Hannah Oatway | Do it for Yourself
What got you into crossfit?
I grew up in a pretty big family who all played sports. Growing up I did figure skating, and then soccer. I've tried everything once. Volleyball, soccer and figure skating were the ones that stuck. I played soccer at the provincial level in the Canada Games. Then I was recruited to play as a duel athlete for Holland College. When I finished my career with college, I was left trying to figure out what to do with my competitive drive. When I met my boyfriend Geoff, he was just learning his ways through crossfit. I started out teaching myself and learning the basics.
How do you find time to balance work, the gym, meal prep, etc?
I had a really big issue trying to balance everything, especially as a duel athlete in college. I was working two jobs, and still a full time student. Training was hard for me, and the balance hard to deal with. Meal preps happened on Sundays. The gym just happened because I was always in there with sports.
In regards to weight training, can you give an overview of your week?
Right now I just got out of university, so I am trying to figure out what works best for me while working full time. I work 8-5 and typically try to get to the gym right after to do 5:30 onward. Our gym closes around 8:45.
How has fitness changed your life?
It took me getting until college to understand my mental illness and anxiety. I found fitness changed my life positively in that aspect. It's given me a positive outlook on myself and my body. It has even changed how I carry myself. I find I don't compare myself to other women as much as I used to. When I started crossfit, I would compare myself to other people. Now I have stopped looking at other people trying to find myself in them.
What is your favorite movement?
My favorite movement would have to be the snatch. I also love pull-ups. My most impressive body part would have to be my traps and arms. I am constantly trying to get them bigger.
What is the number one philosophy you live by?
I really try to focus on having a positive mindset. I sometimes deal with being quick to being negative. I think it's important for people to have a positive outlook on life. They have to realize that you have to do it for you, not anyone else. When you start to understand that you, you enjoy it more. Instead of going to the gym, and doing what's on the board and doing it for the sake of doing it. I think that I've reached there, I am a lot happier coming to the gym because I know I am doing it to better myself.
What are the contents of your fridge?
We do a lot of prep so we have a lot of basic food prep.We have fruits, veggies and some beers here and there for Geoff.
What advice would you give to someone just starting to get into the gym?
My advice to anyone starting to get in the gym is to be patient. Remember you are doing it for yourself. You should definitely see it as a personal thing. Don't compare yourself to other people. Have some goals and push yourself, but don't push yourself too hard that you aren't enjoying it. I think the biggest take away is to be happy where you are at.
Most women shy away from working upper body because they don’t want to bulk. What advice would you give these women?
I know growing up I hated being the shorter muscular girl. Now that I am older, I realize the gifts I have because it. I think it's really important to know you were given your body for a reason, and it's important to have a positive outlook on that.
What do you think is harder gaining muscle or losing weight?
To me it's not necessarily about either. I've never focused on weight, I've never watched my weight, and never tried to gain any muscle. For me, it was being in the gym and working ti better myself and my muscles just started coming. I started noticing three years later that I've gotten bigger muscles, and I'm getting abs. I think you'll notice by trying to be healthy and living a healthy lifestyle, that you'll build muscle and you'll slim up because of that.
What does your diet consist of, and if you had the power to make one junk food healthy which would it be?
My diet is pretty basic. In the mornings I usually have some eggs, some fruits, and veggies. I usually have a veggie stirfry with chicken, and then we'll have sweet potatos, broccolli and sausages or meatballs. I usually have a protein shake once a day, as well as my vitamins. I have so many favorite junk foods, but I love burgers. I would have to go with burgers.