TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF. WHAT DO YOU DO OUTSIDE OF THE GYM?

I work on strategic projects for a private equity owned business, so I do a lot of different jobs there, but my background is finance. Right now I’m working on managing a strategic marketing project and competitive intel, and I hope to get some experience helping with M&A in the new year. My work focuses on growing the business so I’ve got my hands dirty in a lot of different areas! I also serve as a board member at First Financial Credit Union and I just became the chair of the Hydrocephalus Association’s annual Chicago Walk. Most importantly, I’m the mom of the animal we call Chase that’s usually running around causing a ruckus.

 

WHAT INITIALLY GOT YOU INTO TRAINING AND WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK?

Health and fitness has almost always been a big part of my life. Being a Type 1 diabetic since the age of 9 taught me the importance of nutrition and my love of fitness kicked in during my teens. I started CrossFit several years ago out of curiosity and fell in love with it. What keeps me coming back is a priority of mental health. I have to consistently get some form of physical activity in or I don’t sleep well and I just get into a funk. The people at Hardware also keep me coming back. Every athlete here is just a great human and life is better with great humans miserably sweating it out together.

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

My goal is to improve my overall cardio endurance and actually get pull-ups consistently. I wouldn’t describe my progress as “close” but definitely as “in progress”.

 

WHAT’S AN ACCOMPLISHMENT OR GOAL YOU’VE REACHED AT HARDWARE THAT MADE YOU THE MOST PROUD?

When I got chin-ups and one ugly strict pull-up! I couldn’t believe I actually got the pull-up! Now I’m just working on getting stronger so I don’t have to sub so much.

FAVORITE WOD/MOVEMENT?­­

Clean and jerk. There’s just something so satisfying about doing the superstar movement with a heavy bar over your head!

 

LEAST FAVORITE WOD/MOVEMENT?

BURPEES and RUNNING! I don’t suffer silently so I think everyone already knew this.

ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE INTERESTED IN TRYING OUT HARDWARE?

Hardware is such a great community. Even if you don’t feel good about the work you did, everyone is so welcoming and proud for you. I have a few favorite sayings that keep me going:

– The best workout is a finished workout.

– You only regret a workout you missed; you never regret a workout taken.

– Sometimes just being there and going through the movements is just going to happen. It’s so much better than not doing anything. Everyday can’t be a PR day.

TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF. WHAT DO YOU DO OUTSIDE OF THE GYM?
I work for a major airline based out of Minneapolis which has me traveling 2-4 days out of the week. Fitness is my primary hobby so when I’m home I tend to spend a lot of my free time at Hardware with my “Box Wives” and other friends. I also enjoy raising dogs, working on our new house and attending concerts.

 

WHAT INITIALLY GOT YOU INTO TRAINING AND WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK?
Body dysmorphia set in at a very young age. I was your typical scared closeted kid who was bullied regularly for being shy and thin. The things I did to get out of gym class…

At 39 I realized that the years of personal training at regular gyms never really made me feel good about myself. I needed to try something very different. So, I decided to give CrossFit a shot. About 6 months in I realized that I was the happiest with myself that I had been in a very long time. Not because of my change in physique, but, because I was becoming good at something athletic and had made all these supportive friends in “gym class”. A whole mental shift. Why didn’t I start this sooner?? Hardware Strength and Conditioning literally changed my life.

I’m the happiest when I leave the gym feeling accomplished and also when I see others succeed. This is what keeps me coming back.

WHAT ARE YOUR FITNESS GOALS? HOW CLOSE ARE YOU TO REACHING THEM?
I’d like to do an entire open season RX’d. But, I’d settle for being able to consistently do all the bar movements at 135.

 

WHAT’S AN ACCOMPLISHMENT OR GOAL YOU’VE REACHED AT HARDWARE THAT MADE YOU THE MOST PROUD?
5 years ago I was seriously injured on the job. Lumbar/Sacral bulging disc. Couldn’t walk for 2 weeks. Pretty scary stuff. I contacted Hardware when PT cleared me to come back to the gym. The Coaches were knowledgable of my injury, ready to give me scaled options and were very attentive during class understanding squatting was a serious issue. I really felt taken care of with all the advice. I’ll never forget Coach Owen telling me “You know, it’s ok to just NOT back squat ever again”.

