Prior to Wodapalooza, FITAID held a photoshoot with CrossFitter, Kelsey Kiel. Being that it was her first competition in almost 2 years, we thought we would catch up with her and see what she has been up to. Our manager of social, Dion, was able to get some behind the scenes content as well as ask Kelsey some interesting questions. Check out our Q&A brought to you by our Master of Social, Dion. Also, give our Instagram page, @fitaid, a follow to stay up to date with everything FITAID.
Being that this is your first competition in almost 2 years, why did it take you so long to come back to crossfit?
Kelsey: “I took almost a full year off from doing anything crossfit to bobsled and the last competition I did was in February of 2020. I took a lot of time off to focus on bobsledding. I missed Crossfit though so I decided to come back.”
What intrigued you the most about bobsledding?
Kelsey: “It was a different opportunity. They asked if i wanted to see if i’d be good at the sport so i decided to give it a go. I had a feeling that crossfit wasn't going anywhere but the opportunity to try and make an Olympic team was something I wanted to try to give a shot. They said it was going to be hard to do that in less than a year, and it was hard to do, and i didn't do it, so here i am back in the sport that i really love.”
What are you excited about the most for WZA?
Kelsey: “I feel like I am most excited to just get back out there. I get to compete with my best friend on my team. All three of us are just out to have fun. I've missed it. When they say WZA is a celebration of fitness, that's exactly what it is. There's nothing like it.”
What do you miss most about competition?
Kelsey: “The sport in general. Like when you're training for a very specific reason, to medal at the olympics, it's very sport specific. But with Corssfit, everyday in the gym is such a process and I missed that when I was training for bobsledding. Everyday im looking forward to going to the gym again and I am having more fun than i feel like i've ever had doing CrossFit. I'm just doing it for myself and enjoying every moment.”
Has this process of getting back into CrossFit brought you reminders of why you started CrossFit ?
Kelsey: “If someone told me I would be doing this (a photoshoot) when I started, I would have never in a million years believed you. I think that taking the year off and trying a different sport, trying something new, made me realize what I miss about this sport. It really took me back to the roots, the reason I started competing in the first place. I think I lost myself a little bit there. Not necessarily doing it for the wrong reason but it became a chore. Taking some time off and coming back makes it seem like a different environment and I've been having so much fun with it.”
What's the most frustrating thing about a photo shoot? Doing the same thing over and over again? Or just waiting for a long time?
Kelsey: “The lack of snacks that I brought HAHA”
How many times have you had to fake drink a FITAID?
Kelsey: “Too many to count!” (Proceeds to fake drink a FITAID)
Thin crust pizza or deep dish pizza?
Kelsey: “Thin crust because I just don't like deep dish pizza. I feel like it's very saucy.”
If you had to choose one, Outback Steakhouse or CheeseCake Factory?
Kelsey: “Outback Steakhouse because I really like Steak even though Cheesecake Factory has the biggest menu I have ever seen in my life. It’s like a book.”
Be sure to check our other blog posts for more exclusive interviews, WZA Competition content, and everything LIFEAID!
Prior to Wodapalooza, FITAID held a photoshoot with CrossFitter, Kelsey Kiel. Being that it was her first competition in almost 2 years, we thought we would catch up with her and see what she has been up to. Our manager of social, Dion, was able to get some behind the scenes content as well as […]
“Party in the city where the heat is on, All night, on the beach till the break of dawn, Welcome to Miami, Bienvenidos a Miami!” Pack your bags and don't forget your swimsuit. For the first event of 2022, the LIFEAID team is headed to Miami for Wodapalooza (WZA). What started in 2012 as a grassroots 1-day event with 145 athletes and 500 spectators, has now grown into the world’s premier Functional Fitness Festival. Today, this event spans 4 days on Miami’s Bayfront Park and brings together thousands of athletes, spectators, and fitness enthusiasts.
If you plan on making the trip to Miami, here is what you can plan for. There will be a weightlifting faceoff, WZA Strong which is a hybrid competition of Strongman and functional fitness movements, and the Gauntlet which is an exciting and fast race through three workouts in one hour (!!!). Also, for spectators, there will be one of the largest collections of functional fitness vendors and exhibitors as well as spectator workouts and seminars.
This year, several of our FITAID sponsored athletes will be competing at 2022 WZA. Those competing will include Sara Sigmundsdóttir, Guilherme “Gui” Malheiros, Kelsey Kiel, James Newburry, Jay Crouch, and Ellie Turner. If you are going to this event, make sure you cheer extra loud for our athletes and be on the lookout for some of our team members handing out FITAID merch and FITAID GO!
