For 6.7 years, Giovanna Rowan has been a cornerstone of the Blackbird CrossFit community, embodying strength, dedication, and the true spirit of fitness. Alongside her husband and Blackbird Coach, Bret, Giovanna has seamlessly integrated CrossFit into her life, even navigating two pregnancies with unwavering commitment to her health. She proves that pregnancy is not an excuse to abandon wellness, but rather a time to adapt and prioritize self-care. With remarkable intelligence, she modified her workouts throughout her pregnancies and approached her post-partum recovery with mindful gentleness.
Giovanna’s coachability is truly exceptional. She possesses the rare ability to internalize and immediately implement coaching cues, demonstrating a deep understanding of movement and a relentless drive to improve. Giovanna is a vital part of our community fabric. She and Bret have fostered lasting friendships, creating a vibrant group that gathers every Saturday morning for Open Gym. With their children in tow, they transform the Sweat Lodge into a hub of motivation and friendly competition, embodying Blackbird’s mission to inspire an overall healthy and active lifestyle. This isn’t just about a few workouts a week; it’s about weaving fitness into the tapestry of everyday life.
Giovanna’s sweet, kind, and strong demeanor has made her an inspiration to fellow members, particularly young women and moms in their 30s. She consistently strives to master new skills, with a current goal of achieving multiple strict pull-ups. Her dedication to improvement and her positive influence on those around her make Giovanna Rowan a truly deserving Athlete of the Month.
Meet G..
Tell us about yourself
Giovanna Rowan, 34, married to Bret, with our two kids Michael (4) and Julianna (2). I am a dental hygienist and have been working at my practice over 12 years.
What was the turning point that led you to CrossFit? What keeps you coming back to Blackbird week after week?
Bret and I got very tired of the “ Planet Fitness type” gyms. We wanted to try something challenging and fun, which is exactly what keeps us committed to BBCF! I have tried everything as far as workouts go, from old school Tae Bo tapes with my mom to Les Mills classes. I’ve done two half marathons, but eventually get burnt out or bored.
I love the class environment, forcing myself to do workouts that I would never attempt on my own. I love the friends we have made and the community of support (in and out of the gym) around us!
Can you share a specific instance where CrossFit has challenged you in a positive way? What did you learn from it?
CrossFit has helped me start conquering my long-standing fears! I’ve gotten to the top of the rope multiple times, even
though I’m terrified of heights. I have been able to kick up into a handstand, even though my brain doesn’t love being upside down either. It’s still a work in progress but I’ve learned that I am stronger than I think I am and my brain is the biggest enemy in the gym!
What is your favorite memory or experience from the gym?
My favorite memories would have to be from participating in The Murph Challenge on Memorial Day each year at Blackbird! This will be my 7th year doing it. It’s always a challenge, and so fun to hang out and socialize afterwards with our annual gym cookout.
What is your favorite CrossFit movement, lift, or WOD? Least favorite?
Favorites are anything with dumbbells, barbell cleans, running and doubles!
Least fav, only because i am terrible at gymnastics, is rig work like toes to bar and pull-ups.
What do you enjoy the most about Blackbird or CrossFit in general?
CrossFit has changed my mentality about fitness. Bret & I are doing this for our future selves, and to be fit AF down
the road. I am so inspired by our masters community doing the work everyday!! Blackbird has literally given me a family away from family and some of my closest friends. Also working out with my husband everyday is pretty awesome too (and hopefully my kids in the future!!)
Can you share a specific health improvement or positive change in your life that you attribute to CrossFit?
Postpartum, I’ve hit more PRs than I ever imagined! I’ve discovered the importance of functional fitness in everyday life and learned how to properly fuel my body to enhance workouts and support overall health.
What are your CrossFit goals and how close are you to reaching them?
Toes-to-Bar and Chest-to-Bar… I am coming for you!!
When you are not CrossFitting what is your favorite thing to do?
I love being with my family and my friends, as much as time allows. I also love to read and cook!
What is one fun thing about you that we may not know yet?
I have family in Southern Italy who I am close with and I can speak (mostly) fluent Italian.
What advice would you give to someone who is hesitant to try CrossFit?
Just do it!! You can modify anything and take it at your own speed, and the coaches are there to help you! Also have fun; at the end of the day, it’s just exercise!
How has your approach to nutrition changed since starting CrossFit? If you’ve worked with one of our Blackbird Nutrition Coaches, tell us about your experience.
I used to think carbs and fat were the enemy, but now I realize that without those two things, you will have no
energy or recovery in workouts or in everyday life! Moderation is everything and it’s not as complicated as everyone makes it out to be.
What is your favorite workout fuel? What about your favorite indulgence?
For carbs, I love sweet potatoes and pasta (duh). I don’t usually use pre-workout, but I love electrolyte supplements! My favorite indulgence is chips and salsa (and margaritas) and pizza!
You’ve always been consistent in your attendance, even throughout 2 pregnancies. What’s your secret to maintaining that drive?
It’s the only time in my day that is “my time.” It’s my therapy, my stress relief, and also my social hour!! If don’t come, I always notice my energy and mood changes.
Results? Tell us about your results!
Well, I have been able to workout through two full term pregnancies, have multiple postpartum PRs, and lose my pregnancy weight both times. I’m not gonna lie and say I’m 100% happy where I am now, but it’s a slow and steady journey!
FREEWRITE: Is there anything you’d like to add about your CrossFit journey, the coaches, the community, or your experience at Blackbird?
I absolutely love this community, and I’m honored to be AOTM. I’m gonna be super awkward about it, but still it’s super
sweet to be thought of! Thankful for my happy place everyday!!
