We have a new segment starting. How well do you know your coach?
Nicole Elizabeth Mason
Age: 27, almost 28 (next week to be exact!)
How long have you been doing CrossFit? I started in the summer of 2012 when I was deployed to Afghanistan.
What made you stick with CrossFit for so long? I love the constant challenge and being able to push myself harder each day. The fitness gains that are made in CrossFit are like no other program out there. I love how strong I am and the confidence I have gained over the years. And the community/family that gain cannot be found anywhere else! No one is cheering you on at a standard gym.
What did you do for work before coaching? I used to be a Licensed Nursing Assistant for 5 years and I was a personal trainer at the Workout Club in Salem. I did a lot of manual labor work right out of high school before I joined the Army in 2010.
What inspired you to become a coach? I have a passion for helping people. That help can be anything inside or outside the gym. I love being able to help someone reach their goals. This is the most rewarding job I have ever had, other than continuing to serve my country. I thoroughly enjoy educating and motivating people about health and fitness. This is the job I want to have for the rest of my life!
What is your educational background? I have my Associates degree in science as a physical therapist assistant. I have completed many clinical rotations in the Rehabilitation Centers and Outpatient Clinics. I have extensive knowledge of rehab exercises and prehab exercises. I love that line of work! I have my CF-L1 and going for my CF-Level 2 this coming weekend (April 1st and 2nd), super excited! I used to be an EMT and volunteer firefighter, so I have that training and background of challenging work. I am certified in First Aid and CPR. I am currently renewing my Personal Training Certification through NASM. I am also doing online class to complete my bachelor’s degree in Sports and Health Sciences. I stay very busy and I am constantly learning.
What are some of your hobbies outside the gym? I love to go hiking with my dog and bring him to the beach. I enjoy traveling and going on different adventures. I love to cook and bake. I like to read and do yoga before I go to bed.
Favorite Food: Sushi
Favorite Cheat Food: Cookies!!
Favorite lift/movement: Back Squats/KB swings, wallballs
Least Favorite movement/lift: High rep front squats and pullups
Favorite workout: I enjoy longer workouts, something I can keep grinding at rep to rep.
Least Favorite: 14.5/16.5; 21-18-16-12-9-6-3 Thrusters and Burpees, that workout haunts me!
Daily Supplements: whey protein, carbohydrate drink from CytoSport, fish oil, vitamin D, Max Adrenal, Echinacea, probiotics, maitake mushroom (immune health), BCAA’s
What kind of nutrition program do you follow? I weigh and measure all my food. I count my macros religiously. I see food as fuel and I eat very clean. I perform better when I eat less packaged food and take the time to meal prep every week.
