Athlete of the Month– PAVLA SEBIKOVA– June 2016

Blackbird CrossFit Athlete of the MonthPavla is one of the most inspirational and optimistic people you’ll ever meet. Her story of finding CrossFit is one we hear often. She had gotten to a point where she needed a change and she just wanted more out of her life. She found a gym, started eating healthy, and devoted time to self development. She now pursues “being better each day” with everything she’s got. Pavla has inspired so many at Blackbird with her daily motivational posts, sweet disposition, and relentless pursuit of  her goals. She even recruited her host family and another au pair friend to come to Blackbird and get strong with her. If you ever need a pick-me-up visit her social media pages and you’ll be back on track with a great attitude and positive outlook in no time!

In regards to her fitness, she comes into the gym and lays it out there every time. There are days when she struggles through workouts because she chooses to push herself every chance she gets, but she finishes with her head high and always leaves with a huge smile on her face. Cheering Pavla on at the end of her workouts is something that we look forward to every day! Pavla takes pride in her movements and workouts.  She has great body awareness and she never gets sloppy, even when tired. She has one of the prettiest cleans that you’ll ever see! She is strong, consistent, and dedicated. We feel so fortunate to be a small part of Pavla’s CrossFit journey. We’ll definitely miss her greatly when she returns to the Czech Republic! MEET PAVLA

 

Blackbird CrossFit Athlete of the Month
Pavla tackling her 1st ‘Murph’ Challenge last month

1.TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF.

Hi, I am Pavla, 26 years old. I come from the Czech Repulic from a little town called Frystak. I came to the States as an au pair to the O’Grady family in August 2015. I take care of Claire (3) and Kylie (7). This is the best full time job I’ve ever had. And for sure, coming here was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I like doing things that make me better every day as a person–  reading and learning, eating well, and working out (I choose CrossFit!). I love nature and hiking in the woods too. I don’t wake up happy every day, but the more I read and learn, the more I know that to be happy is just a choice. So, I am doing things that make me happy like reading personal development books. I always find something there that lifts me up! Or I open You Tube and go through my list of inspirational videos. I am reading a lot about the most successful people in the world and they do things different than most of the population does. They think different. That’s what I want to do too! So, it makes me think that these Blackbird CrossFit Athletes of the Month must do something different than others in order to get this recognition. Ask them what they do, if you want to be better!

2. WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO START CROSSFIT? WHY DO YOU DO IT NOW? 

The desire to get in great shape. When I was 19, I was introduced to Herbalife (global nutrition company). For the first time in my life, I learned how important it is to eat well. So, I changed my lifestyle from a super tired student just existing from weekend to weekend TO a person who has dreams and goals and wants to learn how to be successful in life and help other people to do the same.

Blackbird CrossFit Athlete of the MonthLong story short, in 2014 as the New Year came, I was looking for some kind of fitness I could do, get in shape, and get some visible muscles! I went to a regular fitness center, but it wasn’t what I was looking for. Luckily, I found CrossFit Committed Prague. I liked their Facebook page and the next day Coach Joey inboxed me that I can come over and try a free class. I checked their website and when I saw the price I got really sad. It was expensive for me at that time while I just moved to Prague. I had to pay my rent, bills, food, etc. But I had nothing to lose to try just a free class. Oh my gosh I loved it! I loved just that feeling being at the gym with other people who are working hard on themselves. I love the feeling that nobody judges you in what shape you are. Everybody works hard at her/his level of fitness. So I took all my money and paid for my first month. The picture above is from the first day as a member.

And btw, I feel like a totally different person inside and outside right now! And it makes me work even harder. I do it now for the same thing as when I started 3 years ago. I have big dreams and goals so I need to be in the best shape with a lot of energy and CrossFit is the best choice for me. It helps me to work on myself (my confidence) in every single workout and to go beyond my limits. Thanks to all our Blackbird CrossFit coaches who are REALLY great and helpful every time!

3. WHAT WERE YOUR THOUGHTS AFTER YOUR 1st WOD?Blackbird CrossFit Athlete of the Month

I don’t remember my very first WOD in Blackbird but I was happy to be back doing CrossFit! It was in the Fall of 2015 two months after I came to the States. You know…that feeling of your sore muscles? No pain, no gain 😉

4. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT CROSSFIT?

An opportunity to be better every single class.

5. WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST CROSSFIT MOMENT?

When I did the last CrossFit Games 2016 Open workout Rx! I don’t know what got me to finish that workout. I felt terrible during and SO good after. But thats what it is all about right? What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. It’s not just a phrase, that’s really true when you experience that. Keep pushing!

Blackbird CrossFit Athlete of the Month6. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVEMENT/LIFT? LEAST FAVORITE?

Favorite: Snatch

Least favorite: RUNNING…can we count it was a movement? Lol. Second, probably bench press– SO boring. (Quick note: The next day after writing this, I check the WOD and guess what? Bench press and a running WOD! Seriously?…And no, it’s not funny!)

7. WHAT ARE YOUR CROSSFIT GOALS? HOW CLOSE ARE YOU TO REACHING THEM?

My goal is to do my VERY BEST every single time I show up – 5-6 times a week. Push myself more every time. The only failure is not trying! And my goal? To look so awesome that everybody wants to know what I’m doing! 🙂


8. IN YOUR OWN WORDS, WHAT MAKES CROSSFIT DIFFERENT FROM OTHER FITNESS PROGRAMS THAT YOU’VE TRIED IN THE PAST
?  It’s a lifestyle. It’s a community. It’s fun. CrossFit is simple. You just show up, do the work that is programmed for you for the day, and if you are consistent (also with your nutrition) you see the results pretty fast. That’s what I like!

Blackbird CrossFit Athlete of the Month9. WHAT IMPACT HAS BLACKBIRD CROSSFIT HAD ON YOUR LIFE, IN AND OUT OF THE GYM?

It’s a family. When I came here I didn’t know anybody else except the O’Grady’s. I was happy I found so nice a place to go where I felt good. I love coming back and seeing the smiley faces every time!
10. WHAT IS YOUR DIET LIKE? HOW HAS IT CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED CROSSFIT?

Since starting CrossFit, I lost over 12 pounds with exercise and my Herbalife nutrition plan. I’m down 8 pounds in the last 2 months since I got more consistent with what I was eating and when. I finally found the combination that suits me the best.

11. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE NEW TO CROSSFIT OR THINKING OF GIVING IT A TRY?Blackbird CrossFit Athlete of the Month

If you are thinking about trying CrossFit, this thought isn’t in your head just because. Call and come over to your free class and then you will see! You have nothing to lose. If you are new– keep going! Do your own level, trust the coaches, trust the process, and show up at least 3 times a week to do the work. Fuel your body right with good nutrition. Stay consistent and enjoy the progress!

FREEWRITE:

What I like about CrossFit is that it is for EVERYBODY. It really is for EVERY BODY. ALL kinds of people can do it if they want to do it of course. Doesn’t matter your age, race, fitness level, body shape, weight, background, or job. There is a place for YOU. Just give yourself a chance to try something new and become better.