Coach Ari Spotlight: Q&A

Tell us a little bit about yourself (family, job, and/or interests):
Oh geez! What a question. I guess to start I’m a full time coach! It’s my dream job and I’m so lucky to be doing what I love.

Coaching actually runs in my family. My mom has been a PE for almost 20 years and coaches water polo on the side. We both love movement.

When I’m not at croga there’s always a good chance I’m either working out or hanging out with my dogs, mo and pleakley. They’re my babies.

Why/how did you get started with fitness?
Ironically I was never into fitness. Wasn't my thing (Even though my mom was a PE teacher, I was a solid C student in PE). Then a few years ago I started dating a guy who was into CrossFit. He made it look so competitive I had to give it a try. Became more hooked on CrossFit than I was him haha.

What made you decide to become a Coach?
CrossFit/ fitness has given me so much. If I can help other people achieve those things that’s all I want to do.

What is your favorite thing about being a Coach?
Watching people do things they thought they couldn’t. Nothing better.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
For a long time I wanted to be a professional Bull rider. Then I changed to professional golfer once I got to high school.

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
Probably a house cat. They live their best lives every. Darn. Day.

If you could have dinner with one person (living or dead), who would it be?
Pat Barber. The dude changed my life. Would love to sit down and chat over dinner.

Are you an early bird or night owl?
Early bird! Come hang at a 5am class! It’s a blast!!

What is the one food that you could never give up?
Ice cream. I love ice cream. Any kind. All of it.

What are your favorite toppings on pizza?
I’m a cheese girl. Every once in a while I get crazy with some pesto.

What's your favorite adult beverage?
OH MA GOODNESSS hahaha. I haven’t had a drink in almost 2 years BUT when I do drink it’s either margaritas or rosé.

Marvel or DC? Who's your favorite superhero?
I’m a DC girl. When I was growing up I lived down the street from a comic book store. I was always pulled towards the DC section.

Superman is probably my favorite.

What Hogwarts house are you in?
The most Gryffindor person to ever live. A quote I once read that describes Gryffindor was “I can do that, hold my beer.” Me in a nutshell.

Anything else you'd like to share with us?
I will probably try to make you laugh with cheesy jokes. I apologize in advance.