How long have you been a CrossFitter?
I’ve been CrossFitting since August 2011. I had been considering joining a CrossFit gym for a while but fell into the mindset I think a lot of people have – I kept thinking I wanted to get back into shape BEFORE signing up for CrossFit. My brother and his wife had just joined CrossFit South Cobb and convinced me to get my butt in there too. I was very nervous and overwhelmed in the beginning but I haven’t regretted joining for a moment!
Why do you CrossFit?
I love the energy it gives me (once I’ve regained my breath), the confidence I have from accomplishing what initially seems nearly impossible, and the variety of workouts we get every day. Nothing I’ve done to stay in shape in the past (running groups, full and half marathons, sprint triathlons, exercise videos) has provided quite the level of excitement, fun, and camaraderie that CrossFit delivers.
What’s your favorite thing about CrossFit?
I love the people! Everyone is so supportive and friendly and it makes it easy to come in every day. A close second would be the variety of workouts – I never get bored like I did with running, or with working out to the same videos day in, day out.
How has CrossFit impacted your life?
In six short months, I dropped 45 pounds that I had spent nearly a year and a half packing on. Before CrossFit, my motivation to workout was non-existent, I had no energy, and I was uncomfortable every day. Now I have a hard time taking a day off from working out, I feel like myself again (but better), and I feel like I can do anything. Through CrossFit, I was also introduced to the Paleo way of eating and it has been a wonderful life change. The food has been great and following this lifestyle has freed me from the calorie counting I’d obsessed over in the past.
What’s your favorite lift/workout?
I love deadlifts and though I don’t fully have them yet, I also love handstand pushups. My favorite part of any WOD is the strength portion.
What’s your least favorite lift/workout?
Box jumps have it out for me – I swear that as soon as I jump in the air, the box moves into a different position to trip me up and make me fall. Burpee box jumps are just a special kind of torture.
What advice would you give to the new Crossfitter?
We all have to start somewhere – don’t put off giving CrossFit a shot until you think you’re ready. You’re ready now! Don’t worry what other CrossFitters might think of you – they want you to succeed and other than that, they’re too busy trying to breathe and get through the WOD to worry about anything else.
Tell us something not CrossFit-related that we don’t know about you.
I skipped a grade and finished high school at 16.