Prototype of the Month: Shellie James
The criteria and standards that we look for when our team puts in their nominations for Prototype of the month are Coachability, Caring, and Community and in our opinion, Shellie encompasses all three of those qualities handily. Congratulations, Shellie!
1.) Share your experience at Prototype
Overall my experience has been very positive, with lots of learning and progress, even with some fits and starts due to injuries I sustained outside of Prototype. Supportive coaches and classmates keep me coming back.
2.) What is your favorite part about being at Prototype?
The community, the coaches, the classes. All of it! But seriously, I’ve avoided gyms in the past due to some of the typical “gym culture” you find with certain fitness facilities. Prototype is the opposite of that in every way: a welcoming and supportive environment that puts you at ease, which is especially important for beginners like me who might feel self conscious at first. I especially appreciate the individual attention the coaches provide during classes, and the personal training sessions have been valuable for building skills and confidence.
3.) What are your hobbies and activities?
My happy place is in the great outdoors, and I spend as much time there as possible, often with our 13-year old Collie mix, Scruffy. I’m an avid hiker, and often tote my camera along to capture shots of landscapes and wildlife. People can follow my photography on instagram @etoiles_soleil. I am an active member of the First United Methodist church in Westborough and volunteer on various missions and committees. I also love traveling abroad, French language and culture (mais oui!), music (I play in a flute ensemble at church), and creative writing. And of course, I enjoy spending time with my husband Greg and our two sons, who attend UMASS Amherst and University of Rhode Island.
4.) How has Prototype helped you or solved a problem for you?
I came to Prototype after being discharged from physical therapy for frozen shoulder. I’ve also dealt with intermittent lower back pain due to a bulging disc for years. Training at Prototype has helped me manage and prevent injuries while building strength and endurance. I’ve learned how to listen to my body during exercises, and I’m more aware of when I can push myself and when I should take it easy. Prototype has also changed my mindset about exercise. I used to look at it as something I had to do, whereas now I view it as something I want to do and in fact look forward to doing (except running, which I do anyway!
5.) What are your continuing fitness goals to this point?
Since I’m newer to CrossFit, initially my goals focused on learning the exercises and establishing baselines to measure my progress, then working towards PRs when it felt right to do so. Tracking in the Wodify app has been key for measuring my progress.
After suffering a wrist fracture that required surgery last year, I stayed away from pull ups or any type of exercise that involved hanging from the bar. A couple of months ago I started dead hangs, then knee raises, and most recently kipping. I want to improve my grip and core strength and one day successfully do a toe to bar. I’d also like to string together more doubleunders during a metcon.
6.) Favorite Quote
“My art and profession is to live” Michel de Montaigne
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