Each month the coaching staff at EHP selects a member that is “Better Than Yesterday!” The selected recipient is a great example of EHP’s CREDO—demonstrating compassion, honesty, resilience, perseverance, and tenacity. Leslie Frie was selected as April’s “Better Than Yesterday” recipient.

Why did you start CrossFit?
I initially started CrossFit as I missed the competitive part of my life as a gymnast. I love to train and put in the hard work- I spent 20 years of my life training in gymnastics. Being done with gymnastics after college left a huge hole. I tried marathons, working out in a globo gym, and just couldn’t quite get the same fix. In 2016 I finally tried out CrossFit and was hooked from the beginning. The mental side of CrossFit reminded me of the mental side of gymnastics and a lot of comparisons could be made. I felt more me again! 

Why do you continue CrossFit?
I feel more me at a CrossFit gym because of the people! Everyone is pushing themselves to be better than yesterday. I love the community of people I have met through CrossFit- people I may not have met otherwise. I like the learning aspect of it as well. With gymnastics I’ve learned a lot about my body and CrossFit allows me to continue learning about my body and get great coaching from the staff at EHP to learn ways to improve the different lifts/movements. Another big reason I continue to CrossFit is simply because it helps silence my brain. I close my eyes in most workouts and just work. It allows me to turn off my mom brain, work brain, etc and I can just live in the moment of the workout. I need that time each week and love having a supportive space to do just that.

What has been your greatest achievement since starting EHP?
Honestly, becoming consistent again. Realizing that I’m a better mom, wife, coworker, etc by allowing myself the opportunity to have an hour to me most days of the week to move my body. The three places I spend the most time at is home, work, and EHP. So…I’d definitely say EHP is my third place, and I’m so grateful.

How has your life changed since joining EHP?
I had my first daughter in March 2020 and another in June 2022 and took a couple years break from being attached to a CrossFit gym during that time- not wanting to miss anything. Remembering to make myself a priority too has drastically helped my mental health. I’m happier and stronger…both mentally and physically.

Anything else you would like to share about yourself, fitness journey and/or EHP.
I really appreciate getting to know the members and coaches at EHP. Cheering each other on, lifting each other up after a workout, and getting to witness people reach their goals or even a first of something- fills my bucket more than anything. It’s like family, and I’m happy to be here.