Q&A with CrossFit Games Athlete Emily Bridgers

Q&A with Emily Bridgers
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We sent your questions to CrossFit Games veteran Emily Bridgers, and here’s what she said!


1.  Coming out of the Games last year, how much (if any) time did you take off from training? And how did you mentally prepare to start the training for the 2017 games when you came back from time off? Good luck this year! – David S.

Coming off last year’s Games, I took about a month off training.  This is the longest I’ve ever taken off of CrossFit. I took 1-2 weeks of doing basically nothing physically active, except coaching classes at my gym.  I had a back issue going on last season so I needed to let it settle down and get some answers about what was going on.  I got an MRI and found out I had a disc tear, which is not to be taken lightly, but it’s also manageable.  I also found out that the area I previously (gymnastics days) suffered a compression fracture in my thoracic spine had now fused naturally, which was good news, but could also be one of the reasons my back locked up so badly at the Games, in order to protect the fused area. 

That being said, I used that first month for just rest and PT.  After the first month, I started back just taking classes at CF Terminus and whatever else I felt like doing that day.  Then, beginning of October, I ramped back up with the Team series and back to more normal training volume. 

 

2.  How often do you train your weaknesses and what are they? – @allisonjanna

My weaknesses include any bending movements, like deadlifts done in high repetition.  I also struggle with running and wall balls.  Generally for me, the higher “skilled” movement, the better!

I train all of these movements at least once a week, but add in accessory work for hamstring endurance most days of the week!

 

3.  How do you tune out the noise when at the Games? – @tre_head

Honestly, I thrive in these settings.  The more amped up and nervous I am, generally the better I do.  So even in those moments where you want to throw up you are so nervous, I just try to appreciate it.  But since the Games are carried out over a 5 day period, I try my best to save the stress for that moment where it’s important, and relax, laugh, joke around, and down regulate as much as possible when it’s not going to benefit me to get worked up!  My husband does a great job of keeping me relaxed as well as my friends who are also my competitors.  We keep each other sane during the chaos!

 

4.  Which would you prefer, ice cream or donuts? – @hulahooplady

This is a tough one, but I’d have to go with ice cream over donuts!

 

5.  When did you decide to become a full-time athlete? – @theonlyroloalive89

I still don’t know if I consider myself a “full-time athlete.”  Of course my training and performance is a huge priority in my life, but I also help run a business (CrossFit Terminus) and spend much of my time coaching others.  I try to keep this whole thing in perspective.  I started CrossFit simply to get back in shape after college, and I just happened to excel in it.  I know I’m not going to compete forever, so I want to carry out my purpose helping others with the things I’ve learned along the way. 

 

6.  Which nutrition strategy has worked for you in order to shorten recovery time and increase performance? – @miggiemillan

This has been an ongoing process for me over the years, and still in the works.  Progenex has been in my corner basically since day one, helping me recover from day to day and in between workouts.  I recently began working with Working Against Gravity, which has been great in terms of accountability and advice on exactly what I need to put in my body each day. I’m currently eating about 45% carbs, 30% protein, and 25% fat every day.  Increasing my carb intake and especially increasing how much I’m eating for breakfast have been two key factors in feeling more energized and recovered going into training.

 

7.  What’s your favorite conditioning WOD? – @pessegohumaita

I love this template for getting back into conditioning shape quickly.

5 Rounds:  In 3 minutes, complete a 400m run followed by max rep wall ball shots.  Rest 1 minute between rounds. 

Feel free to replace the run with a row or bike, and the wall balls with almost any other exercise!  Good luck!

 

8.  What is one thing you do every day to help mobility? – @katiebrown495

I try to get in a banded hamstring stretch daily, couch stretch daily, and pigeon stretch on top of a box.

 

9.  What’s your favorite TV series? – @ava.kitzi

Im a sucker for watching almost every season of the Bachelor/Bachelorette/Bachelor in Paradise.  Lately, anything on HGTV or CSI Miami re-runs!

 

10.  How do you overcome the feeling of waking up and not wanting to work out that day? – @pertheg

This actually happens more often than you would think.  One of my strategies is getting to the gym quickly and jumping into our 8:30am class.  There is really something behind this whole CrossFit thing and working out with a group of people that will motivate you even when you don’t want to be motivated.  It also keeps you on the class time schedule instead of your own schedule, so it forces me to get going much faster than I would by myself.

Also, just making sure you are super warmed up.  A lot of times, lack of motivation for me comes from feeling sore or tired and once I get the blood flowing and work up a sweat I’m already feeling better.  Just keep it simple and get moving.

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