Melody Maczko

Full Name: Melody Maczko

Preferred Name or Nickname: Melody

Current Coaching Certifications: CF-L2

How long have you been coaching? <1 year

How long have you been doing CrossFit, weightlifting, or other types of training?
 I started crossfit and weightlifting in 2013.  I have been running since a brief stint on my high school track team 30+ years ago.

How did you first get started with fitness or CrossFit?  
I wanted to lose weight after baby #2.  My running plans and light dumbbell routines was not working for me. I knew lifting weights was the answer but did not feel comfortable enough to go to a globo gym on my own.  I also couldn’t afford a personal trainer.  I stumbled on Crossfit when the 2013 games aired on ESPN and was able to find a local box. The rest is history!

What made you decide to become a coach?  
I love the methodology and wanted to understand the foundational movements and the why behind everything.  CrossFit has helped me become the best version of myself both physically and mentally.  

What do you enjoy most about coaching?  
The best part is that nearly every athlete has a smile by the time the class is done.

What is your favorite movement to teach?
Strict pullups – mainly because I can actually do them well.

How would you describe your coaching style?
 I try to keep my classes fun and engaging, without being overbearing.

What can members expect when they take one of your classes?
The class will end on time.

What is the most important thing you want athletes to learn from you?  
That you don’t have to be young or an experienced athlete to do this.

What is one piece of advice you would give someone who is nervous about starting CrossFit?  
Assume you’ll feel ridiculous to start as you learn the movements.  And just start – take it one class at a time.

What is a common mistake you see athletes make, and how do you help them improve it?  
I see two extremes – athletes not pushing as hard as they can and those that don’t scale as much as they should. I will remind the class what the goal of the program for the day is, to help them make better decisions.

What is your favorite lift or movement?  
Toes to Bar – it’s taken a long time to be able to do these consistently.

What is your least favorite lift, movement, or workout?
Snatches – reminds me how much work I still need to do.

What is your favorite CrossFit workout, benchmark workout, or type of workout?
I like long chippers or grindy workouts like Murph, Zeus or Filthy 50.

What fitness accomplishment are you most proud of?  
The fact that I can do strict pullups and pushups with good form.

What fitness goal are you currently working toward?  
I am still working on my first muscle up.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not at the gym?  
I like to tend to my houseplants / yard (when weather permits).  

What is your favorite food, restaurant, music, and movie?
My favorite food is Korean and I’ll watch older movies.

How long have you been part of Train Harder CrossFit?  
I’ve known the owners since 2013, but didn’t officially join TH until early 2016.

What do you like most about the Train Harder community?
 I like that our community is incredibly diverse – our athletes come from a wide variety of backgrounds and skill levels.

Why should someone come take one of your classes?  
Because I’ll do my best to ensure they get the most out of their class.

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