Name: Abbie Elsner (Fratzke)
Age: 21
Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota
What does being a GGS mean to you?
To me it is about discovering the strength to face anything—physically, mentally and spiritually. Finding your physical strength and training your body helps you to develop your inner strength as well. You are stronger and more capable than you know if you only take the chance to discover it. You are a Girl Gone Strong.
How long have you been training?
I started lifting in high school and was on the Olympic Weightlifting team my senior year, but I never took it seriously. My main sport was dance so I focused my energy and attention on dance. In college, my love for sports and exercise grew; I learned a lot and tried a lot of different things—I was captain of my collegiate dance team, cheered professionally for a season, played a season of rugby and even coordinated the group fitness/aerobics program for the college. Eventually, I made friends with a couple trainers at a local gym who taught me a lot about lifting, being strong and introduced me to the Girls Gone Strong movement. Since I moved back to Minnesota, I have started to focus a lot more on strength training. I am now training at Movement Minneapolis with David Dellanave and have also started CrossFit.
Most memorable PR:
In one night got back-to-back PRs! I pulled a 275-pound deadlift and then got my first strict pull up. I definitely did a celebratory dance and victory lap around the gym after those PRs!
Top 5 songs on your training playlist:
Top 3 things you must have with you at the gym/in your gym bag:
Favorite post workout meal:
Anything with lots of meat. I’m not a very picky eater, but I like to eat big.
Favorite way to treat yourself:
I love a heaping bowl of frozen yogurt loaded with berries!
Favorite quote:
“And though she be but little, she is fierce.” — A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Favorite book:
I’m a total bibliophile. I don’t know if I could pick just one favorite.
What inspires and motivates you?
I have a lot of goals and dreams for the future. I’m still young but I know the only way to get where I want to go is to work harder than the average Joe, so that’s what I set out to do! Also, as a Christian, I am motivated to honor God with my actions, especially my training.
Next training goal:
I have a bulletin board in my bedroom covered in goals, but my biggest goal is to start competing more. I competed in a local CrossFit competition and would love to compete again. Hopefully in areas other than CrossFit as well!
Three words that best describe you:
Loud, Loving, Laughter
What do you want to say to other women who might be nervous to start lifting heavy?
It can be a little scary at first but seek out people to help you learn the ropes—whether those are trainers/coaches, the hot shots in the gym or your fellow Girls Gone Strong. Once you begin to find your physical strength, you’ll find the confidence you’re looking for in and outside of the gym!
There is no one "right way" for everyone. Find our own way!
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