July's Athlete of the Month

Time to highlight one of our spectacular athletes! What makes up an Athlete of the Month? Not RX’ing every workout or lifting the most weight. This athlete exhibits consistency and a hard work mentality. Every time they come to the gym they have a good attitude and give their all. This person is also welcoming of others, helping make H Dub the best community there is. Each month we choose a different athlete and post some fun facts about them to help y’all get to know them better.

Let's hear it for our girl, Lin! She's always laughing and smiling and we can't get enough. Her vibes are unmatched and her work ethic is inspiring. Even though her job can be very physical, she still manages to give it her all when she walks through our doors. She also has a huge hand in the upkeep and flourishment of the H Dub garden. If you're lucky enough to be in a class with Lin, be sure to give her a congrats and a high five!

Name: Lin Daffron

Hometown: Richmond, VA

Age: 31

Occupation: Occupational Therapy Assistant, Vanderbilt Adult Hospital

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

I’m definitely a weirdo, someone who loves to find opportunities for laughter in my life (and during my workouts). Fortunately, I have an irreverent sense of humor which means I’m likely to giggle at just about anything. My hobbies away from the gym include baking, cooking, dancing, and reading. Also, I’m one half of the duo who runs our little community garden out back of the gym. I’ve lived in Nash since 2014, and am currently stationed in Music Row with my husband Jack, our pug Porkchop, and our cat Kiki.

What were your goals when you started training?

Originally I started working out to stay in shape, look good, feel good, etc. However, my career path really transformed my perspective on my exercise. As a therapy practitioner in Acute Care, I’m often one of the first people to help adults who are very weak or sick do simple things like sit up at the edge of the bed, perform self care tasks, or stand. As a result, my job can become pretty physically demanding. My fitness is instrumental in helping me do my job not only well, but in a way that is safe both for myself and my patients.

How long have you been at H Dub and how did you get into it?

I joined H Dub in the fall of 2019! I’d met Trey and Lacee while I was working part time at lululemon while finishing school. I dropped in at H Dub one day with a group of other lulu folks and loved it. I had dabbled in powerlifting and traditional body building-type training for a few years at that point. I enjoyed the mix of strength and skill work present in the workout. More than anything, though, I loved how downright welcoming and chill the vibe was at the gym. I’ve done a lot of group fitness, and I’ve yet to find another place that feels so inclusive and fun. I decided that when I graduated & got a “real job,” one of my first orders of business was going to be to join H Dub!

What is your favorite/least favorite thing we do in training?

Favorites: gymnastics, and deadlifts. The first because it’s exciting to get better at— those little lightbulb moments where you finally figure something out rule so much! The second because I’m really comfortable with that lift and I have a lot of fun pushing myself.

Least favorite: Snatches still spook me, but that’s just because I’m not good at them (yet). Tbh, I could happily never do a burpee again in my life.

How has H Dub positively affected you?

I grew up dancing and performing competitively, and for a lot of my life exercise was about looking a certain way, staying a certain size, etc. As someone who’s struggled with body image issues, the culture at H Dub has done so much to help me break that pattern of thought and begin to exercise from a place of celebration and appreciation for what my body is capable of.

What advice do you have for newcomers?

Never feel like your workout has to look like anyone else’s. Keep showing up. You’ll always be glad you showed up.

What is something no one at the gym knows about you?

I spent my 20s performing with and teaching Independent Drum Corps and Winterguard. In 2016, I won a Winterguard World Championship rin Independent World Class- the highest classification in that competitive area. I’ve got a gold medal and everything!

Who are 3 people you would have a meal or drink with dead or alive?

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Maya Angelou

Bill Holway

If you had an intro song when you walk into the gym what would it be?

Tempo- Lizzo

Favorite Sport?

Here I am, being a nerd— Drum Corps! Check it out: www.dci.org

If you could have one super power what would it be?

Apparition (Harry Potter is a superhero, right?)

What is your favorite cheat meal?

Pizza, followed by ice cream and brownies.