Meet an Athlete of Merit: Sherman and Naima's Story
Sherman and Naima Manley
Merit Members Since June, 2018
Sherman and Naima are a 41 year old married couple from Michigan who met on the first day of college. These love birds found their way to Calvert County for a few acres of land and the great public schools for their 3 children who are 13, 12, and 6 years old. Sherman enjoys reading science fiction novels, while Naima enjoys gardening, home design, and passing her Level 1 swim test! Naima also enjoys thinking up home design projects for Sherman to complete around their house! Long time CrossFitters, Sherman and Naima found their way to Merit only a few months ago after learning how close it was to their home. They quickly chose to stay after reaping the benefits of Merit’s extra time spent on mobility and the friendly atmosphere!
Naima and Sherman.
How do you spend your time outside of Merit?
SHERMAN: Mostly with our kids but we love road trips to visit family or just to travel. We love taking the kids places to have new experiences and see the world as much as we can. My hobby has always been cars and engineering. I try to get my kids involved as much as I can. My job just makes me money so I can spend it on my family to make them happy.
NAIMA: I guess this is the part where I try to come up with a spectacular hobby aside from being a wife, mom and working girl...but lately my days are filled with helping my family transition to our new area and creating a beautiful home for us. It's keeping me pretty busy and I love it.
What were your goals when you originally joined Merit?
BOTH: To just get in better shape. Work out consistently and meet new people in our new community.
Have you accomplished any of those goals so far?
BOTH: Yes!
What is your favorite CrossFit movement/WOD?
SHERMAN: I love deadlifts and back squats.
NAIMA: Deadlifts and jumping rope.
What is your least favorite CrossFit movement/WOD?
SHERMAN: I still don't enjoy overhead squats yet. But I think my goal now knowing how bad I am at them is to continue to work on the mobility to do the movement correct and work on the core strength to hold the position.
NAIMA: Running.
What is your most memorable CrossFit moment so far?
SHERMAN: I think its called the liquid mile or beer mile. Now that I think about it that is my favorite WOD.
NAIMA: Hasn't happened yet. I usually want to forget my CrossFit moments. But I have met some awesome people.
What/Who is your biggest motivator?
SHERMAN: My family. I don't workout for vanity. But to hopefully increase my usable lifespan. So that I can be in shape at 60 and 70. To be able to help with my grandchildren and not be a burden on my kids.
NAIMA: Vanity. No really, I just want to maintain everyday strength and endurance.
What would you like to say to people on the fence about trying CrossFit?
SHERMAN: Do it to learn how to lift correctly. Learn how to stretch so you can lift correctly and not get injured.
NAIMA: Try it. You will likely meet some cool people who have decided to make fitness a priority.