MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
In the fourteenth installment of our “Member Spotlight”, we’re featuring a future Marine Corps officer and one badass lady! I’m continually impressed with her focus and dedication…when she wants to get a muscle up, she determines a plan of action and then executes it repeatedly until she has successfully accomplished her goal. And she applies this process to every other part of her life as well. It’s no wonder that she’s accomplished so much at such a young age.
Pa Phipps
First, give us a little background on yourself.
I was mostly raised in Oregon in a small town called Sandy. I grew up very much involved in athletics and played 8 different sports by the time I graduated high school. I love fitness and found a way to fall in love with it even more at the SHOP! I am currently a senior at Oregon State studying Psychology, Spanish and Naval Science and I am enrolled in the NROTC program on campus. I have played 4 different instruments throughout my life and can’t go a day without music. I am also obsessed with anything that has four legs and likes to cuddle. Life slogan: Tiny but Mighty.
What got you started and how long have you been at the SHOP?
I was introduced and started at the SHOP near the end of my sophomore year at OSU. I was ready to try something a little different than fight for a squat rack in the crowded rec center we call Dixon on campus and actually be able to do explosive movements.
With what movement(s) have you seen the most progress?
Really all movements! I started lifting in high school but never truly expanded my fitness capabilities until starting at the SHOP. I have gotten a lot stronger and gained a lot of muscle mass in the last few years. Most notably, though, would be my upper body strength. I was able to do about 3 nasty pullups my freshman year but a few weeks ago I hit 15!
What do you like to do outside the gym?
Spend time with friends and boyfriend, eat good food, pet stranger’s dogs, watch good movies.
What movement(s) would you like to improve on in the next few months?
Muscle-ups and handstand push-ups.
Favorite place to eat in/near Corvallis?
El Sol De Mexico or any restaurant that serves good hispanic food.
What advice would you give members just starting out at the SHOP?
Make your fitness a priority! No one ever says to themselves that they regret a workout, so take advantage of every opportunity to get better and stronger every day. There is no better place to apply yourself than a welcoming and challenging environment like the SHOP with access to pristine equipment and coaching. It’s worth every penny.
RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS
Favorite Book
Probably the last recreational book I read, in high school, Percy Jackson and the Olympians.
Favorite Movie
Lord of the Rings allllll the way.
Favorite Food
Arepas! It’s a Venezuelan food that can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and you can stuff whatever you want inside. They are absolutely delicious and if you went to the Potluck Party in October you might have had one!
Favorite Cheat Meal
Cookies n’ Cream ice cream, or cookies n’ cream anything.
Favorite Exercise/Movement
Power cleans and deadlifts. Or anything that involves using those legs!
Least Favorite Exercise/Movement
Anything over my head, like strict press. Burpees suck too.
Something Others Might be Surprised to Learn About You
I will be commissioning into the Marine Corps this upcoming spring as a 2nd Lieutenant and will begin my journey as an officer this next year. I have no idea where I will end up or what my job will be, but I’m excited to serve my country and contribute what I can to our nation’s security and service men and women.
