How/when did you get involved in CrossFit?
I first got involved in CrossFit in May 2018 through a free week trial. I decided to stuck it out through the Macro Challenge in June and have stayed ever since!
Do you remember your first workout? How was it?
I remember thinking that box jumps seemed impossible the first week I was at Crossfit and I was mentally afraid to do certain movements, but I initially enjoyed working out with other people and feeling a sense of competition with myself which I hadn’t felt in a while. I was really sore after the first week and took a lot of turmeric and salt baths.
How have you grown in that time — health, body, mind, etc.?
I have grown in overall well being, in understanding certain eating and fitness habits that contribute to an overall healthy lifestyle and how to view these over the long term and not just for a month or week at a time. I’ve enjoyed the self challenge to get to the gym and learn new ways of working out my entire body and have really sought to have more conversations with friends and invite them into this lifestyle. I’ve had a new sense of energy and I feel stronger and more control of my body than before. I have overall surprised myself and love the moments when I realized I could actually do things I didn’t know I was capable of like box jumps and rope climbs! I’d like to continue to balance Yoga, Crossfit, and healthy eating habits (the Macro Plan being my favorite) to feel more balanced and continue to get to know my body more.
Favorite lift and WOD?
I don’t even remember what the FRAN is, but I just love that there is a workout called “the Fran!” I also have liked doing Turkish Get ups– they are awesome!
What about your least favorite?
Hand stand push ups are the worst!! (But one day I’ll be able to do one..haha)
What are your fitness/health goals?
Since I am balancing grad school and a job in the Arts, I find that working out in the mornings is the best way to start my day. I never feel guilty for having to choose between an evening class or work event instead of the gym and eliminate this decision making by going in the 5:30 morning classes (shout out to 5:30 am classes!!) My ideal goal is go to crossfit at least 4-5 times a week and do at least one day of yoga. I’ve found that having at least one rest day or a day of yoga each week help my recovery. I want to continue to challenge myself mentally and physically to be disciplined and to achieve more RX for the WODS over time–My goal is to feel an overall sense of energy and core strength.
Is there a specific diet or nutritional habit that helps you with your goals?
I’ve had the most success counting Macros and eliminating processed sugar from my diet. If I have an off day I give myself Grace– I don’t let a bad day or an unhealthy meal get me down, but I start every day as a new opportunity to eat and to be healthy. This month I’ve taken a break from drinking and have been surprised of how I feel more energy.
What motivates you?
Community! I really love going to the gym and having people (and dogs) to talk to and noticed this initially when coming to Crossfit. I enjoy knowing that someone will notice if I miss a class and call me out. The workouts are so well planned and taught that I feel i’m getting a better workout than I would be able to do on my own.
Do you have any advice for new members?
Have fun and be consistent. Carve out the time that works best for your schedule and commit to work out. See it as a gift for yourself– no one else can give you that time but you!
What do you hope to achieve in the coming year?
Outside of the gym I hope to finish my Master’s Degree and finally get to a stable enough place to have a dog! I also want to achieve some gains in the gym personally with a few movements and weight lifting goals (head stand push ups! and bench press). Overall, I’d love to influence more of my friends to be more active as well.
Anything else you’d like to add?
nope.