by
Cristi Bartlett
I train because I thrive on being strong and I strive to be stronger. I train because if necessary, I want to be conditioned to be able to carry the weight of the world on my back. I train because I want to separate myself from the masses. I train because for 90 minutes out of the day, I deserve a quiet mind. I train because it is of paramount importance to my life. I train because I cannot even begin to imagine life without it. I train because mediocrity is not an option. I train because I enjoy overcoming challenges set in front of me. I train because I want to be able to do the extraordinary. I train because I want to become a better me. I train because I love it.
And obviously, I train because I am constantly trying to find ways to increase my “monster status” in the world. And most importantly, I train because unless I do, I don't feel as though I deserve my daily dose of the anabolic liquid, Ketel One. That is all.
Cristi is an Assistant Strength Coach at the University of Pennsylvania. She currently boasts in the gym lifts of 450x2 in the deadlift and a 245lb bench press at 181.
