This little questionnaire is one way I get to ask my favourite lifters a bunch of intrusive questions: what we carry, what we’re proud of, what makes us laugh mid-rep.
First up: Charissa Johnson, whom I met through Casey Johnston’s lifting community (highly recommended). Charissa and I followed each other on Instagram, and I’m a huge fan of not only her three (!) sweet dogs, but also the persistence with which she shows up to her mighty, mighty lifts and for being an all-round awesome human.
Charissa kindly agreed to be the inaugural answerer of the weighty questionnaire back in August, and describes herself as “just a nerd trying to get strong.“
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What does “strength” mean to you right now?
A lot of things, not just physical but mental and emotional. Being able to witness current events but still have hope. That’s strength.
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Favourite song to PR to?
Currently any song from Kpop Demon Hunters but mostly What it Sounds Like.
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What weight do you carry that isn’t on a barbell?
The weight of anxiety, depression, and PTSD as well as sadness for the state of the world and my own country.
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Favourite lift or movement right now?
Deadlifts!
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What’s the hardest thing you’ve unlearned about fitness or your body?
That fitness isn’t to make my body smaller. My body is wonderful as it is. It’s strong and able and takes care of me. What other people think of its appearance is unimportant.
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If your strength had a sound, what would it be?
The goofy goober song from SpongeBob.
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What movement feels like care, not punishment?
Core work.
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First gym memory that still sticks with you?
Accidentally making eye contact with a random guy when I was mid-deadlift.
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When do you feel most at home in your body?
Doing everyday things like walking my dogs or things that involve functional strength.
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What do you wish every gym had?
Plants! I’ve seen this in photos of other gyms and it feels like it would make the gym a more comforting space. I don’t really have the language for this other than it seems like it would be mentally soothing.
Thank you, Charissa! (Want to respond, or suggest a respondent? Leave a comment).