March'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!

Congratulations to one of our newer athletes, Maria! At 22 years old, it's impressive to see her dedication to her health. Her consistent attendance is evident as we've already seen improvement since she joined us in January. Let's just say she is as committed to her fitness as she is to her love for the Jonas Brothers!

Name: Maria Strobel

Hometown: Salisbury, NC

Age: 22

Occupation: Technology Consultant

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

I was born and raised in North Carolina and moved to Gulf Shores, AL during middle school. Growing up, I had my hand in every sport imaginable at one point or another. I graduated from Auburn University in May of 2021 with a degree in math (yet somehow i still struggle to count up the weight on my bar every time). I started remotely working in July and moved to Nashville in October. I think the rest of me can be summed up by the three biggest loves of my life: the Jonas Brothers, baking & desserts, and Auburn sports.

What were your goals when you started training?

Growing up I always played sports and was active, but I hated actually working out more than anything. When I was done with high school sports and went to college, I basically boycotted working out for two years and gained some weight. I started CrossFit back in 2019 with the goal of losing weight and living a healthier lifestyle. I fell in love with it because there was that sense of competitiveness and others pushing you to be your best that I loved from playing sports. Since then, I’ve lost about 35 pounds and feel the best I ever have! Now I train to feel strong both physically and mentally.

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

I started at H Dub in January of this year, but I’ve been doing CrossFit on and off for almost 3 years. I literally just googled CrossFit gyms in Nashville and when I read that there were good vibes here, I was sold.

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

Perhaps an unpopular opinion, but I actually like running and burpees. On the other hand, if I never had to do another snatch/overhead press/thruster in my life, I would be perfectly content.

How has H Dub positively affected you?

Not only is H Dub is a place I look forward to coming to everyday to get in my daily workout, but its coaches and members have welcomed me to the gym with open arms. I love that there can be competition within a workout, yet everyone still wants to see you succeed and be your best.

What advice do you have for newcomers?

Do not be intimidated!! Everyone was the new guy at one point and had no idea what they were doing. Just remember everything can be scaled to your fitness level.

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

I was a member of the bowling team my senior year of high school. We had an undefeated regular season and went to the state tournament.

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

I’m going to be honest, this isn’t going to be one of those deep intellectual dinners where I pick the greatest minds in history. I’m just there to have a good time and laugh. So with that being said, I’d invite Joe Jonas, Harry Styles, and John Mulaney or Andy Samberg.

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

All I Do Is Win by DJ Khaled

Favorite Sport?

To play: volleyball

To watch: basketball or football. Or anything Auburn is competing in.

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

Teleportation

What is your favorite thing to eat?

I have the worst sweet tooth, so anything sweet: cookies, ice cream, cake, etc. Or steak.