What advice do you have for anyone who is thinking about joining or who has recently joined?
I would tell prospective and new members that Viking Athletics is a top-notch gym that takes fitness very seriously and wants nothing but successful outcomes for members. The programming is fantastic and they will learn so many new movements and techniques all under the watchful eyes of our coaches. Take the leap!