Athlete of the Month : June 2025

Congratulations to Michelle Jantzen, our May Athlete of the Month. When you watch her move in the gym, you can just tell she is athletic as you try to guess what sport she played. Well, she played a little bit of everything but played both field hockey and softball at the collegiate level. We know her as a good runner and strong “engine” athlete. She is a thoughtful, generous person who might be competing with you even if you don’t know it. That’s just her. The competitive nature is always present. This drives her to always give her best and want the best for others around her. Michelle is a knowledgeable nutrition coach who has led a couple challenges in the gym over the years. She definitely enjoys more of the teaching about good habits and when to properly fuel over policing someone’s diet. Being a nutrition coach is however taking a backseat to being a great example to her kids. As she mentions below, Michelle loves seeing the younger (newer) moms working out with their kids nearby watching. We love that kids are growing up witnessing their parents being fit and healthy. When they see it, there is a greater chance the kids will follow in those footsteps. Thanks Michelle for always encouraging it. And thanks for always being someone willing to test workouts either with me or for me. It’s fun to workout with you.
To everyone else out there, challenge Michelle in some way. She’s not likely to back down from a challenge.

Written by: Coach Rob Moloney


——————————————————
Q&A
Why did you start functional fitness cross-training?
As an athlete, I spent most of my life competing. But after graduating college, I found myself asking, “What’s next?” I naturally gravitated toward endurance events—they were in my wheelhouse—but something was missing. Training felt isolating, and I really missed the energy of a team environment. Then I discovered CrossFit—and it was a perfect match. The community, the challenge, the team vibe—I was instantly hooked.

What is your background? (Athletic) 
I’ve been an athlete my whole life—I was always up for trying something new, and I genuinely loved it all. As I got older, I found myself drawn more to team sports, which led me to play field hockey in college. After an ACL tear during my sophomore year, I transitioned to the softball team and kept competing.
After college, I ran a marathon and took on a few triathlons, mostly because I missed the structure and challenge of training. I’ve dabbled in a bit of everything, but team field sports are where my heart is. If our family schedule allowed for it, I’d probably still be out there playing today.

When did you start at the gym?
I started at the gym just over nine years ago, when my son Ryder was nine months old. Back then, it was huge to have a place where I could bring my baby in a stroller and still get in a great workout. There aren’t many places that make that possible. Now, I love seeing the new wave of young moms at the gym with their little ones—it’s such a full-circle moment for me, and love that. 

What is your favorite thing about the gym? 
Hands down, the people. I genuinely look forward to working out with my friends every day. The laughs, the joking around before and after class—it’s all part of what makes this place special. There’s something incredibly motivating about being surrounded by others who are giving it their all right alongside you. Try doing a tough workout alone in an empty gym, and you’ll instantly feel the difference.

What is your favorite moment at the gym so far? 
Saturday morning Open workouts as a team were the best. The energy in the gym was absolutely electric! I loved having a judge and teammates right there, cheering you on and pushing you to squeeze out one more rep. People were hitting PRs, getting their first muscle-ups, and the whole gym would erupt. It was such a fun, supportive atmosphere. Nothing beats that!

What's your favorite "cheat" food? 
Anything salty and crunchy! I love a good potato chip or french fry moment. 

What’s your go to meal to cook? 
That’s a tough one because I cook a lot at home—but I’ll share my go-to post-workout meal. I call it the Kitchen Sink Omelet. I blend one egg, two egg whites, and a 1/2 serving of cottage cheese to make it super fluffy, then pour it into a pan with whatever veggies and protein I have left from the week. I top it off with avocado, hot sauce, and a sprinkle of Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel seasoning. It’s quick, packed with protein, and seriously delicious!

What would you say to someone who is thinking about starting?
Just show up—and then keep showing up. Sticking with a new fitness routine is the hardest part, especially in the beginning. The workouts here are challenging, and it can feel intimidating at first—especially when you're surrounded by people who’ve been doing this for a while. I know it was for me. But once you push through that initial discomfort, you start to see how incredible the community is and how genuinely supportive everyone around you can be. That’s when showing up gets easier. That’s when you know you’ve started making a real, lasting change.

What drives you? 
Competition—hands down. It’s probably no surprise to anyone at the gym that I’m very competitive! I’ve always had that drive, but over the past few years, it’s shifted. Now, I find myself more focused on competing with myself. Don’t get me wrong—I still love to win—but what really fuels me is seeing how far I can push my own limits. How far can I punch my comfort zone? How much can I move that red line? How deep can I make my pain cave? That’s what motivates me now - becoming tougher, both mentally and physically. 

What is your biggest fitness goal right now? 
Hmmm that’s a great question. I don’t know if I really have one right now. I guess I’d have say getting leaner while still getting stronger is a goal for me.

What is a book, documentary or movie you think everyone needs to check out?
No question—Chop Wood Carry Water! It’s such a fantastic read! We’ve all read through it multiple times (even the kids). Each short chapter delivers a powerful lesson in a simple, story-driven way that really sticks with you. It’s one of those books that’s easy to read but leaves a lasting impression. I love it so much, I give it as a gift all the time!