GGS Spotlight: Ali Porter

Name: Alison Porter
Age: 28
Location: Portland, OR

What does being a GGS mean to you?
Being a GGS means living your fit life to the fullest. Examples of this are:

• Doing things that bring you joy.
• Seeing the gym not as a burden, but as a playground, and being excited to go play.
• Making time for the things that are important in your life.
• Making sure to take time to focus on yourself.
• Surrounding yourself with people who inspire, and motivate, you to be successful.
• Being really, really awesome.

How long have you been training?
Just over a year

Favorite lift:
Deadlifts. Although, I also have a strong fondness for squats and TGUs.

Most memorable PR:
I had set a goal to deadlift 155lbs, which I hit on my birthday this year. I was pretty jazzed about that, to say the least!

Top 5 songs on your training playlist: 
I don't actually have a playlist (I know, blasphemous), but I usually go with 80's dance party or Rattatat radio station on Pandora.

Top 3 things you must have with you at the gym/in your gym bag:
Water bottle, chap stick, phone (to log my workouts)

Favorite post workout meal:
Three egg scramble with black beans, tomatoes, avocado, jalapeño, and jack cheese with a side of fresh salsa from my fave brunch spot.

Favorite way to treat yourself:
Sauna, followed by a deep tissue massage.

Favorite quote: 
When I get sad, I stop being sad and be awesome instead. True story. ― Barney Stinson

Favorite book:
Toss up between Tucker Max I Hope They Serve Beer In Hell and Chelsea Handler Are You There, Vodka? It's me, Chelsea. (I need to laugh when I read!)

What inspires and motivates you?
Setting and reaching my goals is a huge motivator for me. It seriously makes me feel like I can do anything. And who doesn't love that feeling? Inspiration wise, I'm really inspired by a lot of our clients. I work for a web design company, whose clients are mainly in the fitness industry, and I draw inspiration from a lot of their stories.

Next training goal:
I have a few at the moment, but mastering a pistol squat is probably at the top.

If you had to choose 3 words to describe yourself, what would they be?
Goofy, friendly, caffeinated.

What do you want to say to other women who might be nervous to start lifting heavy?
Two things: Find yourself an awesome lifting buddy who will motivate and challenge you; Don't be afraid to ask for help. Heavy lifting is an awesome adventure. Make sure you ask questions, and keep people around you who will push you and celebrate with you on your journey.

OK, I lied. There is a third thing I would say. Don't assume you will turn into a bulky monster if you lift heavy. You know what will happen? You will become super lean, and super rad.

You can connect with Ali on Twitter!