Q&A with CrossFit competitor Bex Hall

Want to know what it’s really like to do CrossFit at a high level? Bex Hall, a member of Team Reebok UK, explains all.

Have you always been into fitness?

Yes, I did gymnastics until about the age of 13, and grew up in a very sporty family.

How did you come across CrossFit?

Ollie (one of the owners of CrossFit Bath) is a friend and asked me to go along to a class when they first started. At the time they did two classes a week in a local community hall.

When did you realise you were good enough to start taking it seriously at a competitive level?

The first time I started to take competing seriously was during the opens in 2013. That was the first year I set out to do well and felt competitive. My goal was to be part of the team at regionals.

What do you do for a living, and how do you fit training into your schedule?

I’m a sports massage therapist, as well as one of the coaches at Crossfit Bath. I coach every weekday morning and so I fit my training in either before or after my classes. I work quite late into the evenings, so mornings are my only opportunity to get my sessions in.

Who do you look up to in the fitness world?

In the world of Crossfit it has to be Sam Briggs. Having seen her compete and been lucky enough to train with her, she is someone I will always admire. For the genuine person she is, and the hard work she puts into her training year on year. But I admire any person in the sporting world who has the dedication and determination to go a long way in their sport.

What are your fitness goals for the next five years?

Having sat out this year’s opens for the first time ever I’m excited to get back on the competition floor. My short-term goals are to qualify for TAG in January 2016, as well as be back on the team for CrossFit Bath at regionals next year. The aim is to be a stronger, fitter, version of myself year on year and to keep trying new things along the way.

When not doing CrossFit, what other physical activities do you like doing?

I love my bike! I cycle to the gym almost every day (as long as it’s not tipping it down!) and go on longer bike rides to unwind at the weekend. I have just got back from a five-day cycling holiday in Austria where there was not a barbell or pull-up rig in sight. I also do yoga once a week as my active recovery session.

What’s your favourite aspect of CrossFit?

I love walking into the box every morning and seeing all kinds of people push themselves in different ways. I love the chatter before class, after class and the encouragement everybody gives one another – as well, of course, as the weirdly enjoyable pain that a killer WOD gives you! Nothing beats it.

What do you think is a common misconception about CrossFit?

That it’s ‘hardcore’ and full of people who are ‘pros’. People think they need to get fit before they can start Crossfit.

If you could say anything to convince someone to take up CrossFit, what would it be?

Don’t be scared of it, or intimidated. We all begin at different levels. When I first started I couldn’t do a pull-up or a full press-up but it didn’t matter. It’s all about getting fitter and stronger but enjoying it along the way.

For more information on Reebok and their latest CrossFit footwear and apparel, visit reebok.co.uk and follow @ReebokUK