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‘It was an emotional journey back, there were so many things I couldn't do, and I had to really show myself grace and remember that I just brought a beautiful baby girl into this world’
Christin Panchik talks to us about training throughout pregnancy and her return back in the to gym as well as gender equality and body image in CrossFit.
First of all, how much has life changed for you since becoming a mom?
It has completely changed! But, in the best way! We now have a little one that relies solely on us! My days have so much more structure to them and I really have to be ready for anything as Kinsley is a baby and every day is a little different. I never thought I could love this hard!
How did you manage your training throughout your pregnancy? What would be your advice for others who are not sure how much they can push their bodies at this time?
Training during pregnancy really kept me feeling my best! I listened to my body in every workout and just did what felt good! My advice for others looking to workout while pregnant would be to just move everyday even if it is just walking, every day will feel a little different so really listen to your body. I truly believe that you are the most in tune with your body while you are pregnant.
How long after having Kinsley did you decide to step back into the gym and how did you know the time was right? Was this daunting for you?
The recovery process after having Kinsley has been quite the journey. I started going on walks a few weeks postpartum and around 6 weeks I started following BirthFit Programming for about 6-8 weeks. This focused on a lot of breathing and accessory work and helped me transition back into training. It was an emotional journey back, there were so many things I couldn't do, and I had to really show myself grace and remember that I just brought a beautiful baby girl into this world. I really had to spin my perspective. I thought of it as a challenge and celebrated every movement back no matter how small.
As parents how important is it for Scott and yourself to support each other?
This is SO important. Supporting one another allows us to maintain a strong relationship which in turn allows us to be the best parents we can be! We are a team and we know what each other needs in order to be successful. We each make sure we have time throughout the day for ourselves to workout, eat, etc. We really are better together!
Do you think CrossFit as a sport is a good example of gender equality?
YES! I think CrossFit is such an empowering sport for Men and Women, it truly pushes everyone to be the best version of themselves physically, mentally and emotionally. CrossFit really is for anyone.
Do you think CrossFit promotes a good body image for women? How does it make you feel about your body image?
YES! Since starting CrossFit I have been more confident in my body and my strength. I feel so empowered by what my body is capable of and how I am able to push myself every workout.
As well as an athlete you’re also a coach, what are the biggest rewards in coaching others?
I love coaching others. I am so passionate about fitness and it is so rewarding for me to be part of others fitness journeys. I love playing a role in motivating others and seeing others achieve their goals! I think I get more excited to see others accomplish those personal goals more than I do for myself!
Who are some fearless women that inspire you and why?
There are so many! I would have to say my training partner and best friend Beth Anne Lazaro. She is a Mom of 3 amazing kids, a coach and a leader in the Cleveland fitness community. She has an amazing fitness journey and truly encourages others to be the best versions of themselves. Her and her family have truly made a lifelong impact on our family. My sister-in-law Shayna Panchik also inspires me daily, she is a teacher and coach and is such a role model in our community. She pours into everyone around her and really pushes, especially the young women in our gym to be the best they can be.
Finally tell us about a time within CrossFit when you’ve felt truly fearless?
I used to be terrified of the weightlifting aspect of CrossFit, I was always a runner, so strength movements were a weakness of mine. In 2019 I decided to make my weakness a strength. I started working with an Olympic Weightlifting coach and fell in love with the barbell. I ended up competing in Olympic lifting, setting a state record in the Clean and Jerk and Qualified for the USA Weightlifting National Meet. The competition in which I qualified for Nationals was probably the most fearless I have felt. I had to hit a specific total to move on to nationals, I missed my second attempt in the Clean and Jerk and it was the weight I needed to hit to qualify. I knew I could hit that lift and I did on my 3rd and final attempt! It qualified me for Nationals! Never did I ever think I would fall in love with something that scared me, but I did!
