TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF. WHAT DO YOU DO OUTSIDE OF THE GYM?
My name is Caryl Giordano and I am extremely humbled and thrilled to be June Athlete of the Month. I currently work as a Violent Crimes Detective for the Chicago Police Department. I have been a Detective for 20 years and on the force for 25 years. I am a Mom of 3 beautiful girls, Reese 19 (Current Freshman at Fairfield University studying Business), Angelina 18 (Senior at Loyola Academy and will be attending Emmanuel College in Boston in the Fall, where she will be playing Basketball) and Ava 14 (8th grader at Queen of Angels and will be attending Depaul Prep High School in the Fall -playing Basketball/Volleyball). My girls are my heart and my soul. I could not ask for better daughters to share my life with…. Anyone need Babysitters…?? LOL. My husband John also works for the City of Chicago as a District Chief for the Fire Department. The “Chicago Fire” TV series is filmed out of the Firehouse where he works so if there are any inspiring actors at Hardware please let me know … LOL. I have always participated and enjoyed sports since I was a young girl. My athletic accomplishments include; D1 Softball Player for Eastern Illinois University, Golden Glove Boxing Champion, Marathon runner, Triathlete and my biggest accomplishment was the Ironman Cozumel 140.6 in 2016. I have also coached my daughter’s volleyball and basketball teams for many many years with this being my last.
WHAT INITIALLY GOT YOU INTO TRAINING AND WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK?
My friend/member Karie Valentino asked me to join Hardware last year because our triathlon workouts were starting to become monotonous. I agreed to join and I am ecstatic that I did. I love to compete and these type of workouts were something that I had never done. The challenge of learning new movements and exercises excites me and I love improving with each month.
The one thing that keeps me coming back is the community. The coaches have been so supportive of me.. a first timer who started from scratch and had no idea how to do any of the movements. I was never judged, or laughed at, or brushed off. Every single coach had great patience, they explained each technique over and over until I was able to do the movement and they were truly supportive of my improvements. The Athletes/Members were all so kind, they introduced themselves, made me feel as if I had been a member of their gym for years, and they continually cheered me on as well as the other new members at each and every class. No one is this gym has ever made me feel less than … it is a constant everyone having each other’s backs type of gym. So I thank you all for my wonderful experience here at Hardware.
WHAT ARE YOUR FITNESS GOALS? HOW CLOSE ARE YOU TO REACHING THEM?
My fitness goals are to keep getting better at the movements and working on my strength and pull up technique.
WHAT’S AN ACCOMPLISHMENT OR GOAL YOU’VE REACHED AT HARDWARE THAT MADE YOU THE MOST PROUD?
I completed my first “Murph Challenge” this past weekend and I am very excited to have my first challenge in the books.
FAVORITE WOD/MOVEMENT?
My favorite WOD movement is probably any of the endurance/cardio WODs as well as the Power Cleans and Push Press.
LEAST FAVORITE WOD/MOVEMENT?
My least favorite WOD/Movement are Snatches and V-ups.
My advice would be to “Just Do It”!!!! Crossfit workouts are different every day and can be modified to fit your specific restrictions and help you achieve your goals. The workouts are for any age or fitness level and with the coaches willingness to help you find whatever movement is right for you and with all the support of the athletes/members… it is a Win Win!!
Advice I give to the Girls I coach:
My favorite animal is the Lion… The Lion symbolizes Leadership, Strength, Courage, Wisdom, Power and Pride. I have made sure to instill in the girls that I have coached, that no matter the challenges they face in life…whether it be on or off the court, to always remember to dig deep and find their inner Lion and never to be afraid to Roar!!!!!!!
Thank you Hardware for this Honor!!!!!