Emily Bridgers didn’t just win the Atlantic Regional in late May — she dominated, securing an early lead the she never let go of throughout the course of the three-day competition.
Bridgers, a former collegiate gymnast, is based out of Atlanta, where she and her husband own CrossFit Terminus. Bridgers is preparing for her third trip to Carson, California after what can only be described as a disappointing finish in 2015. After a sixth place finish in 2014, she came to the Games in 2015 ready to prove herself but like so many others including Kara Webb and Annie Thorisdottir, Bridgers fell prey to Murph and couldn’t recover throughout the weekend and ultimately landed in the middle of the pack.
This year, Bridgers is back and ready for redemption.
FHQ: So, Games prep is in full swing now. What are you doing to get ready this year? How is your training and nutrition changing?
Emily Bridgers:It seems like I’m doing EVERYTHING to get ready for the Games this year. We’ve increased the training volume a bit and been doing a lot of training in the heat. We just hosted a 9-day training camp here in Atlanta with Stacie Tovar and Becca Voigt, where ALL we did was train and eat most days, but also had a great time together.
Emily Bridgers:It seems like I’m doing EVERYTHING to get ready for the Games this year. We’ve increased the training volume a bit and been doing a lot of training in the heat. We just hosted a 9-day training camp here in Atlanta with Stacie Tovar and Becca Voigt, where ALL we did was train and eat most days, but also had a great time together.
Being together allows us to stay more focused and gives us some time to take our minds off of the gyms that we own and any other every day stress. Nutrition has not changed a whole lot…mostly just working on the proper hydration strategy when it comes time for competition. On top of that, it’s just lots of recovery time spent with the Marc Pro, chiro, massage, PT and sleep!
FHQ: You dominated at Regionals this year and just never quite let up. You seemed like you were having a blast. Tell us a little bit about what was going on inside your head throughout the weekend.
Emily Bridgers: Regionals was very fun for me this year, besides the minor back injury I had going on that week. I believe the tweak in my back allowed me to take my mind off of everything else and just go into autopilot mode for day 1.
Emily Bridgers: Regionals was very fun for me this year, besides the minor back injury I had going on that week. I believe the tweak in my back allowed me to take my mind off of everything else and just go into autopilot mode for day 1.
Unlike my first few years at Regionals, where I was always playing catch up and fighting my way up the leaderboard, it was nice to start out on top and have a calm confidence going into the final day with not too much pressure. Not to mention, I had an amazing home town crowd, as it was hosted only five minutes from my gym!
FHQ: In 2014, you debuted in 6th place. Last year, you took 24th. What changed between the two years? What are your goals for this year?
Emily Bridgers: Honestly, I got better between 2014 and 2015 so my placement was a huge disappointment for me last year, because it did not portray what I was capable of. I was extremely damaged from Murph on Friday last year, which ultimately led to me just surviving the weekend, instead of fighting for a podium spot. My goal for this year is to go into the Games with less pressure on myself, and to have more moments that I can look back on and be proud of, regardless of what happens. However, I have no doubt that I belong in the top 10 at the Games, and I would love nothing more than to improve on my 6th place finish and earn a top 5 position!
Emily Bridgers: Honestly, I got better between 2014 and 2015 so my placement was a huge disappointment for me last year, because it did not portray what I was capable of. I was extremely damaged from Murph on Friday last year, which ultimately led to me just surviving the weekend, instead of fighting for a podium spot. My goal for this year is to go into the Games with less pressure on myself, and to have more moments that I can look back on and be proud of, regardless of what happens. However, I have no doubt that I belong in the top 10 at the Games, and I would love nothing more than to improve on my 6th place finish and earn a top 5 position!
FHQ: We know because of your background as a collegiate gymnast that you excel in gymnastic-type movements. What would be your dream WOD or movement at the Games?
Emily Bridgers: Handstand walks, toes to bar, and overhead walking lunges would be an epic combo for me:)
Emily Bridgers: Handstand walks, toes to bar, and overhead walking lunges would be an epic combo for me:)
FHQ: On the other hand, is there anything you’re absolutely dreading at the Games?
Emily Bridgers: Running workouts always make me nervous, as well as anything super heavy.
Emily Bridgers: Running workouts always make me nervous, as well as anything super heavy.
FHQ: You’ve been a gym owner now for a little over three years. Do you ever struggle balancing being a professional athlete with running your box?
Emily Bridgers: Yes, all the time. I still make a point to try to be as involved as possible with CrossFit Terminus, and I coach about 9 or so classes a week. It’s tough though, but luckily I’ve got my husband who is really great at running our business and dealing with the everyday details that I may not have time for. We’ve also got an amazing staff who helps out tremendously, especially when I’m away from the gym.
Emily Bridgers: Yes, all the time. I still make a point to try to be as involved as possible with CrossFit Terminus, and I coach about 9 or so classes a week. It’s tough though, but luckily I’ve got my husband who is really great at running our business and dealing with the everyday details that I may not have time for. We’ve also got an amazing staff who helps out tremendously, especially when I’m away from the gym.
FHQ: Tell me a little about yourself outside of CrossFit. Who are you when you aren’t in the gym? What do you like to do for fun?
Emily Bridgers: Since owning a gym and becoming a “professional” CrossFit athlete essentially all at the same time, it has been tough to have life balance outside of the gym, but my husband and I try our best. Last year was spent planning our wedding, and we are happy to have that behind us, although it was well worth it!
Emily Bridgers: Since owning a gym and becoming a “professional” CrossFit athlete essentially all at the same time, it has been tough to have life balance outside of the gym, but my husband and I try our best. Last year was spent planning our wedding, and we are happy to have that behind us, although it was well worth it!
Family is very important to us, and luckily most of our family lives here in Atlanta, so we try to see them often. Our friends are important as well, and we’ve enjoyed attending many weddings and baby showers for my former gymnastics teammates, as well as simple nights out to dinner or team trivia. Ben and I have a 14-year-old dog, who we adore, and enjoy every minute with because we know it won’t last forever. We also enjoy playing golf, being outdoors in any form, and watching reality tv shows!
FHQ: If you weren’t a CrossFitter, what would you be doing with your life? It’s hard to picture you behind a desk working a 9 to 5.
Emily Bridgers: I definitely do not desire a 9 to 5 job ever! I was on the path to going to physical therapy school before I found CrossFit, but I would still probably say PT or coaching gymnastics is what I would be doing. At one point, I thought owning a gymnastics gym would be fun!
Emily Bridgers: I definitely do not desire a 9 to 5 job ever! I was on the path to going to physical therapy school before I found CrossFit, but I would still probably say PT or coaching gymnastics is what I would be doing. At one point, I thought owning a gymnastics gym would be fun!
FHQ: What are you most looking forward to about your trip to Carson this year? What have you done differently throughout the year to prepare for this moment?
Emily Bridgers: Redemption from last year and just living in the moment.
Emily Bridgers: Redemption from last year and just living in the moment.
FHQ: Who are you rooting for on the male side to take the title?
Emily Bridgers: Ben Smith Repeat or Scott Panchik!
Emily Bridgers: Ben Smith Repeat or Scott Panchik!