December Member Spotlight: Lillie Ritchie

Tell us a little about yourself and how you got into Crossfit? 

My name is Lilith, but most people know me as Lillie. I’m a registered nurse and have been for almost four years, currently working in a progressive care unit. I originally came to South Carolina for travel nursing, but I ended up loving it here so much that I decided to stay a little longer.

I started CrossFit at the end of 2021 when I was looking for something new to help me stay consistent in the gym. At the time, I was in nursing school and struggling to hold myself accountable to afternoon workouts after class. So I switched things up and became a 4:30 a.m. regular at my first CrossFit gym—and I’ve been hooked ever since.

What keeps you coming back each day? 

Like most people, what keeps me coming back to CrossFit is that rush of endorphins you get after finishing a hard workout. I’ll never forget my first CrossFit class—my legs were so sore I could barely walk the entire weekend. We did some insane number of air squats, and I genuinely don’t think I’d ever felt soreness in my legs like that in my life up to that point.

And yet… all I wanted was to come back again. So yes, I guess some of us really are a little unhinged 🤣

What is your favorite at-home exercise to do?

My go-to at-home exercises are usually yoga or kicking up into handstands against my front door. But honestly? I’m not a huge fan of at-home workouts—I’ll always choose being in the gym over anything else.

If you had to do 100 reps of one movement (not running), what would it be?

KB swings (I don’t know why this is my answer, it is just the first thing that came to mind that didn’t sound like the worst idea ever lol)  

What are 1-2 of your goals for 2025

Honestly, I feel like this question should be for 2026 since we’re sadly nearing the end of 2025 😅. But for fitness goals I’ve been focused on this year: getting more consistent with strict pull-ups (I finally hit my first one in June 2025!) and, of course, always trying to lift heavier no matter the movement. Some things never change!

Favorite lift:

It’s hard for me to pick just one, so here’s a short list of some I really enjoy: Sumo Deadlift, Back Squat, and Snatch.

Least favorite CrossFit movement:

Wall balls and thrusters—especially in high reps.

Hometown?

Clyde, Ohio. 

Favorite Charleston Restaurant?

I have Celiac Disease, so I am not much of a restaurant girl. 

If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be? 

I thought about this for a while, and honestly, nothing super specific came to mind. That said, I think any job where I could work from home for a day would be pretty cool to try.

What would you most like to tell yourself at age 13? 

I would tell myself to believe in yourself more!! Honestly, it’s something I still need to remind myself of today.

If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet? 

I thought about this one for a while, but the first person who came to mind was Matthew McConaughey 🤣🤣. I’m sure there are probably “better” choices out there, but I’ll just stick with my gut on this one.

One thing about me people would be surprised to know? 

I was sick from ages 13 to 16 and only weighed around 90 lbs, so I didn’t get to be athletic or exercise until I was 18. Now, I absolutely love moving my body and staying active—I’m so grateful for the strength and health I have today!

If the Nomad coaches came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare?

Steak, mashed potatoes, and a veggie (like broccoli). I have recently been learning how to cook and have gotten pretty good at grilling steak!! 

Give us a “Question of the Day” to use in class. 

Who has influenced you the most in your life?