March Member of the Month: Nicole Turkel

Tell us something about your life outside of CrossFit (career, family, hobbies, etc).

I am a Physical Therapist at Saint Mary Medical Center. I work primarily with inpatient rehab patients (stroke, total joints, traumatic brain injuries, and other neurological conditions, mostly geriatric).

My favorite book or movie:  I enjoy reading, I always have books on my Kindle, but I don’t have any favorites. I have too many favorite movies, but Pretty Woman I can watch over and over again!

My favorite local restaurant: Isaac’s when I need a good beer, and JB Dawson’s when I want a steak dinner.

Tell us something that we don’t know or would be surprised to learn about you:  Don’t let my fair skin fool you, I would rather be on a tropical Island, on the beach reading on a lounge chair, any day of the week!!…with my own P.T. clinic next to the pool!

How I was introduced to CrossFit:  My friend/coworker and fellow crossfitter, Maria Dotta, emailed me a Living Social deal. I was skeptical at first because of my size; I knew it would be difficult. Since I like a good challenge, I decided to go for it.

My fitness routine before CrossFit:  LA Fitness: treadmill, elliptical/boxing classes

My thoughts after my first CrossFit workout:  Wasn’t completely sold, but I liked the intensity of the workout, so I figured I would give it another shot. Glad I did!

My proudest CrossFit accomplishment is:  Pull-ups and hand stand push ups

My favorite WOD is:  Hmm, not sure, I’m excited to try Chelsea again, but this time without a band

My Favorite Lift is:  Back squat

My next goal is:  A muscle up

How has CrossFit affected your life outside of the gym?  It’s definitely easier to lift heavier patients at work, but when I am sore from a workout it backfires!

What I love most about CrossFit Newtown:   Heat and AC in the gym, kidding! The awesome people I’ve met!

What advice I would give to someone just joining CrossFit Newtown:  Just do it! I tend to over think things, so I should try to take my own advice.

Do you have any diet/nutritional advice?  I  do not have any advice, I eat whatever/whenever. No Paleo for me, I like my yogurt and creamer way too much. I try to eat healthy, but I’ve got a bit of a sweet tooth.