“Party in the city where the heat is on, All night, on the beach till the break of dawn, Welcome to Miami, Bienvenidos a Miami!” Pack your bags and don’t forget your swimsuit. For the first event of 2022, the LIFEAID team is headed to Miami for Wodapalooza (WZA). What started in 2012 as a […]
The Indicator podcast by Planet Monkey - The toymakers’ (supply chain) nightmare before Christmas
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New Eye Drops Offer an Alternative to Glasses
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“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."
- Nelson Mandela
Deep Breathing: A Complete Guide to the Relaxation Technique
As humans, we breathe in and out over 22,000 times a day. Concentrating on just a few deep breaths every day can actually relieve stress, alleviate pain, and increase your energy levels. Check out this great article from Everyday Health for a complete guide to deep breathing.
Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It
Voted one of Amazon’s best books of the year, Chatter reveals the psychology of our inner voice and allows us to better listen and understand ourselves. There is more to our silent conversations than we think, learn how to take advantage of this awesome part of you.
The Indicator podcast by Planet Monkey – The toymakers’ (supply chain) nightmare before Christmas Considered one of the best podcasts available today, the Indicator takes on a unique issue in the business world and breaks it down in 10 minutes or less. This episode explains the supply chain delays and their effect on Christmas shopping […]
The Goal Digger Podcast - The Science of Happiness at Work
In this podcast, host Jenna Kutcher speaks with Jenn Lim, the CEO of Delivering Happiness, a company dedicated to helping organizations improve their company culture. Kutcher and Lim explain what it takes to create a great work environment and company culture, including steps you can take to truly enjoy your time at work.
Why Emotionally Intelligent Leaders Follow the Rule of Zero Off-Hours
A brief exploration of the importance of balancing work and home life, this article explains why we shouldn’t constantly check our emails and how expecting everyone to be available at all times is a recipe for burnout. Here’s what you can do instead.
“To me, business isn’t about wearing suits or pleasing stockholders. It’s about being true to yourself, your ideas and focusing on the essentials."
- Sir Richard Branson
A Penny for Your Squats?
A study published in Nature tested over 50 motivational programs and their effects on how often we exercise. After analyzing the results of incentives like paying users to workout, it turns out that rest may be the key factor that keeps us going back to the gym.
You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life
Described as being “Packed with humor, inspiration, and advice”, You Are a Badass is currently the number one New York Times best-selling self-help book. Read through these real life stories, how-to guides, and sage advice, and be on your way to living an awesome life.
The Goal Digger Podcast – The Science of Happiness at Work In this podcast, host Jenna Kutcher speaks with Jenn Lim, the CEO of Delivering Happiness, a company dedicated to helping organizations improve their company culture. Kutcher and Lim explain what it takes to create a great work environment and company culture, including steps you […]
Empire Podcast - Build a Powerful Existence
There are no shortcuts, it's all about the long game. Every day you have a choice of what you put in your body, directly resulting in how you show up in the world. Check out this interview I did with Bedros Keuilian to hear more about LIFEAID, how to avoid the "victim" role and recognize your own power.
How Exercise Affects your Appetite
Does exercising regularly make us hungrier or does it help curb our appetites? The answer - Both. This article is an interesting read, discussing research on the relationship between burning calories and consuming them.
“Wherever you are, be all there."
- Jim Elliot
Mentor Nation - Chase your Impossible Dream
Last month, I sat down with John Abbas, host of the Mentor Nation Podcast, to discuss how we started LIFEAID with no money and no experience. Listen to find out how being creative gave us our edge to compete with giants like Red Bull and find success in an industry with a 99% failure rate. This is the story of how we chased our impossible dream.
Are Energy Drinks Really that Bad?
Not all energy drinks are created equal. This article discusses everything you should look out for when purchasing caffeinated drinks, including sweeteners, added coloring and flavoring, and heavy amounts of caffeine. Fortunately, all of LIFEAID’s blends are made with the highest attention to wellness, with natural caffeine from green tea, vitamins, and zero added colors or flavors.
Your Next Five Moves - Master the Art of Business Strategy
This Wallstreet Journal Bestseller by Patrick Bet-David focuses on improving our clarity, so we can better analyze our situation and where we would like to improve. Patrick Bet-David discusses strategies for improvement and growth, as well as how to build the perfect team. Finally, this book offers insight into the power of leverage and its different applications.
Empire Podcast – Build a Powerful Existence There are no shortcuts, it’s all about the long game. Every day you have a choice of what you put in your body, directly resulting in how you show up in the world. Check out this interview I did with Bedros Keuilian to hear more about LIFEAID, how […]
Life of the Beverage Industry
In a market as crowded as the beverage industry, creating a brand new company from scratch involves a whole lot of creativity, strategic planning, and a little bit of luck. LIFEAID started with an idea that has turned into not only a great product, but an opportunity to impact thousands of lives. Learn more in this conversation between myself and Matt Beaudreau.
