“I have seen some big improvements in my endurance/mono-structural sessions ever since wearing my AIRWAAV. The snug fit helps to keep it in place without a second thought and it’s helped me become more aware of my breathing during those long grueling conditioning pieces. I’m able to stay more relaxed through my jaw and able to keep my heart rate down for longer periods of time, allowing me to push faster paces for longer distances."- Paige Semenza

The journey of an athlete is rarely a straight path. It is filled with highs and lows, victories and setbacks, moments of doubt, and triumphs of determination.  For Paige Semenza, who is about to take the stage for her 6th CrossFit Games, the past year has been a testament to the power of resilience, grace, and intentionality. 

This blog discusses the journey of Paige Semenza, exploring her introduction to CrossFit, the significant setbacks she faced due to a back injury, and how she overcame these challenges. We also highlight why Paige uses the AIRWAAV mouthpiece to enhance her performance. Scroll below for a more in-depth Q&A with Paige, where she shares insights into her motivations, training approach, and the role of the AIRWAAV mouthpiece in her regimen.

Overcoming a Back Injury: The Power of Determination 

Last year, Paige faced a significant setback with a back injury that could have ended her season. Determined to push through, she put her trust in her support team and committed herself to stay as healthy as possible. Her efforts paid off as she qualified for another trip to the CrossFit Games, marking her best year yet. However, the toll of working around an injury in such a demanding sport was immense. 

As January arrived, Paige found herself at a crossroads. Unsure whether she had the mental and physical strength to compete again, she knew one thing for certain: changes were necessary. This realization ignited a new level of determination within her. 

A Year of Intentionality and Grace 

From that moment, Paige approached every day with intentionality. If an action propelled her towards her goals, she embraced it wholeheartedly. If not, she let it go. This disciplined approach was coupled with a newfound grace—a grace that allowed her to be imperfect, to have self-compassion, and to treat herself with kindness, understanding, and forgiveness. 

For Paige, CrossFit is more than just a sport—it’s a way of life that teaches resilience, community, and the importance of showing up, no matter the circumstances. 

Embracing AIRWAAV: Enhancing Performance 

Paige incorporated the AIRWAAV mouthpiece into her training and competing a few years ago. She reports significant improvements in her endurance and mono-structural sessions. The snug fit of the AIRWAAV mouthpiece helps her maintain focus on her breathing during grueling conditioning pieces, allowing her to stay relaxed through her jaw, keep her heart rate down, and push faster paces for longer distances. 

"I started using AIRWAAV shortly after it came into the CrossFit space,” Paige shares. “It’s rare you find me without it!"

For Paige, the AIRWAAV mouthpiece has been an essential tool in her training arsenal. The immediate feedback it provides has helped her stay relaxed during longer workouts and feel more powerful during lifting sessions. “I really like the immediate feedback. I’d find myself clenching my jaw a lot during conditioning pieces and I could tell I am exerting more energy in ways that I shouldn’t be. So, to have that response from the AIRWAAV helps me regulate my breathing and calm me down mentally. At the same time, having the AIRWAAV to bite down on during lifting sessions also helps me feel more powerful and helps me recover through my breathing more quickly."

Paige prefers the PX2 model of the AIRWAAV Performance Mouthpiece for its slim and snug fit, which feels natural during her training sessions. She believes that proper breathing is crucial in CrossFit and that the AIRWAAV mouthpiece helps regulate and improve breathing, thus enhancing overall fitness. Her advice to fellow athletes is to give the mouthpiece time and gradually incorporate it into their training regimen. 

A Conversation with Paige Semenza 

In a detailed Q&A, Paige shares insights about her journey, from her background in D1 ice hockey to her passion for CrossFit, the importance of the community, and her inspirations. She talks about the importance of consistency, showing up even on tough days, and her admiration for athletes who push the boundaries of their sports. 

For those new to CrossFit, Paige emphasizes the importance of mastering the basics and maintaining consistent, efficient movements. She believes that success in CrossFit requires dedication to the fundamentals and a disciplined approach to training and lifestyle habits. 

Paige's journey through injury and her intentional approach to training offer valuable lessons for athletes and non-athletes alike. Her experiences highlight the importance of self-compassion, community, and the relentless pursuit of one’s goals.  In her interview, Paige offers further insights into her motivations, inspirations, and the role of the AIRWAAV mouthpiece in her training.