The thing I’m most proud of is the patience I developed for putting in the extra work to be able to do what I love.

FAVORITE WOD/MOVEMENT?
I do love a good Power Clean & OHD movement but I also love TTB.

 

LEAST FAVORITE WOD/MOVEMENT?
I know I’m supposed to say Burpees…

 

ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE INTERESTED IN TRYING OUT HARDWARE?
Hardware is by far one of the most safe and welcoming places for anyone who wants to leave a fitness class feeling accomplished and maybe even make some new friends. You’ll be surprised what you can accomplish!

There is no “CrossFit Bro” vibe here. There is no High School vibe. Think … The Island of Misfit Toys but with barbells. Everyone is welcome.

TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF. WHAT DO YOU DO OUTSIDE OF THE GYM?

I have three wonderful kids, so I spend a ton of time learning about Pokemon and trying to understand why they enjoy watching other kids on Youtube open toys. I work in policy reform and strategy in my day job and spend as much time as possible opening doors for people to make long-term positive impacts.

WHAT INITIALLY GOT YOU INTO TRAINING AND WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK?

I initially got into training because I’d historically struggled with my weight and decided I wanted to get serious about my goals and make some lifestyle changes. I started with walking, running, and biking and once I began hitting benchmarks, I wanted to be in an environment that would challenge me to grow. I’d dropped 50 pounds and I told my wife I was ready to get to the next level I walked into the gym after it was closed, and Coach Darcy walked me around and introduced me to folks who had just finished the MURPH workout. Darcy asked if I wanted anything to eat and I said I was a vegetarian she said “well, great here’s a black bean burger” and I knew at that very moment I was home. I keep coming back because I am in the best shape of my life thanks to Hardware and you can’t get the community we have here anywhere else.

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

My fitness goals are simple, I want to be better today than I was yesterday. Fitness is indeed a journey with peaks and valleys, but I keep showing up and challenging myself to get better, which means I get closer to my goals every day. I also want to be able to beat my kids in a footrace well into their teenage years.

WHAT’S AN ACCOMPLISHMENT OR GOAL YOU’VE REACHED AT HARDWARE THAT MADE YOU THE MOST PROUD?

I co-captained our Crossfit Open team A Sight for Sore Thighs with Coach Fatimah last year and that was my proudest moment so far at Hardware. The Open is intimidating as hell and being able to fight with a team and compete was terrific. I will say that after being a co-captain I shared with one of my close friends that I wanted to win Athlete of the Month so now we are going to have to make some new goals for the upcoming year! These moments stick out to me because I know how hard fitness is and I am proud of myself for committing!

FAVORITE WOD/MOVEMENT?­­

Anything with kettlebells and if not kettlebells whatever the last movement of the WOD is because that means we made it through another spicy workout!

LEAST FAVORITE WOD/MOVEMENT?

Thrusters…we should defund thrusters.

ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE INTERESTED IN TRYING OUT HARDWARE? 

I advise anyone interested in trying out Hardware to just show up to the gym and we will take care of the rest with you. We have Coaches who will literally get on the ground with you, walk you through every move, and help you develop your abilities. The entire community is helpful and when you come from other gyms where the environment is different, it may seem odd when every class cheers you, but I am here to tell you that it is real. We have a great program called “Bring a friend day” every month, come check out a Saturday morning class and do a partner workout.

TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF. WHAT DO YOU DO OUTSIDE OF THE GYM?

My name is Oscar Ayala. Outside the gym I work as an accountant/auditor for an accounting firm. I have been doing this for 15+ years and it’s a profession that has taken me to far corners of the world where I have been able to learn about so many different cultures. It never gets old!!! I was living in London for the past 5 years when an opportunity came knocking on the door and moved to Chicago in September 2020.  I am loving Chicago and the community here in Andersonville!!! On my free time and whenever I am home, I volunteer at two community colleges and a non-profit organization teaching accounting courses as well as English & Spanish to working adults. At the moment, I am trying my best to learn another language so I am adventuring into German and Italian. It’s been challenging and suggestions on language courses, methods, apps, etc. are always welcome!!!! I am passionate about traveling, Michigan football, Tottenham Hotspurs, Rugby, pizza, and love when I get to spend time with my family. I have a niece and nephew that unfortunately don’t get to see often, but they mean the world to me.