The 10 Healthiest New Year's Resolutions You Can Make
It's almost that time! A fresh year, a fresh start and a chance to set new intentions. As with any habit, it's essential to start small and be realistic. Wake up 10 minutes earlier, go for a daily 10 minute walk, or just picking up a book before bed instead of your phone. What are your 2022 New Year's Resolutions? Let me know on Instagram @aaronhinde
“All problems are illusions of the mind."
- Eckhart Tolle
Does High Intensity Exercise Affect Our Hearts? Minds? Life Spans? Waistlines?
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Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking
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Life of the Beverage Industry In a market as crowded as the beverage industry, creating a brand new company from scratch involves a whole lot of creativity, strategic planning, and a little bit of luck. LIFEAID started with an idea that has turned into not only a great product, but an opportunity to impact thousands […]
Glam & Grow Podcast
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The Emotional Push-Up
Mental fitness is just as important as physical fitness. But how can we make the two work together? Olivia Bowser founded Liberate, a program that “takes what we love from fitness classes and uses it to focus on strengthening the mind”.
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act but a habit.”
—Aristotle
7 Surprising Benefits of Exercise
We all know exercise is good for us, but why? This article goes through seven key benefits of exercise. Read on for some motivation to break a sweat!
The Gifts of Imperfection
The world would be too boring if people could attain perfection. Brene Brown, Research Professor at the University of Houston, celebrates our imperfections in her most recent book. Brown helps us learn how to change the things we can, and accept the things we can’t.
Glam & Grow Podcast How do you bring an idea to life? Especially when that idea is entering an already overcrowded beverage space? Find out how we created the functional beverage concept, with Takara Sewitt. Listen now… The Emotional Push-Up Mental fitness is just as important as physical fitness. But how can we make the […]
As we are less than a week away from Christmas, it is only right to truly get into the holiday spirit. The LIFEAID team has made a list of their favorite holiday songs and best believe they are checking it twice. If you are in charge of the aux this year at your company's Christmas party or the family holiday party, the LIFEAID team has you covered. Christmas songs last forever and the list below is proof of that. Christmas hits of the 50’s and 60’s can still be played this week at your holiday parties - everyone loves a classic! So sit back, relax, and enjoy these holiday tunes that will sure enough get you in the holiday spirit.
“White Christmas” (1954) - The Drifters
“Dominick The Donkey” (1960) - Lou Monte
“Last Christmas” (1984) - Wham
“Baby It’s Cold Outside feat. Sofia Reyes” (2016) - Brett Elredge
“This Christmas” (1998) - NSYNC
“Christmas Don’t Be Late” (1959) - The Chipmunks
“Cuddle Up, Cozy Down Christmas feat. Michael Bublé” (2020) - Dolly Parton
“Won’t Be Home For Christmas” (2005) - Blink 182
“White Christmas” (2019) - A.Skillz
“This Christmas” (2007) - Chris Brown
“Have yourself A Merry Little Christmas” (2020) - Sam Smith
“Mistletoe” (2011) - Justin Bieber
“Little Saint Nick” (1964) - The Beach Boys
“Don't Shoot Me Santa” (2016) - The Killers
“Feliz Navidad” (1970) - José Feliciano
“Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer”
As we are less than a week away from Christmas, it is only right to truly get into the holiday spirit. The LIFEAID team has made a list of their favorite holiday songs and best believe they are checking it twice. If you are in charge of the aux this year at your company’s Christmas […]
Christmas is a time to spend with family and friends. A time when those family traditions come together. More importantly, Christmas is a time to sit back, relax, and unwrap those presents. However, have you ever thought about what those CrossFit athletes are up to on this holiday? Do they have their own traditions? And…do CrossFit athletes workout on Christmas day?! All year, these athletes are so dialed in on training and keeping their bodies in shape, that you may sometimes forget that CrossFit athletes are no different than you and me. Our friends over at Morning Chalk Up sat down with 6 of our LIFEAID athletes and found out what they are up to on Christmas.
Neal Maddox, Laura Horvath, Jacob Heppner, Cassidy Lance-McWherter, Gabi Migala, and Ellie Turner gave insight to what their Christmas day generally looks like. From spending time with family, to cooking all the family meals, and getting a training session in, all of these CrossFit athletes have their own special traditions that they do during the holidays. To read more about these traditions and their details, head over to the Morning Chalk Up. The url for this specific article will be linked below.
For everything CrossFit, make sure you are following Morning Chalk Up. Become a member of the site so you do not miss out on the fittest news in CrossFit around the world!