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Can you tell us about your background and how you first got into CrossFit? What drew you to this sport initially? 

"I graduated from The Ohio State University playing D1 ice hockey as a Buckeye! I grew up playing all different sports as a kid, but hockey was my passion and what I wanted to pursue growing up. After graduating college, I felt a little lost with sports. Not long after graduating I got into powerlifting for about 2 years and shortly after found CrossFit. I did CrossFit for roughly a year recreationally before I got into it at the Regional/Semifinal level. And the rest is history!"

How important is the CrossFit community to you, and how has it influenced your journey as an athlete?  

What keeps you motivated and passionate about CrossFit, especially on the tough days when training feels particularly challenging?  

"I really do love to compete. It is so much fun and I’ve been a competitor since I was a kid. I grew up building resilience on the ice! A simple quote that’s stuck with me for a while now is, “keep showing up.” It sounds so simple to say, right? But it’s about stacking days when it comes to this sport. Stacking good days gives happiness and helps us build momentum. Stacking bad days gives us experience and lessons. There is always something good to find even on really tough days. You just have to look a little harder on those days."  

Who has been your biggest inspiration or role model, whether in the CrossFit community or beyond, and why?  

"I wouldn’t say there’s one specific athlete that’s been my biggest inspiration. Two answers… First, watching athletes who have changed their sport - that take it to that next level and raise the ceiling higher - that has always been so inspiring to me. Athletes who’ve helped evolve the sport - Lebron James, Simone Biles, Wayne Gretzky, Caitlin Clark, Usain Bolt, Serena Williams, Lionel Messi, etc.… Athletes that simply raise the bar! Second, in the affiliate. Watching members of all ages do things they never thought they’d be doing - rope climbs, getting upside down, building confidence and believing in themselves. THAT fires. Me. Up!"

How do you prepare for major competitions like the CrossFit Games? Do you have any specific rituals or routines?  

"I don’t have any special rituals, but I will admit that the week heading into a competition is one of my favorites. At Misfit Athletics we call it Primer Week. Despite the added nerves that I feel, there is a lot of excitement as well, and it’s just a week to feel GOOD. I usually kick off the week with a pedicure and a massage, and the days leading up to competition have specific programming to make sure my lifts feel sharp, and my lungs feel ready."

You've been using an AIRWAAV mouthpiece for a few years now. Can you walk us through your experience with the mouthpiece and why you started using it?  

"I started using AIRWAAV shortly after it came into the CrossFit space. I followed the directions and started using it for small bouts at a time to build up my tolerance and comfort with wearing it. I really liked the immediate feedback having it in to help me feel more relaxed during my longer mono-structural pieces. Then I started wearing it for my lifting sessions and my shorter conditioning pieces and intervals. Now? It’s rare you find me without it!"  

In what ways has the AIRWAAV mouthpiece improved your performance during workouts and competitions?  

"Again, I really like the immediate feedback. I’d find myself clenching my jaw a lot during conditioning pieces and I could tell I am exerting more energy in ways that I shouldn’t be. So, to have that response from the AIRWAAV helps me regulate my breathing and calm me down mentally. At the same time, having the AIRWAAV to bite down on during lifting sessions also helps me feel more powerful and helps me recover through my breathing more quickly."    

Which AIRWAAV Performance Mouthpiece model(s) do you use and why?  

"I am a big fan of the PX2 model. I like the slim and snug fit and how natural it feels to have it in during my training sessions."

In your opinion, why should CrossFit Athletes wear mouthpieces in training and competing?  

Would you recommend the AIRWAAV mouthpiece to other athletes? What advice would you give them for incorporating it into their training regimen?  

"I certainly would! I would say, give it time! It’s not something that feels natural right away. Like anything, we need exposure to it! Start with short training pieces or conditioning pieces to build your tolerance to wearing something. Before you know it, you’ll forget you have it in!"

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their CrossFit journey and aims to reach an elite level?  

"There is no easy recipe for success in this sport. One thing every elite level athlete has in common is that they do the basics really well. They move efficiently and they have their daily lifestyle habits in check. Prove to yourself that you can do the basics incredibly and consistently well before trying to do more!"