Lisa Barnes is one of our original members. She has been a diehard member of our awesome 6:30a.m. crew for years. You can also find her in Saturday morning classes with a positive attitude and ready to work. Lisa recently celebrated her 10th year with us here at BeachSide CrossFit and we could not be more proud of her dedication to health and fitness. Keep killing it Lisa!
Tell us about yourself:
I am a mom to Steven (33) and Sara (31) and a grandmother to James (3) and Ellie (1). I am a lifelong swimmer and you will find me at the Ventura Aquatic Center five days/week religiously to swim laps. I enjoy international hiking trips and scuba diving though have done little of either these recently due to the pandemic. I am in a long term relationship with Daniel who practices pulmonary medicine locally. I am also an avid reader and spend more on Kindle and Audible books each month than most people spend on groceries.
What do you do for a job?
I am an RN and have spent most of my career working in the nonclinical area of insurance administration. I was drawn to the business side of nursing early on. And have spent very little time doing patient care. As a result, don’t ask me any clinical questions. I google it just like everyone else!
Tell us something people might not know about you:
My dad died at a young age leaving my three sisters and I to be raised by my mom. She was ahead of her time in that she was a firm believer in Girl Power. I was taught at an early age you can accomplish whatever you want and regardless of the obstacles in front of you.
What brought you to CrossFit in the first place?
I was exposed to CrossFit by my current boss of many years and former BSCF member Lynn Stratton. She offered an office based “Introduction to CrossFit” class at the office as part of Wellness activity. I recall her asking at her first class for us to jump up on a 24” box. I was mentally convinced it was too high and was too afraid to even try!
What was your first impression? How has that changed?
My first impression at BSCF was how meticulous Nathan was in regards to correct form. I spent much longer than most newbies using a PVC pipe until these new skills that were so foreign to me finally kicked in!
What was your first “bright spot”?
My first bright spot was carrying my potted Christmas tree into the house with ease after starting CrossFit earlier that same year. I had always used a dolly to accomplish this same task. It was a CrossFit aha moment for me as I realized all the lifting does actually make you stronger and in very measurable ways.
What are you working on now?
My goal at CrossFit now is to do the most I can within the limits of my aging knee joints. I have been heavily supported by all the coaches in this area. They are quick to offer modifications that still result in a good workout.
What’s your favorite BeachSide CrossFit memory?
My favorite BSCF memory was Nathan’s willingness to play Debbie Gibson’s Greatest Hits upon request at a class in 2011. I don’t recall anyone at the class even being old enough to be familiar with this 1980s teen pop artist. But Nathan accommodated my request anyways!
