1) Who is Kelly Baker? (where are you from, what do you do, a bit about yourself (hobbies, etc)
I am from Barnsley, a small town up North in the U.K. I am a full time CrossFit athlete, box owner & coach. CrossFit consumes most of my time but when I can I love to read, swim, go for walks with my family, draw and go on holidays to new places.
2) How many years have you been training? (Including how you got started, etc)
I have trained in CrossFit for 7 years, prior to this I was a diver, gymnast, and occasional snowboarder.
3) Whats been the most challenging/hardest part of your journey so far? and how have you overcome them (set backs, rejections, injuries, basically anything difficult that you have had to overcome)
The most challenging part has 100% been believing in myself. CrossFit is one of the most mentally and physically challenging training methods and it’s took a lot of time, a lot of self development through working with a sports psychologist, podcasts, reading at every opportunity, meditation but I would say I’m finally on the right track but with ongoing work still to do. Self development never stops.
4) What does your typical workout/diet routine look like? (With any particular protocols you rate).
The Athlete Program do all my programming which consists of 10 sessions per week with 2 rest days. They have a specialist team (one of whom I work with individually) with proven track records and are very experienced in what they do I trust them whole heartedly.
I use RP Strength (Renaissance Periodisation), a very well known company used by hundreds of thousands inc many incredible crossfitters. They now have an app which just makes nutrition so easy. I don’t have to count calories they simply guide me with what macros I need and when to best fuel my training.
5) What new knowledge have you learned over this past year regarding training, lifestyle and nutrition? (And How has it changed your focus for the future).
To not half ass anything. Train with a purpose and to my best in every single session. Truly understand what I’m doing and why, and always with the aim of moving well and becoming better. Acknowledge good sessions and analyse not so good session, always take a lesson from every session. Recovery is critical to keep up with the demands of CrossFit, be sure to eat enough food, get enough sleep and plenty of body maintenance.
6) Whats your favourite cheat/Treat meal?
A banana chopped up then dipped in peanut butter then dipped in melted dairy milk chocolate - genius!
7) Whats one supplement that you could not live without?
Creatine! I use Combat Fuel. It’s one of the most researched supplements out there, very low cost and massively helps in CrossFit.
8) If you had to start your Journey from scratch with both your health & physique what would you do differently and why?
I would acknowledge the power of the mind much earlier and realise that this needs just as much work as physically training wether confident or not. There is so much potential to unlock here.
9) Who do you look upto in the fitness industry and why?
I don’t have a particular person but anyone without drama, who has a good work ethic and strong mentality. These kind of people have worked hard to be where they are, get their head down and do what needs to be done and they are good people to be around when you find them listen to them and watch them. There are a lot of people to learn from.
10) If you had to give one bit of advice to people starting out what would that be?
Show up - no excuses! Be patient and build strong foundations. Don’t worry about what others are doing. Give your best efforts and accept they are good enough, then build on them. Meditate, this transfers over into training more than you think. Discover who the f#ck you are! Enjoy it and be in it for the long haul.
11) What new goals do you have on the horizon?
2020 is kicking off with a bang. I have Strength in Depth coming up at the end of January, The European Championships in February then it will be head back down onto some solid training leading into the 2020 CrossFit open in what will be my first year as a master.
12) Where can people find you? (website, social media accounts)
Either at CrossFit Barnsley (if you’re around pop in) or on Instagram @kelbaker5