Christmas is a time to spend with family and friends. A time when those family traditions come together. More importantly, Christmas is a time to sit back, relax, and unwrap those presents. However, have you ever thought about what those CrossFit athletes are up to on this holiday? Do they have their own traditions? And…do […]
YAY! Those two pink lines have arrived, and you are so excited and anxious about the journey ahead. You start planning how to announce your pregnancy to your family and friends, start thinking about names, and then out of nowhere - all of those dreaded first trimester symptoms hit. With my first pregnancy, I was exactly 6 weeks when I got hit with my first wave of nausea - and to be honest, I was excited! I couldn’t believe I had life (well, lives, since it was twins) growing inside me, and the nausea felt like some reassurance that we were indeed pregnant. Within a week, I no longer was excited by the constant fatigue and nausea, and couldn’t wait for it to be over. Thankfully as many had told me - when the second trimester started, my symptoms eased up, and life got a little easier again.
When we got pregnant with our third baby earlier this year, I was prepared for that wave of gnarly pregnancy symptoms. What I was NOT prepared for, was just how soon they would start this time, and how much stronger they would be! I was getting sick right at the start of the 4-week mark, and I knew I was going to be in for a ride that first trimester.
Luckily - I felt like I had learned some tips and tricks that first time around, and really got to apply them this pregnancy. While there is nothing that’s going to magically make the nausea and fatigue disappear, there certainly are things that can help you feel just a bit more energized and like your normal self. Take a look at my 5 tips on surviving the first trimester of pregnancy!
1. Find a balance between movement and rest.
During my first pregnancy, I was so determined to keep my 5x/week workouts. Looking back, I wish I had been more easy on myself! I was exhausted, but I wanted to have a “fit pregnancy” and was so paranoid that I was going to get lazy and let myself go if I immediately started skipping workouts the minute I found out I was pregnant. However, I have also found that getting some light movement in DOES help with the fatigue and nausea. For me, this pregnancy - it has been all about finding balance. Lots of days, it means rest, other days, it may mean some strength training and cardio. And other days, it may mean a walk, riding the stationary bike, or doing some yard work! Movement doesn’t have to be defined as a 60 minute, high intensity workout class. It’s listening to your body, tuning in to what it needs THAT day, and honoring that.
2. Get dressed.
Photo courtesy of caroldavidson.com
I learned this while working from home as well, but getting up, showering, and changing out of PJs can absolutely change your perspective on the day. On so many of the days where I was super nauseous and sick - that hot shower and fresh clothes felt like just the reset I needed.
3. Drink lots of water.
This is definitely a major point not to skip, especially if you’re regularly throwing up during the first trimester. It is so easy to get dehydrated, and more than ever, your body needs that water. While pregnant and nauseous I definitely got sick of “drinking my water” (especially just to throw it up), but I tried to find creative ways to make it more appealing. Carbonated water, adding cut-up fruit, drinking warm decaf teas, electrolyte drinks, etc, made staying hydrated much easier.
4. Finding safe foods and keeping them handy.
Both pregnancies, my first-trimester food aversions were INTENSE. Paired with the extreme nausea, it was so hard to find “safe” things to eat. Once I started to find some things that sounded okay and that I could actually keep down (lots of carbs - bagels, toast, crackers, etc), I made sure to stock up! Remember, the first trimester won’t last forever. Do what you can to make it easier on yourself, even if it is not the way you would normally eat or live. I am typically not a big bagel eater… but in the first trimester, I had at least one, if not two, bagels a day. If I knew I was going to be away from the house for a while, I made sure to pack some crackers or granola bars (another “safe food” for me), and of course lots of water, to help keep me feeling balanced while out. I made sure to keep a stash of the less perishable items near my bed (for when that morning sickness hit before even really getting up for the day), in my purse, in my car, and in my kids’ playroom.
5. Give yourself grace.
Photo courtesy of justmommies.com
Growing a human is hard work! Learning to listen to your body’s cues and giving it what it needs can help turn your day around. Maybe it's getting outside for some sunshine and fresh air, or maybe it’s sneaking in a nap when possible. It may be getting a workout in, or it may be just decompressing in the shower before cuddling up in a soft blanket to binge watch your favorite show. Give yourself grace if you are living differently than you “normally” would - that's what you SHOULD be doing. Life is changing (in a miraculous way) and adapting to the constant flow of newness you’ll be experiencing in the coming months and years will become one of your new superpowers. It starts now! So take care of yourself and that growing peanut, and give yourself grace in this completely new season you have just entered.
What other things helped you feel a bit more like “you” during your first trimester? I’d love for you to share below!
YAY! Those two pink lines have arrived, and you are so excited and anxious about the journey ahead. You start planning how to announce your pregnancy to your family and friends, start thinking about names, and then out of nowhere – all of those dreaded first trimester symptoms hit. With my first pregnancy, I was […]