Featured Athlete - Caroline Ritchey

Caroline Ritchey

Caroline Ritchey joined Fit Crew in July of 2020 and has been working hard at her goals ever since. She is part of the 5AM crew and despite the early wakeup calls to go train before the sun rises for the day, she always has a smile on her face and is ready to go for new PRs.

Caroline pushes her way through every workout yet still finds the energy and drive to encourage those around her showing both grit and the compassion and community that makes Fit Crew, Fit Crew.

Congratulations, Caroline!

Tell us about yourself

I am originally from Maryland, but I have moved around a lot living in Ohio, South Korea, North Carolina, and Georgia. I always said my body was built for the tropics, so I kept moving southward. I ended up here in Florida two years ago after repeated visits to my Dad's place in Ft. Myers. I mean, the gulf coast is the best! I am living the dream in a camper trailer with my 4 year old lab mix and planning to take online classes for a Master's degree in Restoration Ecology using fire as a tool.

My current job is working with the Florida Forest Service as a Forest Ranger and a Wildland Firefighter. This has inspired me to incorporate strength training in my fitness journey as the job can be labor intensive (dragging chains, firehoses, heavy lifting, etc.)

 

How did you get started at Fit Crew?  

I was looking for something other than the "traditional gym". Its not that I have anything against ellipticals (though you will never find me on one) but I needed to get real strength training from people who know what they are doing. I found Fit Crew online and came to a free class. Immediately, I felt that they would guide me well and help me become a stronger person, and I have been going to classes ever since!

What has been your proudest athletic moment?  

My proudest moment? Before Fit Crew it would be the year that I trained for and completed a half marathon. Running across the finish line was validation that all the training had paid off. Since joining Fit Crew though, the achievements are more subtle but equally as validating. The most recent moment of pride was when I did more pullups than my father in an impromptu competition in the park. As of this time last year, I couldn't even do a single pull-up, so that's a big win.

 

What’s your favorite exercises? Least favorite? 

I absolutely hate wallballs. I don't know why, but I hate them with a passion. Maybe its the incorporation of aim, squat, and upper body. Nope!

I like a good solid lower body exercise. The highest weight I have ever lifted has been in hip thrusters which has been a point of great pride. Also, back squats are good.

What do you think makes Fit Crew different from other gyms that you have tried in the past

Fit Crew is great because, there is a workout to follow or modify in each class. There is a variety of classes at a good selection of times. The trainers are good at correcting form as needed and educating while still building you up instead of tearing you down. The people get to know you, and you feel part of the team.

What do you like to do when you’re not training at Fit Crew?

I still do run a couple times a week, but no more than four miles these days. Outside of fitness and my actual day job, I like to read, spoil the dog, eat amazing food, and explore new places, especially ones near the water.

Tell us a fun fact that we might not already know about you.

When I started my job here, I was told that historically, I was the first and only female wildland firefighter to have worked for my district, which is a five county area. None of us was sure how this would go, but I am still here. Maybe it's because I am used the guys; I grew up as the only girl among five brothers.