Member Spotlight — Jessica Beran

We've had the pleasure of watching Jessica Beran grow as a member at CrossFit James Island over the past few years. Her goals have been unwavering in that time, but her path to getting their has definitely taken some shifts in emphasis. She's seen quite a few ups and downs like every athlete who's been in a sport for 6+ years and has learned a ton of lessons.

Jessica has consistently placed in the top 200 in her age group during the CrossFit Open for 4 years now. For the last three years she has been in the top 2 in South Carolina and this year took #1. She can be found in the gym consistently every morning doing her accessory work and warming up during the 6:30 a.m. class. Usually jamming to Dr. Dre and Snoop she's working out from 7:30-9 a.m. every morning and still finds time to run a very successful dance studio. Congrats Jess on another fantastic finish and for continuing to grow as both an athlete and as a person. It's been a blast watching it happen!

What got you in the doors at CFJI and what keeps you coming back?

I joined CFJI almost 6 years ago...hard to believe. A road sign got me in. I originally joined for one month as a boot camp type experience...and here I am. I loved the work outs. I had always been an slightly overweight cardio junkie. I just loved the lifting and the intensity. I told Kyle I did not want to "BULK" up....ha ha Now I am like how can I be stronger??? The family feel at the the gym, the camaraderie, wanting to be better at certain movements, the nutrition knowledge gains, body changes, and of course the STUDLY coaching kept me coming back! Now, its just my life style plain and simple.

Have you always been a bad ass in the gym? If no, when was the shift? If you have, why?

I was a globo gym rat and attempted to be a runner...I have even run a marathon (GROSS) and tried various other things. Nothing worked. Badass? ha ha Hardly....Something about the competitive aspect of Crossfit really sung to me though...probably because of the dance background. I have always been focused on whatever I am doing but I really started to push the limits when I found this. I would say nutrition has been the biggest shift for me as far as performance goes. What do you like most about CFJI?

The people and the feel. I am 100% myself at the gym...no other place can I say that!

What motivates you?

Results and personal satisfaction

How long have you been a part of CrossFit?

Almost 6 years.

Favorite encouraging words you’ve heard at CFJI...

GO FASTER!! Ha! I have always been very encouraged at the gym. There is no specific words I can think of, but I feel the love all the time! Everyone really tries to lift each other up at CFJI and I love that!

Congrats on your Open success this year! How did you feel going into it?

Thank you so much! Scared...ha ha I am so pleased with my results though. It was actually my lowest ranking ever in the open, but I feel I am such a better athlete, physically and mentally so I am happy!

Final thoughts coming out of it? Learn anything new and fun about yourself?

I learned that is is OK to have a bad work out. I have a habit of beating myself up when I don't do or perform how I "think" I should or what others "think" I should be doing performance wise. Crossfit is cumulative and I am good at some things and not so good at others. Being happy with where I am at as a whole and striving to be better is true gains!

How will your mindset be different going into next year? Any specific things you're working on this year to prepare?

I get to switch age brackets this year so, so excited (not to be old, but there is a plus...ha ha) Gymnastics Gymnastics Gymnastics....

You're a mom, a business owner, and an inspiration in the gym...tips for balance?

Coffee....and more coffee. JK Really I just have set priorities that I try to stick to each day. Everyday is not perfect by any means, but balance can be created if you want it. You have to put effort in though...it does not just happen. Kids always first and everything else falls into place after that. I am truly passionate about the things in my life, so it makes it easy.