Athletic Lab is kicking off 2016 with a new monthly feature on a selected member. We’re proud of our members and the amazing things they do on a daily basis. This new feature will highlight one member each month.

Our member of the month for January is Andrea Stamm. Andrea is a long time Performance Fitness member who’s recently returning to training following the birth of her daughter.

andrea3Name: Andrea Stamm

Age: 37

What city were you born in Seattle

What do you do when you’re not working out at Athletic Lab (occupation, hobbies, etc) When I’m taking some time away from AL, you can find me doting on our three fur babies as well as our new little one, Amelia. I also work full-time for Special Olympics North Carolina (SONC) as VP of Sports, and oversee competitions and training for our athletes and coaches. I also love to cook and bake, although finding time for those is a littler harder these days.

How did you first hear about Athletic Lab I was working out at another gym and drove by. Wanting to change up my workout routine, I stopped in to check it out. After I heard all about it, I saw a brochure on a fundraiser AL was hosting to benefit SONC through the Law Enforcement Torch Run (It had something to do with Spartan something). I knew then that any organization that wanted to be involved with mine is a place I wanted to support.

How long have you been a member March 2013

andrea2Favorite class/time to workout 6am CrossFit Performance is my favorite…although 6am these days is reserved for feeding my little one. CrossFit Endurance is a close second. I hope to get back to both someday!
What’s your favorite exercise Stretching

Least favorite Hang snatch, power snatch, overhead squats. And anything on the rowing machine.

What was it like training late into your pregnancy at Athletic Lab Frustrating and rewarding. Frustrating because week by week it seemed like there was a skill I couldn’t do, or I had to go even slower to keep my heart-rate down.? Rewarding because Stephanie, Nina, Nicole, the Jeff’s, and my fellow 6am-ers were so supportive and encouraging.

What was your strangest craving while pregnant Thankfully, my cravings (especially in the beginning) were pretty healthy, and I ate a lot of pasta and marinara sauce, salads, and cereal. What surprised me most was that I could not stand to smell or drink coffee. Amelia was born at 3:24am, and when they brought in my breakfast tray the coffee on the tray smelled like heaven and I drank two cups before I touched my breakfast.

How did you prepare yourself to return to training at Athletic Lab after your pregnancy I thought about working out a lot. Walking with the stroller and carrying a baby around a house and some occasional baby-weight squats.

andrea1What is it like returning to train at Athletic Lab after your pregnancy It is a little like going back to college after winter break. You remember what school was like, and you are really glad to see your friends, but then you remember that you have to study and take exams.

What motivates you I really love the tired, accomplished feeling I get after working out as well as the camaraderie among the others in the class. Also, hoping to fit into my pre-baby jeans is a pretty good motivator.

Any advice for new members just starting out or mothers-to-be Honor where you are at and what you can do. Even if you’re just doing body weight squats when everyone else is doing thrusters.