SHERENE SEDGWICK is BBCF’s February 2015 Athlete of the Month!
Sherene Sedgwick has been a part of the Blackbird family since the beginning. She is a dedicated member of our 5:30am class and a regular at our Saturday yoga classes. At a time in her life where many are happy with maintaining strength and fitness, she is consistently seeing gains in her lifts and pushing herself further in workouts. We always say, it’s not about how much you can lift, it’s about giving your maximum effort every day. And Sherene does just that! She participates in Blackbird’s community activities and loves to support her fellow athletes.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Sherene’s CrossFit journey, has been her dedication to a healthy lifestyle. In the last Nutrition Challenge she tried a Zone/Paleo approach for the first time. She saw good results in her pre and post challenge performance tests, but more importantly she experienced significant day-to-day changes in her well being that have made her life better. And that’s what it’s all about…working hard in and out of the gym to create a better, healthier life. Sherene, we love having you as part of our family. Keep up the good work! Meet Sherene…
1. TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF. 
My name is Sherene Sedgwick. I’m 54 years old. I’m married to Nick, and we celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary in March. We have two children. Our daughter Nickole lives in Ellicott City with son-in-law and fellow CrossFitter, Jesse. They have blessed us with our first grandchild, due in April. Our son Ryan lives in Colorado. I’m a home health nurse and I enjoy biking, running, scrap-booking and, most of all, riding my Harley.
2. WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO START CROSSFIT? HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DOING IT?
I’ve always loved group fitness, but was looking for more of a challenge. When CrossFit was introduced at the gym I was a member of, I decided to give it a try and I was hooked. That was about 1 1/2 years ago.
3. WHAT WERE YOU THOUGHTS AFTER YOUR 1st WOD?
Oh man!! Can I do this?
4. WHAT WERE YOUR GOALS WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED?
Working with the senior population, I realize the importance of a healthy life style and good diet, and that the commitment to exercise plays a huge part in how we age. My goal was to become stronger and build muscle.
5. WHAT ARE THEY NOW?
To PR as much as possible!
6. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVEMENT/LIFT? LEAST FAVORITE?
Favorite: Back-squats / Least favorite: Burpees
7. WHAT IS THE ONE TIP YOU WOULD GIVE SOMEONE CONSIDERING CROSSFIT OR NEW TO CROSSFIT?
Never say never!
8. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT CROSSFIT?
The camaraderie. My 5:30am group of like-minded, health conscience people support and encourage me. Believe me, I don’t finish first, but I have learned to not let that intimidate me. Our box family is always supportive.
9. RESULTS? TELL US ABOUT YOUR RESULTS!
Handstands: When I first started CrossFit, I couldn’t do a handstand. I had not attempted since grade school! With the help of my CrossFit friends, increased strength, and determination, I can now do handstand pushups. I’ve never done the amount of lifting that I now do. At times, I feel the move may be too much for me, but with the safe progression of weights, I always surprise myself with what I can achieve.
10. WHAT HAS CROSSFIT DONE FOR YOU IN AND OUT OF THE BOX?
I’ve met great people who I can count on to support and encourage me to get to the NEXT level. I love how our Blackbird box comes together as a group. I’ve participated in Run of the Century Turkey Trot, BACFAT competition (only as a cheerleader), supporting a family in need at Christmas and the coat drive. That’s why we call ourselves more then just a gym, we are a community.
FREEWRITE:
I can’t thank our trainers enough. The attention they provide on safe lifting and movements helps me participate without injury. When I transferred over to Blackbird, I had a deltoid injury that prevented me from participating in a lot of lifts. Matt taught me some techniques, using the massage ball, that corrected the problem. The trainers always push me safely to the next level.