Anneliese Bayer
Coach
245 deadlift 500 m
row: 1:46
Annie: Sub 7 min
Bodyweight front squat
Qualifications
CrossFit Level 1
Burgener Level 1
NETA Yoga Certified
About Coach
To say I was an unathletic kid would be a complete understatement. My parents did their best to put me in a variety of sports (basketball, softball, horseback riding, volleyball, etc.) hoping maybe one would bring out a hidden set of skills but to no prevail. BUT, despite my complete lack of coordination or athletic ability, I was always the one having the time of my life during practices and games. My dad always tells the story of when I played basketball as a kid. I was the only one to not have scored a basket all season, so my coach put me on the foul line and had everyone stand back while I took as many shots as I needed. I didn't make a single one... BUT you can bet I smiled and laughed the whole time. While in college, I fell in love with the group fitness format because it embodied that team mindset without the pressure of having to "win." After religiously attending classes for a year, I completed NETA certifications in yoga and group fitness as well as additional certifications in Cycle and HIIT and began teaching group fitness classes through FGCU Campus Rec. Through a fitness club at FGCU, I was introduced to CrossFit and loved the concept of developing multiple skill points and being a well-rounded athlete. My inability to develop a niche athletic ability was finally able to translate into a sport! Over the past 4 years, CrossFit has allowed me to constantly challenge myself in new ways. Every time you think it's going to get easier, there's some new skill or benchmark workout to conquer!
Turning Point
My fitness journey started off similarly to a lot of people - I wanted to lose weight. I wanted to be thinner. I wanted to look good in a bathing suit. However, it didn't take long for that purpose to turn into an unhealthy obsession. I would finish a workout and rush to the mirror to see if I was any thinner. Plans for beach or pool days which used to be my favorite way to unwind quickly resulted in anxiety about if I would be "thin enough" in time. I hid my habits from those closest to me and put my body through it. In the late spring and early summer of 2022, my energy was at an all-time low. My loss of strength was becoming more difficult to ignore as PR days that once filled me with excitement were crushing me under my barbell. It was difficult for me to make it through an entire day at work without needing to sit down or take a nap. A concerned friend was finally my wake-up call. During the summer of 2022, I began treatment for an eating disorder and have been fully in recovery for coming up on 8 months. This recovery would not have been possible without the CrossFit community and Thunder Performance. CrossFit reminds me how lucky I am to have a body that can lift and move strong weights. Games athletes like Dani Speegle remind me hot girls eat food and nourish their bodies. Most importantly, my friends at Thunder push me to be better and remind me of my worth outside of my body - as a coach, workout partner, mentor, and friend. While I still have that voice in my head, it's quieter now and drowned out by the desire to be stronger.
Motivation & Passion
My motivation is watching our members continually crush their goals. To me, there is no better feeling than seeing a member achieve a dream, whether it's being able to feel stable getting up and down from the floor so they can play with their grandkids or qualifying for quarter-finals at the Games. I am passionate about helping others realize how truly strong and badass they are as athletes. CrossFit is for everyone - regardless of age, fitness level, or limitations - and as a coach, I want to work with our athletes to make sure they are getting the absolute best hour of their day. Whether that's a need to Rx the workout and get the best score of the day or simply showing up to move and get 1% better.
