Sunday, August 7, 2011 – Athlete Profile: Shawna Hardin

Athlete Profile: Shawna Hardin

 

1. In general, what is your background?

I was born and raised in Ohio, moved to Charleston in January of 2007.  Yep, I am a Buckeye!  Transferring from Bowling Green State University, I took a few semesters at Trident working towards my Business Finance Degree, then quickly realized that I did not want to do Business Finance.  It came easy to me, but something was missing, and I felt like I was wasting money just taking classes.  I decided to take some time off, where I worked full-time as a bartender at Southend Brewery & Smokehouse, trying to figure out what I wanted to do.   I have always been into fitness, and the more and more I practiced yoga, the more and more I realized that I was in love with it.  I wanted nothing more than to learn all about the practice and be able to give that knowledge back to those around me!  I graduated from Holy Cow Yoga Center in May of 2009 – 5 MONTHS PREGNANT!  It was the first time they had allowed a pregger to complete the course.   I had begged my mentor to let me participate knowing it would be a couple of years after I had my little nugget until I would be able to attempt the course again.  I had my first and only handsome little boy that September of 2009 – Mr. Preston Hatch Mulhern!  He is now 23 months old, and by far the best thing I have accomplished in my life!  It can be challenging, but always worth the extra effort!   Having Hatch in September, I immediately started teaching that November, and have been so ever since.  I am currently working towards my 500 Hour Certification.  I am Pre-Natal, Couples, and Kids Yoga Certified, as well as obtaining my BARRE Certification through Barre Evolution.  I am returning to school in the spring to finish, as I now know what I want to be when I grow up!  I would love to follow a Kinesiology, but unfortunately around here they place you in Health and Exercise programs.  I am going to attempt to build my own Degree with a focus on Nutrition, Functional Physiology – leaning towards Physical Therapy: with a minor in Philosophy.  It is also on my plate to become certified through the C.H.E.K Institute as a holistic coach throughout 2012.  In the next few years, I will open my first of many Arula Studios throughout the country!  Maybe we can come up with a package deal with Integrity??  Haha!  Other than that, I am a mommy full-time and full-heartedly, that loves to laugh, joke around, and adventures into new and exciting things!   I am extremely grateful for the opportunities that have come my way to allow me to be able to do what I love, for the ones I love!

2. Age, Occupation?

I am at the ripe age of 27!  Mommy, Yoga Instructor, Barre Instructor, SUP Yoga Instructor, Personal Trainer, and Mobility Coach at CrossFit Integrity.  If you have not tried SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) Yoga, you need to experience it at least once!  I know Coach Kevin is in!!!

3. How did you get to know about CrossFit and why did you start?

I learned about CrossFit through Pat Mulhern, Hatch’s daddy.  He had been asking me forever to come and at least “stretch” everyone out from time-to-time.  And boom.. MOBILITY!  I have always loved weightlifting, and I truly believe in maintaining a cross between strengthening and lengthening.  I started coming at the end of October 2010- with a promise to step into the CrossFit world, if CrossFit would open-mindedly step into the Yoga world.  I have kept that promise, and so have all of you that attend Mobility!  Thank you!!

4. How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, level of fitness?

I played basketball for 9 years in school, cheered for 7 years, ran track for 4 years, and played soccer for 2 years.   I was in shape.  When I was 20 years old, I almost croaked – and spent 6 months doing outpatient stuff – not being allowed to do ANYTHING!!  I was pretty much banned for a year to do anything even moderately active.  Of course, during this time I put on some weight, but more damaging – lost a lot of muscle and endurance.  I started back trying to do the 5 times a week gym membership, with that only being a commitment I did not love.  I spent a couple of years just working and not trying to notice the state of health I was in.  I soon after started my yoga practice – and found my path back to full health and recovery.  I eventually found myself wanting to do the really hard stuff in yoga (still a strong desire), and knew that I needed another form of exercise in combination with my yoga practice.  I then formed my own schedule of weight training, yoga, and awful running.  I AM NOT A RUNNER!  This honestly took up about 3-4 hours a day, 6 days a week.   I was once again in shape – but geez was I tired!  When I had Hatch, I was lik e- “Oh crap, not again…” Luckily, I maintained a pretty high level of fitness throughout my whole pregnancy, but I knew that I wanted to gain strength again, not just shape.  When I started coming to CrossFit, I was so excited to be weak.  I know that sounds a little off, but I found the movements that I was weak in, were movements that you don’t train for in just a yoga practice alone.  For example – PULL-UPS!  I now use CrossFit as my quick and very painful commitment to keep me in check for the physical demands of teaching in general – whether it is Yoga or Barre.  I do commit to a more frequent yoga practice, but the moment I fall out of a CrossFit regimen, I can tell.  I honestly would recommend a cross between Yoga and CrossFit to every person that I meet.

5. Name one goal and/or personal record you would like to accomplish through CrossFit?

I would like to row 10,000m under 48min.  My current PR is 54:27.  I would also like to complete a muscle-up.  This I understand will take some serious dedication, but I will get it!!  A few others would be back squatting 150 ten times, Dead lifting 200lbs, and completing Michael in under 30min.  All of which I will get hopefully within the year!

6. Favorite CrossFit moment so far?

Obviously my first pull-ups without the bands!  I also liked my first hand rip.  It was so crazy to know that I had kept going with half my palm missing.  So gross.  I also beat Brian one time in 100 hip extensions for time.  I have never really boasted about it, but I couldn’t think of a better time than now.

7. What do you like most about CrossFit Integrity?

What I love about Integrity is the banter that flies around that place.  Everyone that comes through that door has such an amazing personality and energy to add to the mix!  Not only do you get to work hard, have others support and challenge you, but you also get to develop genuine friendships and create ridiculous memories.  It is only at a CrossFit girl’s night that I am getting blood blisters on my hands from doing pull-ups on the bathroom stall.  Or, watching Alex Baker dress up as Brian for his birthday BBQ at Coach Kevin’s house.  So classic. Integrity is a different breed for sure!  I also like the entire group mentality of supporting one another’s’ causes that are important to them – and doing so whole-heartedly.

8. Favorite WOD?

I like Michael, 100 Burpees for time, 100 Curtis P’s, and really any chipper or other WOD that is a total body killer.

9. Least favorite WOD?

I don’t have a least favorite WOD.  Just kick my ass please, and thank you!

10. Favorite movement?

I love Backsquats, Deadlifts, Snatch, GHD’s, Hip Extensions, and Double-Unders.

11. Least favorite movement?

My left shoulder really dislikes Overhead Squats and Shoulder Press/Jerk, and Wallballs for some reason.  I also have the hardest time with Box Jumps, running, and Hang Cleans.  I seriously feel like there is cement in my shoes whenever I try to catch some air.

12. Favorite place to eat in Charleston?

I have a pretty different nutritional mapping that I follow, so it is hard for me to eat out.  I love sushi, and I love Dellz Deli.  I do not eat animal by products for the most part (occasional cheese on pizza), but I do eat egg whites and some fish from time-to-time.  So yes, I am a cross between part Vegan, Vegetarian, and Pescatarian – that follows some Paleo guidelines as Gluten-free and raw sugars.  A nutritional mutt if you will.  I love cooking!!  It will always be worth so much more for me to dine-in!  Being able to explore in the kitchen, and truly know what you are putting in your body, will always be more valuable to me than letting someone do it for me!

CrossFit Integrity, Charleston, SC