Through dancing and cross country in high school, Ashley learned early that she was happiest when active. In college, time at the gym was a stress reliever as she worked towards a BS in Biology and where she began to absorb the world of fitness. Tiring quickly of the repetitiveness of the machines and the overly chatty people, Ashley slapped on some headphones and ventured into the land of free weights. It was here that the seed was planted. Muscles and sweat became a part of her.
In 2005, the news of her first pregnancy brought having a healthy lifestyle front and center. With plans of a natural birth, Ashley educated herself with any information she could get her hands on about exercise and nutrition regarding pregnancy. She dialed in on her diet; conscience of the vitamins and nutrients needed to grow a healthy baby. She continued to train, scaling down weight and movements as the baby grew, listening to her body every step of the way. She ran and lifted and squatted her way through nine months( ten really); and was in the gym the day she went into labor. On January 11 2006, 100% naturally and with no complications, Ashley gave birth to a healthy 7lb 12oz baby girl. Fast forward to August 23rd 2007 and she welcomes baby number two in the same fashion.
In 2008, then a stay at home mother, Ashley got a little tougher with her training. Adventurous to the core, she was always looking for, and trying, new things. This was how she was introduced to a program that would soon become her passion; CrossFit. First read about in a magazine article, the “Filthy Fifty” was Ashley’s first attempt at CrossFit. She tried and she failed and she never looked back. From her spot on the floor, drenched and gasping for air, she was addicted. CrossFit.com became her favorite website, the journal became her reading material and people began to question her sanity. In January 2009, Ashley was offered a position as an instructor at the local YMCA she worked out at. Though not yet a certified CF coach, her love for the CrossFit methodology transferred into her classes. Ashley earned her level one CrossFit certification in February of that year at Alamo CrossFit in San Antonio, TX. Shortly there after, the YMCA closed its doors and Ashley made the decision to train out of her back yard. Three of her clients followed her there and it was the through those three people that CFLC began to grow. She watched in amazement as her yard filled with people through the sweltering months of a Louisiana summer. As the winter months of 2009 approached, it was time to open up shop. CFLC was born and, in November of 2009, we opened our doors.
Since then Ashley has completed the CF Olympic Lifting Certification, CF Gymnastics Certification and CF Kettlebell Certification. She's also a certified CrossFit Kids instructor and has received training on the Pose running method. Racing is now a huge part of her life thanks to CF, and many of weekends are spent putting her training to test. Adverture races, Spartan races, Tough Mudders; you name it, she'll try it. In October of 2011, Ashley and her team qualified for the 24hr "Toughest Mudder" race by being in the top 5% in the TX Tough Mudder. She also qualified as an individual for the 2011 and 2012 South Central Regionals, part of the CrossFit Games.. In 2011 she came in 20th out of the region. In 2012 she went team and they finished up 7th in the region. This is only the beginning.
