Members of the Month - May 2021

Congrats, Wes & Marley!

Wes and Marley are our power couple PUSH511 May Members of the Month! Here's why our coaches love having them in CrossFit classes:

Wes & Marley are one heck of a duo. Wes has incredible strength and his movement patterns are picture perfect. Still, he’s humble in knowing where his weaknesses may be and continues to fight through any workout. Marley has from the start always looked to develop her form and it shows as her numbers continue to improve and her confidence has become increasingly noticeable. They’re both amazingly kind and personable, and everyone really enjoys having them around.

They bring a good energy to each class and always are giving it their all. Wes is too strong and Marley is too nice and they need to tone that down because they make all of us look bad.

Wes and Marley are both a lot of fun to have in class! Both work really hard and push themselves to be better and better. Wes is super strong and it seems like Marley has learned a new skill every time I have her in class. Keep up the great work!

Wes attacks every workout and gives everything he’s got, and Marley is always looking to improve her skill sets and is very coachable. They both bring a very fun and light atmosphere with them to class and it’s a joy to be their coach as well as work out alongside them.

I got to coach Marley in foundations and in some classes and she is just so naturally athletic, it’s awesome to watch her pick up movements so quickly! She is super coachable and is eager to learn and get better in the best way. Wes is just a monster with the barbell and is fun to workout alongside. They both have such great attitudes and have been so great to have at PUSH!

Marley is super sweet, very coachable, and always comes in with a great attitude. She’s come a long way since her start and she seems to get better every class I see her in! Wes is a beast. Both are great additions to the PUSH fam!

They both always bring good energy to classes. They’re the type that you like to watch during class because they’re always doing something impressive.

Marley and Wes have been great additions to PUSH! From the moment they stepped into the box, they fit right in. They are both friendly, work hard during WODs, and always have a great attitude. I had the pleasure of working with Marley while she dialed in her nutrition as well. She and Wes were already meal prepping and eating healthy, but Marley was open-minded to learn new things and wanted the accountability that we were able to offer. She was super consistent and I think as the months have gone by the results speak for themselves. They’re a great choice for members of the month!

Marley has come SO far in such a short time! She truly puts in the hard work to understand a movement with light weight before adding more weight, and that little bit of patience is allowing her to make huge gains recently! She has the best attitude and always has a smile on her face. I still remember years ago when Marley thought I was the crazy neighbor for doing CrossFit... and now here she is, kicking butt and taking names! So happy to have her as part of our community.

Now, let's get to know our Members of the Month!

When did you start CrossFit?

  • Wes: 2012.
  • Marley: July 2020 (less than a year in!)

What's your fitness background?

  • Wes: I played hockey growing up and club hockey at Boston University. I also played competitive golf.
  • Marley: Played Division 1 Lacrosse at Rutgers University. Played field hockey, basketball, and lacrosse in high school.

What’s your favorite CrossFit movement?

  • Wes: Snatch. I love the complexity of it and how important form is. I compare it to a golf swing. When you have a good golf swing or good snatch form, the shot or lift will be successful but if you don't time it correctly, you won't have success. You can't just muscle through a snatch, you need to have great form which is fun to work on.
  • Marley: Power Cleans.

What’s your least favorite movement?

  • Wes: Pull-ups and Thrusters. Fran is my worst nightmare.
  • Marley: Overhead Squats.

What do you do for work?

  • Wes: I work in restructuring (finance). We help companies that are struggling to turn around either out of court or in court through the bankruptcy process.
  • Marley: Lease and Sell Commercial Real Estate.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.

  • Wes: I grew up in St. Louis, MO and I have a sister who is 4 years older than me. She is married with 2 boys. My parents and my sister's family both live in Dallas, TX. I moved from Boston to Baltimore in 2020 to be with Marley.
  • Marley: I have an older sister who currently lives in Crofton, MD. My Dad still lives in the house we grew up in, in Jarrettsville, MD (Harford County). Sadly, my Mom passed away when I was 15 from breast cancer and we miss her every day. My Dad, SIster, and I have an amazing bond and we call ourselves the "Triumvirate."

Tell us something we don’t know about you!

  • Wes: I count stairs when I'm going up or down. Strange, I know, but I always do it. I'm not sure why or when I started doing it, but it's habitual now.
  • Marley: I minored in music in college - I sing! Was in chorus in high school, a member of the "Madrigals" and was also in All-State and All-County choirs. I also have the cutest Corgi dog named Biscuit! She's a girl & a sweetie - 4 years old.

How has CrossFit affected your life outside the gym?

  • Wes: It makes me much more productive and motivated. It helps me relieve stress. When I am in periods where I am not going as much, I am not as productive at work and my energy levels decline.
  • Marley: I am able to relate a lot more to my BF, Wes. I actually understand what he is talking about when he describes what he does at the gym.

What do you enjoy most about PUSH?

  • Wes: I love the community and the programming. I feel the workouts are designed where you can really push yourself if you're in the mindset or if you just want to get a sweat in you can taper the workout and do so.
  • Marley: The welcoming and helpful coaches! Also, the Dogs <3

What tips would you offer someone who is just getting started with working out?

  • Wes: I would say to trust the process and know that progress will come. If you set a schedule and achievable goals, you will see improvement. The hardest part is showing up. Also, listen to your body. If you're really sore or injured take rest and be sure to address the issue. Working through something that is nagging you will likely end up worse than if you just took a few days off.
  • Marley: Don't expect to master everything on day 1! I have a lot of athletic experience, but I have learned that there are some movements in CrossFit that are just going to come with experience.

What's your favorite song to work out to?

  • Wes: I like rap or house music for a WOD and rock/metal for a big lift.
  • Marley: "Work Bitch" - Britney Spears

What's your favorite restaurant?

  • Wes: Peter Luger Steakhouse in NYC
  • Marley: La Scala

Who's your hero (real or fictional)?

  • Wes: My Father
  • Marley: My Dad

What does your frequently used emoji tab look like?

  • Wes:
    • Wes Frequently Used Emojis
  • Marley:
    • Marley Frequently Used Emojis

Words to live by or favorite quote?

  • Wes: I practice the 7 Ps (Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance)
  • Marley: “Happiness is always the best decision, even when it isn’t the easiest decision” – My Dad, Mike Welsh

What's your favorite travel spot?

  • Wes: I really loved Bruges. I went there with Marley in 2019.
  • Marley: So far, Greek Islands.

If you could win an Olympic gold medal for any sport, real or fake, what would it be?

  • Wes: Hockey.
  • Marley: Gymnastics or figure skating.

What's your hidden talent?

  • Wes: I can blow bubbles from my tongue.
  • Marley: Singing.

What are your top five favorite movies?

  • Wes:
    1. Wedding Crashers
    2. Dumb and Dumber
    3. Happy Gilmore
    4. Rush Hour
    5. Good Will Hunting
  • Marley:
    1. Wizard of OZ
    2. Wander Lust
    3. Wedding Crashers
    4. Gone Girl
    5. All Dogs go to Heaven
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