JOSH and NIKKI GODBEE
Each month, CrossFit Aiken recognizes a member or couple who exemplifies our values and motivates others in the gym. We honor their accomplishments and look forward to seeing what they can do next!
Josh is one of the friendly faces that make CrossFit Aiken feel like home. Whether he’s welcoming members, lending a hand, or talking shop about cars and engines, he’s always there for the team.
Nikki brings fire to every workout and runs a fantastic graphic design business. Her determination and creativity inspire us all to push harder.
Together, Josh and Nikki are a powerhouse couple who love to exercise and tackle challenges side by side. Their shared passion for fitness and dedication to our community make them an inspiration to everyone.
Let’s give it up for these two amazing members of the CrossFit Aiken family!
Where are you from originally?
J Summerville, SC but moved to Aiken at 5.
N Clearwater, SC
What did you want to be when you grew up and where do you work now?
J Everyone in my family are engineers so figure it would be that. I am a contractor doing Data Analytics for Engineering Project Management.
N I wanted to be a teacher, but realized that wasn’t for me. Now I work from home running my own graphic design business.
What do you like to do outside of work?
J Hunt, Fish, work on cars and workout.
N Read and Crafts
What made you start CrossFit? What has kept you going? Has your motivation changed over time?
J After Spinal fusion I hated couch life and my health was degrading. Nikki talked me into talking to Brent about what I could do. Brent started me out scaling the scaled and working through what I could do. As my back became stronger, I was able to do more and more. My motivation has always been, just be better than yesterday.
N I was working out at Gold’s Gym, but never knew what to do. Then I saw a Groupon for CFA so I gave it a shot.
What are your Fitness goals? Professional goals? Personal goals? How close are you to reaching them?
J My fitness goals are to maintain a healthy lifestyle as I get older. Hopefully I never reach the goal and just get better as I get older.
N My family has a very poor health history, so I hope to not succumb to the illnesses they have had.
What kinds of changes have you noticed since starting CrossFit?
J I went from zero mobility and not working out to somewhat better mobility and I sleep much better after I workout and all around feel much happier.
N Better physical and mental health.
What have you learned about movement, fitness, and yourself through CrossFit?
J I have learned even with a serious injury if you focus and take your time you can strengthen your weaknesses to better than before and flexibility and mobility play a huge part in living pain free.
N I have learned that I can do hard things. I never did any sports or fitness stuff when I was younger and I didn’t know I could.
How do you make time for working out?
J I set aside a specific time to go and allow no excuses why not to make that time.
N I work from home with flexible hours and my kids are in school and old enough to fend for themselves, so its not too hard for me to find time.
What is your favorite healthy meal? Have your eating habits changed since starting CrossFit?
J Naked Chicken Wrap. Since starting CrossFit I try to stay in a healthy macro diet.
N Spicy chicken wrap with low carb tortilla and sugar free BBQ sauce
With everything that you have accomplished, has your view of yourself changed?
J I really don’t think it has changed much other than after the surgery I never thought I would work out seriously again, but now I know I can do much more.
N I have learned that I am stronger than I thought.
What would you say to anyone else who might be dealing with any similar struggles?
J Start slow, it will be frustrating but keep with it and you can build a strong foundation.
N Just start. You will never know what you can do until you try. Why say one day, when it can be day one.
You routinely work out as a couple. Do you think that working out together affects your relationship for the better and why?
J I feel that it greatly affects our relationship in a positive way. Having your best friend there to work out with or as a partner you know you have someone there you can count on.
N I feel it gives us something in common to talk about, besides the kids, pets, household stuff etc.
What or who is an inspiration to you?
J Nikki is my inspiration. An amazing wife, mother, and friend and then she goes and kicks butt in the gym.
BTW – you would NEVER know Josh had such a serious surgery – he’s a beast!
