What do you do when you're not at CFA? This is a tough one because I’m pretty obsessed with Crossfit, but I’m also a student at Grand Valley so I usually spend a lot of time doing homework and I also like spending time with my friends and family.
What led you to Crossfit and CFA specifically?
Over the course of my freshman year of college I went from being in the best shape of my life to the worst. I gained a lot of weight my freshman year and didn’t exercise. I felt bad about myself physically and mentally, and I was embarrassed that I let myself get like that. I knew my sophomore year I couldn’t let that year be like the year before, I had heard of Crossfit and always wanted to try it but the time just never felt right. I saw that Crossfit Allendale had a student discount and I thought if I want to try it it's now or never. I was so scared, and I probably spent a week stalking CFAs instagram, re-reading the reviews online trying to learn about it before I finally signed up for the basics.
When did you realize that CrossFit is right for you? My first wod after the basics. I called my mom on my drive home to tell her about how fun it was, I just had this great feeling about Crossfit. I was still intimidated by it, but everyday I was having fun at the gym and I loved it.
Do you remember your first WOD? 3 rounds for time 800m run with 2 minutes rest in-between rounds. I ran 400m instead of 800m though and I really thought I was going to pass out during the last run.
What movement do you despise over everything and why?
Wall balls, because after you do like eight you can’t breathe and your arms and legs are dying, and every time they are in a WOD it's like at least 100 reps.
What has been your all-time favorite moment at CFA?
There have been too many moments to pick a favorite. A great one though was one day the WOD was just burpees and kettlebell swings and a big group of us made a circle to do the WOD in so we could all encourage each other during the workout. I think that was the moment I realized that CrossFit is about more than just working out.
What motivates you during a tough workout? Looking around the room and knowing that everyone else is doing it too, everyone is working hard and we are all going to get through it.
If you could write your own workout for a day, what would it be?
15 min AMRAP:
15 Cal on the assault bike
10 Front squats
5 Wall walks
What are your goals going forward and what do you think will help you achieve them?
I just want to keep getting healthier, and to feel good and have fun while doing it. I think that if I continue to be active, eat well, and prioritize rest and recovery I will get there. I think that health is about consistency, and having the right mindset which I have been working really hard on recently.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health, and fitness or just day to day life since starting CrossFit (before/after?)
Since starting CrossFit I have lost about 25lbs, I can lift a lot heavier than when I first started, and my cardio has improved significantly since I started. In general I just feel better and I have realized how much I love to be active and how good exercising makes me feel. The biggest change I have noticed though is my confidence. I think that seeing myself get better and stronger in the gym has really helped me learn that I can do hard things, and I can accomplish the goals that I set for myself.
What would you recommend to someone who is just starting out with CrossFit?
For starters if anyone is on the Cfa website right now stalking old members of the month because you want to try Crossfit but you're worried you can’t do it like I was, you can do it. At first it’s kinda scary but everyone there wants you to succeed and the coaches and other members won’t let you fail. Crossfit is for everyone and you’ll love it if you give it a chance.
If you could have one skill or characteristic of another member at CFA what and from whom would it be? Or which other CFA member are you the most motivated by?
Everyone at the gym motivates me, there are so many great athletes at Cfa. But since my first day at the gym Markie motivated me the most. She’s so nice, and kills every workout, plus watching her and Dave do Murph every week is just crazy.
