Coach LAUREN JIMERSON

Tell us a little bit about you, your background, education, and accolades.

In my life outside of the gym I am an artist-I paint, draw, work in digital mediums, create in nature, I can get into performance-based art as well. I’m pretty much an art nerd. I am also a trained art therapist and worked as an addictions counselor for a few years before turning back to pursuing my art full-time.  I have done quite a bit of public speaking locally and have even done a TEDxtalk and I am a certified life coach. Aside from work, I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, swimming, traveling, reading, live music and dancing.  SO much dancing happens. 

What brought you to NOVA Fitness?

I was looking for a new CrossFit gym when I moved to Rochester from Victor and I found NOVA a whole mile away from my house. It was also important to me to find a gym that had a culturally diverse staff and NOVA had that too. 

What has been your most memorable moment at NOVA Fitness so far?

It’s a toss up between taking 2nd with my team in The Ergathlon with two women from another affiliate that I met that day and everyone singing Happy Birthday to me at our last Friday Night Lights while being presented with vegan cupcakes. 

What is one way CrossFit has positively impacted your daily life?

The CrossFit community is amazing! The camaraderie is visible from the home gym community all the way up to The CrossFit Games. I have also dropped into gyms and felt immediately welcomed. It is uplifting when people genuinely want you to be well and do well and I see that finding it’s way into my daily life and personal challenges. It is all of the mental health bennys of community and fitness.   

What advice would you give to someone new to CrossFit?

Remember your why. That is what gives you purpose in your actions and will carry you on the days that you don’t feel like showing up.