What do you do when you're not at CFA? Working, doing school work, playing tennis, or hanging out with friends/family!
What led you to Crossfit and CFA specifically?
I was sick of doing the same workout everyday and never seeing any results. I had heard of Crossfit and was always interested in trying it out, so when I found CFA in my sophomore year at GVSU I decided to finally give it a go.
When did you realize that CrossFit is right for you? Almost immediately I knew it was the right choice for me. Within just a month I had gained so much strength and confidence in myself. I truly enjoyed working out again, and I loved how welcoming and encouraging the whole gym was. Also, I knew that CFA was right for me when both Kate and Josh took the time to properly teach me any and all new movements and helped me to scale as needed.
Do you remember your first WOD? Not exactly, but I believe it had power cleans and running. I just remember being extremely nervous lol.
What movement do you despise over everything and why?
A close tie between the assault bike and burpee box jumps. I am PAINFULLY slow on the assault bike and burpee box jumps make me want to puke (IYKYK).
What has been your all-time favorite moment at CFA?
Honestly I don’t think I can pin-point just one because it’s always my favorite hour of the day! However, I really enjoyed completing MURPH this year at the gym (and bringing my poor roommate along, shout out to Sydnie). Honorable mention would be the one day I came to open gym and Charlie decided to lay by me most of the time – a true honor :)
What motivates you during a tough workout? I know everyone says this, but the people around me do – It’s strangely comforting to suffer through a workout with a bunch of other people. I’m so thankful to be part of a gym with so many encouraging members that will help to give me the push I need to get through a tough workout. Also, of course, knowing that I can relax/breathe when I finish the workout motivates me to get it done.
If you could write your own workout for a day, what would it be?
5 Rounds
21 GHD Sit-ups
14 Toes-to-bar
7 Deadlifts
Or maybe just 1000 ab mat sit-ups for time?
What are your goals going forward and what do you think will help you achieve them?
I would really love to improve my overhead strength and maybe even try a bar muscle-up one day. I think that continuing to show up to the gym will help me work towards these goals, but I know I could do a little extra work if I really want to get there. Outside of the gym, I want to improve my nutrition to help me gain the muscle I want to see!
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health, and fitness or just day to day life since starting CrossFit (before/after?)
Before CrossFit, all I did outside of sports was running and core work every single day. I didn’t know how to start lifting weights, and I surely was not making any progress doing what I was doing. Since then, I have seen immense muscle growth and development, and, best of all, I have gradually improved my relationship with food since beginning CrossFit. Overall, I feel much stronger, more confident and motivated, and less tired in my day!
What would you recommend to someone who is just starting out with CrossFit?
Just go! The hardest part is making the decision to try it out, but I promise you won’t regret it. The workouts are great and the people are even better! Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help and talk to the people around you.
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?
I could very easily choose at least one skill or characteristic from every member at CFA that I wish I could have, but I will just say a few notable ones to me! I wish I could have Jess’s heart, Anna’s strength, Dave’s drive, Ruby’s morning energy, Caitlyn and Lanna’s positivity, Morgan’s endurance, and Steve’s overhead strength. I am most motivated by Kate and Josh. They both lead by example working hard in the gym and push me to try heavier weights and to do the Rx workout, even when I don’t think I can.
