Member Of The Month – February 2022
Our February MOTM award goes to the super athlete that is Maddie Little, AKA “Massive Little” thanks to an autocorrect mistake on the coaches WhatsApp group when discussing who should win member of the month!
Maddie is this amazing little pocket rocket. She is so humble, consistently showing up, working hard and putting the time in. Recently all her hard work has definitely paid off, she has just shot up there on all levels – proving herself time and time again! Her gymnastics is mega, her lifting numbers have improved massively, and her fitness is unreal – partly thanks to her sporting history of Gaelic football, and partly thanks to how hard she always works when she’s in the gym. She absolutely smashed the open recently, coming out near the top on each of the workouts. Definitely one to watch in the future she is capable of anything she puts her mind to. She is also super lovely! When she’s not got her eyes shut while lifting, or frowning coz she can’t see the board, she’s smiling, she’s really coachable, friendly with everyone and just a great person to have in the classes. So lets find out a bit more about her…
M – How long have you been doing CrossFit?
ML – I first joined in Jan 2020 when the wife (AKA Niamh joy) convinced me to give it a go. I was rather reluctant and remember walking in thinking I don’t belong here, but within a week you couldn’t keep me out of the place. I must have got 3-6 months in before lockdown closed gyms. But I’ve been back properly since April 21 so all in all I reckon 15- 18 months. 
M – What class time do you usually attend and why does that work for you?
ML – 5pm. I work in a hospital nearby so it’s a good excuse to get out on time. I’ve also recently started adding in some Thursday Team Training classes. I had been shying away from it as it’s probably the hardest class of the week. But after a bit of a pep talk from Tom he reminded me if you want to get better you need to train with people who are better than you. Love the morning weekend classes when I can make them. Still shying away from run club. But maybe I’ll put my big girl shorts on soon and get a run out 😂.
M – What is your why? Why do you put yourself through it each day? Do you have goals you want to achieve?
ML – I genuinely enjoy it. It’s play-time to me. And to be the best version of myself for the people around me. My old room mates used to send me on a run when I’d get grumpy or sassy and I’d come back a new person. Exercise is my therapy. People should never underestimate the mental benefits of exercise, looking good is great, but feeling good is better. And the squad are all amazing people it’s hard to leave the gym unhappy. 
Also strength training is so important for long term health and I’m not about to grow old gracefully. Goals – I’m honestly a jack of all trades and a master of none but a bar muscle up is the goal. I feel like when I can master that I will have completed CrossFit 😂.
M – What advice would you give anyone wanting to start CrossFit but is either unsure or nervous? We get people all the time saying they need to get fit first or they could never do what we do? Any advice for those people?
ML – Great things never happen in comfort zones and you’ve absolutely nothing to lose. Everyone who starts the gym is trying to get better at something, so we’re all in that together. You just need to set your own bar and let others worry about theirs.
Although I can relate as I was of that mindset. But I tried it, loved it and just over a year later feel like I’m actually good at it. There’s so many classes to pick from and the coaches always tailor for individuals of all abilities. Even if you decide it’s not for you, then you’ve lost nothing and you just continue your search until you find something you do love. Top Tip: rope in a friend or make friends at the beginner sessions. Being the newbie is always a lot easier when you’ve somebody else hanging beside you on the rig thinking how on earth am I supposed to get my toes to this bar.
M – What is your biggest achievement so far in CrossFit and what are you most proud of?
ML – All yet to come. I’m proud of the whole squad. Everyone comes together to support each other. Love to see it!
M – Ahh that’s so lovely, what a great blog! Keep going and doing what you’re doing, and stay Massive Little, you’re ace!
