March Athlete of the Month: Julia McDonald
Congratulations Julia, you are our March Athlete of the Month!
Julia has been at NoCoast for 3 years and has found her place within the 10am crew. As someone who loves the camaraderie of the gym, as well as working hard, she fits right in with this group! We love Julia’s dedication to the gym, her health, and our community. Thank you, Julia, for all of your love and support!
Quotes from Julia:
“CrossFit has also had a huge impact on my mental health. It’s not just about the physical challenge—it’s a mental reset, too. The endorphins from a good workout make a great day even better, and on tough days, the intensity of a WOD helps me clear my mind and leave stress behind. It’s a place where I can focus on the present moment and let go of whatever else might be weighing me down. CrossFit has truly become a key part of my overall wellness, giving me both physical and mental resilience.”
“The community at NoCoast is so supportive and encouraging, which makes such a difference in my motivation and consistency. Whether it’s cheering each other on during tough WODs or celebrating small victories, the friendships you build can help keep you motivated, and honestly, it’s what makes working out feel so much more fun. Plus, having that camaraderie really makes the gym feel like a second home!”
Age: 26
Athletic/Sports history/highlights:
I participated in all kinds of sports as a child—track and field, gymnastics, and artistic swimming—but the one I stuck with the longest was competitive swimming. I swam competitively for six years and also spent three years on my high school team.
How long have you been CrossFitting?
It has been just over 3 years since I joined CrossFit. I believe my first class was in January of 2022.
How did you get into CrossFit?
My older brother and his wife have been doing CrossFit for over a decade, and they’d been encouraging me for years to give it a try. Eventually, I agreed to join a gym with my sister. We thought that if we started together, it would make the whole experience less intimidating
What is your favorite WOD/CrossFit movement?
Overhead squats. I like the challenge and focus they require.
What is your least favorite WOD/CrossFit movement?
Any movements where you have to perform two movements for one rep, e.g., burpee pull-ups, burpee box jump-overs, etc.
What is your most memorable CrossFit moment?
There isn’t just one standout moment for me, but I always feel a real sense of satisfaction and accomplishment when I finally nail a movement I’ve been working on for a while. I remember being pretty excited when I was able to link toes-to-bar together and finally get kipping pull-ups. Most recently, I was stoked when I was able to link double unders together. It’s those little milestones that make all the hard work feel worth it!
How does nutrition play a role in your fitness and recovery?
Nutrition plays such a key role in how I feel during workouts and how quickly I recover afterward. When I focus on whole foods I’m giving my body the fuel it needs to perform at its best and bounce back faster. It’s not just about the immediate boost though; eating well helps prevent long-term health issues and keeps me feeling good for the long haul. For me, exercise and nutrition really go hand in hand—they're both essential to living a healthier, longer life.
How has CrossFit improved your overall wellness?
Physically, CrossFit has made me feel stronger, healthier, and more energized in all areas of my life. I’ve noticed improvements in my endurance, mobility, and overall strength, which carry over into daily activities, making them feel easier and less taxing. But CrossFit has also had a huge impact on my mental health. It’s not just about the physical challenge—it’s a mental reset, too. The endorphins from a good workout make a great day even better, and on tough days, the intensity of a WOD helps me clear my mind and leave stress behind. It’s a place where I can focus on the present moment and let go of whatever else might be weighing me down. CrossFit has truly become a key part of my overall wellness, giving me both physical and mental resilience.
How has CrossFit changed your family?
According to my family, I’m a much happier and more positive person since I started working out regularly. They’ve noticed a significant shift in my mood and energy levels, which has made a big difference in how I interact with them. CrossFit has helped me manage stress better, so I’m more present and patient with my loved ones. It’s also given me a sense of accomplishment and confidence, which has made me more enthusiastic about spending quality time with my family. One of the best things, though, is how it has helped me connect with family members who regularly attend the gym as well. We now share this common interest and can bond over workouts, celebrate each other's progress, and even push each other to be better. It's brought us closer in a way that feels really meaningful, and our shared gym time has become something we all look forward to. Overall, it has made me a more balanced person, and that’s had a positive impact on our family dynamic.
Advice to new people:
Get to know the other people at your gym! I’m a regular at the 10 a.m. class, and I always joke that it’s my 'social hour.' It’s the time I get to see my gym buddies, catch up, and share the highs and lows of our workouts. The community at NoCoast is so supportive and encouraging, which makes such a difference in my motivation and consistency. Whether it’s cheering each other on during tough WODs or celebrating small victories, the friendships you build can help keep you motivated, and honestly, it’s what makes working out feel so much more fun. Plus, having that camaraderie really makes the gym feel like a second home!