M&S Talks To NutriForce Sponsored CrossFit Athlete Jennifer Hunter-Marshall

What is your athletic background, and how did you get involved with CrossFit?

I was looking for something different.  After a few years of bodybuilding and fitness competitions, my body was beat down and my desire to workout had waned.

I did gymnastics and dance as a child and later ran track in high school.  I have always been naturally athletic and after I was introduced to CrossFit in 2006, I was immediately hooked and took to it like a fish to water.

How many times have you competed, and what is your best placing to date?

I have participated in several competitions, but the biggest has been the Crossfit Northeast Regionals.  I have been an individual competitor for the past five years.  I have placed 5th twice in that time.

Please detail your weekly training protocol. How many days per week do you train, how are your workouts structured, etc?

I generally train 5x a week.  I am currently on a strength training cycle where I lift 3 days out of the week.  I am primarily working on my Clean and Jerk and Snatch.   I focus on weaknesses at least 2x a week.   I like to lift heavy, do technical skill work, and do short metabolic conditioning workouts.   I am working on improving my endurance right now.

What do you love most about CrossFit, and what do you like least?

I love the community the most.   I cannot think of anything that I don’t love about improving someone’s quality and capacity for life through exercise and education.

Please tell us about your nutrition and diet approach. If you follow a specific meal plan or eating structure, please detail it.

I have celiac disease.  It is an autoimmune disease and I am unable to eat foods with gluten in them.  I do not weigh and measure my food exactly, but I am conscious of portion size.

I generally eat three meals a day with one or two small snacks.   I eat meat, vegetables, nuts and seeds, some fruit, little starch, and keep sugar to a minimum.  I admit I have some added sugar to my coffee, but that’s it.

I live by the 90/10 rule.  I am good 90% of the time and the other 10% we won’t talk about.

What advice do you have for someone interested in getting involved with CrossFit?

Do it!  It was one of the best things that I have ever done in my life.  It is right up there with marrying my wonderful husband.  Both have changed my life for the better in ways that I never knew it needed or I thought possible.   It has been so life transforming it is hard for me to remember my life before.

I do encourage anyone interested to try a class.  It is difficult to fully appreciate the program without the benefit of experiencing it at least once.

What are your 3 favorite and least favorite exercises/movements, and why?

My three favorite movements are muscle ups, handstand pushups, and snatches.  I like them most for their simplicity, strength, grace, and because I am really good at them.  Ha ha.

My least favorite activities are long runs, rowing and swimming.  I like them least, mostly because I am not good at them.

What drives you and keeps you motivated?

What drives me is the desire to be better today than I was yesterday in all aspects of my life.  When you think you know or can do everything, you know nothing.  I never want to stop improving.

CrossFit is a very physically demanding training style. What steps or precautions do you take to stay injury free?

I have a great coach and I continually work on my technique.  I take great pride in moving well and listening to my body. I get a massage once a week and rest as needed.

Train smart and that will help minimize the risk, but there is great reward in going for it.

How has CrossFit improved your life outside of the competition realm?

My husband and I are gym owners and are able to share our passion for exercise with others.  CrossFit made this dream possible.

Any tips you can provide on learning the Olympics lifts?

Find someone that knows more than you and practice regularly.

CrossFit athletes are known for having amazing physiques. Can you give us some tips on how we can look our best?

The best tip that I can give is try CrossFit.  I did body building for 4 years and spend hours in the gym.  I spend an hour in the gym now and I look better than I did back then.    It is an added bonus that I feel better as well and I have more time to pursue my other passion, acting.

What music do you listen to while training?

It depends on my mood and what I am working on.  If it is a heavy day, I love listening to the Rocky Soundtrack.   If it is a longer workout, I like some rap or hip hop.

Give us your top 5 favorite movies or TV shows.

• Aliens
• Blade Runner
• Color Purple
• Life is Beautiful
• Glory

What other physical activities or sports have you participated in?

I did 4 years of dance in college.  Ballet, jazz, modern, and tap.

Do you have an all-time favorite WOD? If so, can you detail it?

My favorite WOD is “AMANDA”  Muscle ups and Snatches.   For time 9-7-5 reps at 95lbs for Squat Snatches.   Two of my favorite movements and a short workout.

What are your goals in the sport of CrossFit, and how long do you hope to keep competing?

My goals are to continue doing the best that I can.  The sport of CrossFit has evolved and continues to change every year as new athletes enter the field and people get better.  The only thing that I can hope for is that I can continue to keep up as long as I can.   Age will eventually catch up with me, but for now I giving it a pretty good run.

Who are your role models, or what other CrossFit athletes do you admire?

Annie Sakamoto.  She is an amazing athlete and human being.  I have never seen her not smiling or not being in the moment.  I remember watching videos of her when I started years ago and aspiring to be like her.  She is such an inspiration. She gives hope to all us little girls.  Haha.

Do you supplement your nutrition with any sports supplements? If so can you tell us which supplements you utilize on a weekly basis.

When I am competing and doing multiple workouts, I will add a protein shake.  I like NutriForce protein and it tastes great.

What sacrifices have you had to make to reach your competition and physique goals?

I don’t really feel like I have sacrificed too much.  I love what I do and do what I love.  When I am competing or getting ready for a competition, I may have to put in a little more time.  CrossFit is a way of life and competing is a way for me to express it to the fullest.  The six-pack is a bonus.  Ha ha.