14 questions with Charlotte fitness leader Emily Breeze Ross Watson
Emily Breeze Ross Watson, or “Breeze” as many call her, is a fixture in the Charlotte fitness community. Her impressive resume includes former Division I athlete, co-owner of Moga Charlotte, Registered Thai Bodywork Therapist, Lululemon Ambassador and Crossfit Games athlete.
Emily, an accomplished athlete herself, is very dedicated to her training and goals. Her team achieved a huge milestone this year when they qualified to compete in the 2014 CrossFit Games. This is the highest honor in CrossFit!
Name: Emily Breeze Ross Watson
Profession: Co-Owner of Moga Charlotte
Training Location: Rising Crossfit in Ballantyne where she’s a member of a competitive team
Career before Fitness: Teacher for 4 yrs (graduate of Winthrop with degree in Education)
(1) Favorite way to sweat:
Crossfit, Running, and Yoga.
(2) Soundtrack to your workout:
Hip-Hop, anything that has a great beat.
(3) What is your diet like?
I eat healthy most of the time, but I allow myself to eat whatever I want on the weekends or in social settings. I workout a couple hours a day so I am always hungry!
(4) What’s one food you can’t live without:
I love baked goods..so cookies, cakes, pies, you name it but it has to be from a bakery or homemade. I also eat pizza at least once a week.
(5) How do you stay motivated to show up and train day in and day out?
I truly love working out! I have played sports from elementary recreation leagues to division 1 college athletics so it is a huge part of my life. Right now, I am motivated to make it back to the Crossfit Games this summer with my team.
(6) Were you always athletic growing up?
Yes! All of my neighbors were boys and we played every type of sport. They treated me like one of the guys and really pushed me to be a good athlete who doesn’t back down.
(7) Share a goal you have for 2015:
I hope to make it back to the Crossfit Games with my teammates. We train together at least 5 times a week
(8) What has been one of your biggest disappointments as an athlete?
My senior year in college I had 3 fractures in my metatarsals and it cost me my entire track season. I hated to end my career that way.
(9) What has been one of your greatest accomplishments as an athlete?
I think one of the greatest experiences I had was getting a scholarship to play sports in college. It shows that hard work pays off and I met so many of my closest friends in college. It also helps with time management, priorities, and building a healthy lifestyle.
(10)Favorite way to cross train?
I run, practice yoga, bike around the city, and walk my dog. Crossfit really pushes your body in so many ways so I need my cross training to provide recovery and relaxation.
(11) Who would you say is your “biggest fan” and why?
My husband and my family. On my honeymoon, my husband was on the beautiful beaches of Turks and Caicos lifting dumbbells and running sprints in the sand while other “normal” couples would wake up leisurely and have breakfast. He supports me in all of my goals and actually even challenges me on my goals.
(12) What would be your ultimate achievement?
Continue to grow my business and help others find a love with working out and taking care of their bodies! #justmove
(13) What was the best advice you were ever given?
“You CAN’T do that”
(14) Do you have a saying or motto that you live your life by?
You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough- Mae West
Photo: Courtesy of Emily Breeze Ross Watson
This story was originally published December 11, 2014 at 12:55 AM with the headline "14 questions with Charlotte fitness leader Emily Breeze Ross Watson."