Ruby Maxwell
Ruby trains out of Dragon CrossFit in Cardiff, and is the go-to person if you need some advice on your gym kit! Keep reading to find out more about her - including her favourite WOD and her gym bag essentials.
How did you get into the sport?
I was invited along by a friend who was already a member.. I actually at the time had zero idea what it was! I just figured it was another type of gym class.
Our gym has a tradition called "Brutal Wednesdays" - where Wednesday sessions are notoriously spewey! Being the top mate that she is, I was invited on the Wednesday and needless to say absolutely had my ass handed to me haha!
Despite almost dying that day, I, like everyone else, found it strangely addictive and couldn't wait to go back.
I spent a few months just going a couple of times a week, and it was only after I went to cheer our gym's team on at DWF in 2012, that I kind of fell in love with the sport.
What are your proudest achievements to date?
I'm not the biggest girl, so strength was always a weakness for me. But I turned it from something I hated working on (I remember rolling my eyes every time there was any lifting in a workout when I started!) to it being my favourite.
Whilst they're not huge numbers compared to some of the stronger girls in the UK, getting my 100kg b back squat was huge for me. It's kind of the only thing I ever wanted when I started!
Getting my first muscle up was also pretty cool, as they're seen as the "ultimate movement", aren't they?!
I've done the odd bit of competing here and there, both enjoyed it & not, but it's never been a huge thing for me. As long as I know I'm progressing and getting better, that keeps me happy!
What are your goals for 2016?
A double Bodyweight back squat (as it currently stands it'll be around 120kg). A 90kg C&J. A bodyweight snatch would be cool (60kg) - I'm a disastrous snatcher, ha!
And maybe to bang out some linked muscle ups & have them looking all pretty and stuff!
I just want to be as strong as I can be - and strength is what I enjoy working on the most. Who knows?! Maybe even find a secret love of running!
What's your favourite WOD/movement?
Workout wise I like anything that's endurance based. The 20 min plus sessions that get you really sweaty!
I'm no good at the shorter workouts. Something like the filthy 50, or Whitten. I love barbell cycling too, so anything like Randy or Grace.
Squatting & cleans have always been my favourite.
What's your least favourite WOD/movement?
Anything under 10 minutes... I'll just die for 10 mins and then it's over! I'm better at anything endurance.
I hate snatching. Mainly because I'm terrible at it. And I'm not a huge fan of anything that has running or rowing in it either - haha!
What's the best piece of advice you have to give others?
Don't compare your journey to anyone else's. It's so easy to get wrapped up in what other people are doing, or what numbers they're hitting. It's easy to forget that some people have been doing it longer, or are just genetically blessed at being stronger, faster, better at gymnastics etc than you are.
Progress is progress, and as long as you're enjoying the ride and improving for yourself, that's all that matters. Strive for progress, not perfection.
Any competitions coming up this year?
Nothing in the diary yet. I've never been one to chuck myself at every competition there is out there.
I have a pretty busy job, and rightly or wrongly, I'll always put a lot of pressure on myself if competing to be the best I can be. If work gets in the way, sometimes I'll beat myself up more then I should about not training.
I love team competitions, so maybe will get a few of those under the belt this year. Training and competing with your friends tops any individual comp any day for me, personally!
What are your gym kit essentials?
Jesus.. If you could see my gym bag (haha)!
The outfits just as important as the exercise these days right?!
There's all the regular essentials: my lifters, knee sleeves, wrist straps, tape, belt etc.
I couldn't possibly set foot in the box without a cute Lululemon bra & some stance socks though! ;-)
Chalk obviously makes you stronger too right?
