Sydney is a consistent athlete of the 6:00am class and it has been a joy and an honor to coach her since day one. She is always ready to work hard, even more so on days when the workouts don’t play to her strengths. She’s super coachable, never afraid to ask for help or clarification, or for us to film a video of her lifts to send to her aunt and uncle. Not only is she present in our gym, she’s present in her community as well, spending her time giving back to Capital Humane Society.
Keep reading to find out more about Sydney!
1.Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from? What do you do for a living/study? Feel free to add more.
My name is Sydney Holsten and I am a 17 year old junior at Lincoln Southwest. I have grown up in Lincoln my whole life with my parents and sister. I try to get involved so I participate in a lot of clubs at my school but outside of that, I volunteer at the Capital Humane Society. I am currently trying to figure out where I want to go to college and what I want to focus on.
2. How did you found out about Lincoln Nutrition and Fitness?
I was told by my aunt and uncle, Amanda and Lindsey, that I should try Crossfit because they thought I would like it and benefit from it a lot. They are Crossfit veterans so I trusted them and decided to give it a try. I looked up crossfit gyms in my area and Lincoln Nutrition and Fitness was the first one to pop up. I was unsure at first but after meeting Emily I knew it was something I wanted to try.
3. What was the biggest obstacle for you to start as an athlete here?
I was honestly really scared to join a gym where I knew I wouldn’t find a lot of people my age. I was worried I wouldn’t be taken seriously. I was also super intimidated by the other gym members because of how strong they were. I was nervous that I would be judged for not being strong enough or treated like a kid, but I have found the exact opposite to be true. I have never gone into the gym and felt judged. Honestly, everyone that I have encountered has been so amazing and it is awesome to be surrounded by a community you know is just as passionate about fitness and exercise as you are.
4. Do you remember your first workout as an athlete here?
I don’t remember anything other than being nervous and constantly looking at Emily to make sure I was doing everything right.
5. Who have your coaches been? How have they helped you through your first year of being a CrossFit athlete?
I am a dedicated 6am girl meaning that I really only attend classes that are taught by Coach Erin and Coach Derek but I hope in the future to meet more coaches here at Lincoln Nutrition and Fitness. All coaches that I have had class with always do a great job in helping me through movements I don’t quite have yet and encourage me to push myself a little more each day.
6.Why do you keep coming back to Lincoln Nutrition & Fitness?
I just love it. I love the workouts, the coaches, the community and probably every other aspect of the gym. I like feeling strong and getting through difficult workouts when every organ in my body is telling me to stop. I have never had that pride before joining this gym.
7. How do you balance health & fitness with a busy schedule? How do you stay so consistent as an athlete in the gym?
I think it is easy to keep on doing something when you really enjoy it. I like to go before school and even though I might have to leave early some days, I like to get a head start on the day with CrossFit.
8. How does CrossFit help you with your job? How does CrossFit affect the rest of your life?
I have noticed that ever since I joined CrossFit, I am more social, less tired and more focused. In school and in life in general. With a busy school schedule, it is easy to neglect self care. CrossFit has made me realize how important that is and I have tried to make sure I set clear boundaries with school to make sure my own personal care is not ignored.
9. What is your favorite thing about Lincoln Nutrition & Fitness: Home of CrossFit Lincoln?
I can’t pick just one thing. I love everything about this gym. I am so grateful I gave it a shot because I have found something I love to do and also found an amazing community full of support and kindness.
Check out our past athletes of the month: https://crossfitlincoln.com/experienced-coaching-blog/
