It is unlikely you forget Teresa Winders after meeting her. Simply put, she brings it! But what is really cool about her, is she won’t forget you. Making people feel welcome and like they matter comes from the heart and that is why people love her. Her extroverted high-octane personality is perfectly suited for coaching.
Check out what she has to say in our interview….
“Have fun! If you keep it fun and make that a priority you will achieve so much more! Not just in fitness, just life in general.” – Teresa
What got you into CrossFit?
One of my best friends opened up the very first CrossFit Establish. I had never been but when I tried it I loved it!! She and her husband talked me into getting my L1 certification. From there I started coaching.
In what way has CrossFit impacted your fitness?
CrossFit has impacted my fitness greatly. It has allowed me to do things I never thought could happen. It has impacted my weight lifting tremendously. But it is my personal life that it has the greatest. The close friends I have made in these four walls is immeasurable and I will be forever thankful for that.
What fitness accomplishment are you most proud of?
I would have to say when I competed in the 2017 Meshugge competition and the weather elements were FREEZING! But I still swam and did an amazing job with my friends.
What were some of your current goals?
Keep healthy. Do yoga 2x per week. Make my workouts FUN!
What motivates you to keep going?
I have 3 kids. They are all VERY active and I want to be able to keep up with them doing what they love for a very long time.
What is one adversity you’ve had to overcome in your life (doesn’t have to be fitness) and how did you handle it?
The loss of my Dad 7 years ago. That was the toughest thing I have ever had to face, cope and learn from. My Dad was my world as my entire family is. It took a lot of praying, healing and soul searching to finally except that I would never see him again. He had a very unhealthy heart and that too keeps a part of me motivated to stay fit and strong.
If you had to identify 1 key element you’ve found that has helped you achieve your fitness goals, what would they be?
Simple! Have Fun! If you are not enjoying what you are doing, stop and ask yourself why are you doing it? Find something you love. If you keep it fun and make that a priority you will achieve so much more! Not just in fitness, just life in general.
What inspired you to start coaching?
I was inspired to coach because I have always been told that I have a way with connecting with people, that they are comfortable with around me, so I though why not do something that positively help people. I want to see people do things they never thought possible. Being a part of that is really cool. I like to see people laughing and having a good time.
If you could put one message on a billboard, what would it be?
Have you made a difference today? (I love this because it implies, have you thought of others? Have you done anything that helps other people?)
What do you do with your free time?
Catch up on some HGTV, Chicago Fire, or read anything Nicole Sparks.
Name one hidden talent you have.
Of course, we all know I can ball! Find me on the court. But darts is my hidden talent. I can throw some darts.
Name one talent you wish you had.
Play the piano.
What advice would you have for someone thinking about trying CrossFit?
Give it time and enjoy the process. Again, it comes back to having fun. Once you’ve walked in the front door, you’ve already done the hardest thing!
