Reshma Sehgal is a 6:30am regular, and has been training at the gym for the past 2 years. Over that time, Reshma has been a dedicated member who works hard (and smart), and contributes a lot to the 6:30am crew! Read below to find out how she recovered from a knee injury, how she was able to get her first strict pull-up, and what her goals are going forward.

What reasons did you have to train when you started CrossFit? Have those reasons changed? If so, how? I started Crossfit as an exercise regime but I feel today in addition to that it's a lifestyle change. It's a great way of learning and proving things to yourself. Once you cross your 40's life gets you thinking - what else other than family and work - and CF fits in for me like hand in glove. I can’t think of a better way to start my day.

How does training/CrossFit fit into your life? I am a regular at the 6.30am class so my day starts with Crossfit five to six days a week. The only times I miss it is if I am traveling. Routine and commitment go hand in hand and I try and maintain that discipline. It’s an activity that I do for myself and that makes it important.

What improvements have you made in the past 6 months that you are most proud of? The last six months have been interesting. After a knee injury as soon as I had joined I pretty much couldn’t do many movements, especially no squatting, so I always had to look for alternatives which was very frustrating and upsetting. It took me a year of being stagnant. Owing to very patient coaching and the nerve to get back to starting simple movements I am getting back. And what I am most proud of is succeeding in doing my first Pull-up and Toes to Bar in the last two months. I have to mention that the first time I did these movements, they didn't excite me as much as working the extra hour daily towards them did.

I am also getting familiar with interesting vocabulary such as brain scrub, slap it etc.

What do you eat on a typical day? Food for Indians is a big deal. I can never plan ahead in terms of buying grocery or preparing. I love cooking different cuisines and may decide as my heart desires even if it involves running around last minute. For the most days Indian food is my staple which can be very wholesome in nutrition and satisfying to the palate if cooked right. Although, my very Canadian son would beg to differ and have a sarcastic remark about it. But my favourite post workout meal would be either last night’s left overs (Yes even curry) or eggs and toast, nuts with a tall glass of milk.

Have you changed the way you eat since you began CrossFit, If so, how? I would say Yes. I am not good at counting calories or measuring portions and feel one’s body indicates what felt right or not. I try and plate my food the first time and mostly don’t go for seconds. Mealtimes are early and consistent. Although I have to admit my craze for desserts has significantly reduced.

How do you like to rest and recover? A perfect rest day for me is to stay home and spend time with family with no agenda or plan and that is mostly on the weekends. I love to binge watch anything on Netflix, songs and dance in the Bollywood movies, a great thriller- you name it and read which is so relaxing. I feel fuelling your soul is very important and happiness emanates from within and that is my simple formula.

Do you currently have a main focus or goal(s) with your training? I hope to continue to work on the Gymnastic Progressions and someday excel in double unders!

What would you consider to be your greatest strength as an athlete? To understand and accept my limitations and slowly work around them.

What is one thing that you do every day that you feel is essential in contributing to your success in the gym? To consistently follow a routine and reserve my next class.

If you could give yourself one piece of advice when you started CrossFit, what would it be? Your success is in your own hands. Celebrate the small victories that come your way.

Do you have a favourite quotation or mantra related to training? Do what makes you happy!

Is there anything you would like to add?  Just keep coming. Be consistent, work hard – and enjoy the journey