Athlete of the MonthAugust

In a nutshell: I’m from a small, rural town in Northwest Iowa (think flat land with corn and bean fields as far as the eyes can see), and I moved from Des Moines to Chicago in 2010 for a job.  I really do love Chicago and plan on sticking around for a while.  Outside of the gym, I am quite the socialite…except that I’m not.  I used to work in the concession industry (popcorn specifically), so I have a love for going to movies (again, popcorn specifically).  I enjoy trying out different restaurants in the city and when doing so, like to partake in the full spectrum of starters, drinks, sharing main courses, and dessert.  I grew up golfing a lot so I like to swing my clubs when I can though it is difficult living in the city.  I also like binging a good tv show or turning on HGTV (Love It or List It is currently my fave…hint, they almost always love it).  I also enjoy coffee and whiskey (don’t know much about either) as well as trying my hand at some super amateur wood-working from time to time.

I initially got into Crossfit back in 2008 (I think) at a very tiny gym in Des Moines.  I had a good friend in Denver that recommended it to me, and there just happened to be a gym in Des Moines at that time.  I remember my first workout being 21-15-9 of HSPUs, Ring Dips, and Push-Ups (in that order); I got through 5-6 strict HSPU of the 21 round before the coach had to assist my legs, don’t remember the ring dips, and did knee push-ups the entire time.  Needless to say, I was incredibly sore.  What I enjoyed, however, was getting back into lifting (barbell) movements after a sabbatical from the college athletic days.

I keep coming back because I like walking into a gym, having a workout programmed, and leaving an hour later.  I think Crossfit can have a bad reputation because there is a small group of people that feel it is the only way “work out.”  I think different workouts work for different people, and Crossfit just happens to be my preference.

WHAT ARE YOUR CROSSFIT GOALS? HOW CLOSE ARE YOU TO REACHING THEM?

At this time my goals are to make it to class consistently and to do a better job of stretching.  I would like to say I am close to achieving the latter goal but my hamstrings and lower back would disagree.  Hitting a 350# C&J, 250# snatch, and 450# back squat would also be nice.  I would like to think those are doable in the next year or two! #goalsbeforeturning40

 

WHAT’S AN ACCOMPLISHMENT OR GOAL YOU’VE REACHED DUE TO CROSSFIT THAT’S MADE YOU THE MOST PROUD?

I think just being in the decent shape that I am in at 38 y/o as well as achieving some strength milestones that I’m not really sure I expected to achieve.  Specific to HWCF, I am stronger than I have ever been (thanks, George!)

I am not a big fan of deadlifts (what’s the point of lifting all that weight off the ground if you’re not going to do anything with it, #amirite?), but outside of that anything with a barbell.  And of course I’m partial to both Olympic lifting movements.  I also randomly enjoy kettlebell snatches.  My favorite workout is anything that has heavy barbell movements so that I can beat those that are in much better cardio shape than I am.

Burpees (what’s the point of falling down on purpose??) and muscle-ups (mainly because I can’t do them and choose not to work on them).  Least favorite workout would easily be if/when we ever do the 100 burpee challenge for the leaderboard.

I completely understand the intimidation factor of trying Crossfit (and with the plethora of CF gyms out there, it is key to find one with good coaching).  Having to socialize with people you don’t know, try movements for the first time, thinking you’re too old, etc.  But I don’t think I have heard of anyone regretting trying it.  The support and community are truly amazing, especially when you think about the fact that you spend just a few hours a week with these other members.  So, if you are curious about it and can get to a place that you are comfortable attending a class, definitely give it a try.