About:
Name – Melissa Leier
Occupation – Leadership Specialist (Saskatoon Health Region), and Fitness Consultant (Self-Employed)
Hobbies – Fishing, Hunting, Football, Baseball
Hometown – Melville, SK
Synergy Strength member since – September 2013
Referred by – Jenny & Nathan Neiviadomy
Achievements:
What’s one interesting thing about you that other members may not know?
I spent years in the mentality of a once-per-week “Legs Day”, which was on the leg extension, hamstring curl, and leg press machines. I totally avoided squatting at all costs; simply because I had told myself a story that it wasn’t a good idea after my 2 ACL tears in high school/university sports. In the fall of 2013 when I joined Synergy, I was ready for a change in the way I had always done things, and it was time for me to be a big girl (LOL)…I learned how to actually execute a squat and even to squat @ss to grass. I did start off with an empty barbell for a quite a while and had to use a heel board, but I worked at it and built on progress. A year ago, I never would have imagined the benefits I would have gotten from actually learning, trying, and working at this; as today, my knees have never felt better and my leg strength has significantly improved and I have grown to LOVE squatting because of the strength I continually gain from working at it!
What is your most memorable moment at Synergy Strength?
December 29th 2013 at the Monster Lift Off; I believe this was my 3rd time deadlifting a barbell EVER… yes, I had gone through life as an athlete, personal trainer the last 10 years, and a competitive bodybuilder for 4 years and had not yet experienced the deadlift… After the guidance of excellent coaches I warmed up and built up to pulling about 225lbs and felt pretty good about it (in fact, I had thought OMG this is OVER 200lbs!). I had some other athletes beside me ( I believe this was Sandra Nase and Darlene Brander) give me the hint to take my shoes off. I kind of questioned what difference this would have made (as I didn’t fully understand the rationale at this time), but gave it a try anyways… and wouldn’t you know it – I was able to add another 20lbs and pulled 245lbs. Then, Sandra and Darlene must have sensed I was still a bit of a rookie at this lift and Sandra suggested – why don’t you try my belt. I had never worn a belt, and also didn’t fully understand the rationale of what difference it can make, but I thought hey, why not. I got a sense that these peers around me really believed I had more in me and that gave me the courage to be brave and try. I strapped on the belt and wouldn’t you know it, I pulled up to 285lbs that day! This was a memorable day, as I surprised myself with the strength I had that came out with the support and encouragement of those around me!
When you talk about Synergy Strength with friends, what do you brag about?
A lot of things!!
- The community of amazing people that show up and bring out the best in each other every day
- The coaches who know their stuff and go beyond just leading a group workout, but connect with individuals to help them at their level and support their development.
- The killer WODs that are programmed for long term development and that gets results!
What does #synergystrong mean to you?
#SynergyStrong means strength individually and strength in each other. Individually we put in the effort, follow the program, and we do get results; but the strength we get from each other is what supports us to put the effort in in the first place.
What is you favorite aspect of Synergy Strength?
How the community of athletes and coaches at Synergy makes it possible for me to show up and get my @ss handed to me day after day with the killer Wods and absolutely love it and can’t get enough!
Best Lifts:
Tire Flips are my favorite activity (not sure the # but I flip the 2nd largest)
Deadlift: 310lb
Bench Press: 165lb
Squat: 225lb