WHAT INITIALLY GOT YOU INTO TRAINING AND WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK?

Back in 2016 I discovered crossfit trough a friend of mine who was competing and training for a Spartan Race. I had no idea about Olympic weightlifting and much less gymnastics. I slowly started training 3 times a week and within a month I couldn’t wait for the next WOD. Once I started training, I could feel an immediate change on my energy levels, less stress, and more confidence on every aspect of my life. Unfortunately, I stopped my regular training for a while due to an injury and work schedule, but I knew I needed to get back to it. Joining Hardware was one of the best decisions I made when I moved to Chicago. The immediate feeling of belonging, respect, and encouragement from all coaches and athletes was incredible. It keeps me motivated to come in every morning. I want to improve my technique, challenge myself and be able to excel at what I do inside and outside the gym. I miss Hardware whenever I am traveling; however, I check the WOD every single day and think of ways I can modify it with limited equipment at a hotel gym. Sometimes I get the chance to visit other gyms, but nothing and I mean nothing compares to Hardware!!!!

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

My fitness goals are to improve my overall flexibility and strength. I think I am far from reaching my potential but little by little I can see gains. 3 digits on a snatch and OH Squat.. The crystal ball says..someday!!!!

WHAT’S AN ACCOMPLISHMENT OR GOAL YOU’VE REACHED AT HARDWARE THAT MADE YOU THE MOST PROUD?

An accomplishment or goals that I am most proud of would be #150 pounds on a squat clean and learning DUs. The whip lash on legs and arms is no joke!!!

FAVORITE WOD/MOVEMENT?­­

My favourite movement is squat cleans and WODs that include pull-ups, box jumps and snatches

LEAST FAVORITE WOD/MOVEMENT?

My least favourite movement or WOD has to be anything where I have to be upside down. HSPUs are the devil!!!

ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE INTERESTED IN TRYING OUT HARDWARE?

My advice for someone interested in trying out Hardware would be, once you step inside, you will find a group of people that will encourage you and that will care about your development as an athlete regardless of your fitness level, age, or experience. They will do anything in their power to make you feel safe and welcome. Give it a go!!!!

TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF. WHAT DO YOU DO OUTSIDE OF THE GYM?

I was born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand, and move to the U.S. in 2014 for higher education. I was graduated from DePaul late 2020 in Data Science. Currently, I’m a Data Engineer! In my free time, I enjoy cooking, watching international TV-show and movies, and visiting my family in Thailand as much as I can each year.

WHAT INITIALLY GOT YOU INTO TRAINING AND WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK?

I started CrossFit training 7 years ago to improve my strength and find activities outside of school. Initially, I was trying to get in shape and get strong since I barely workout prior to the training. After about a year of training, I join the Olympic Lifting club at my previous gym to try it out and I got hooked! I did several lifting competitions both Power Lifting and Olympic Lifting. The reason that keeps me coming back is the people, the community and it makes me healthy.

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

As for my goal, I want to be able to work out as long as I can in my 30s, 40s… with injuries free. I’m trying to pick the right weights and modified some movements to avoid injuries, but I’m also adding some intensity to the workout to challenge myself a bit.

 

WHAT’S AN ACCOMPLISHMENT OR GOAL YOU’VE REACHED AT HARDWARE THAT MADE YOU THE MOST PROUD?

The accomplishment that proud of was USAW competition couple years ago. It was a local competition at my previous gym, and I won the second place (There was only 2 people in my weight class).

FAVORITE WOD/MOVEMENT?

It is Clean and Jerk! I love the technical part behind it. And I hope to try the yoke soon.

 

LEAST FAVORITE WOD/MOVEMENT?

That would be the pistol! To be honest, I don’t have the mobility to do it.

 

ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE INTERESTED IN TRYING OUT HARDWARE?

Join us! It’s been great all around at HARDWARE, the coaches are amazing, the programs are great, and they also have kid program as well. Some of the movement may look intimidated, but all of them can be modified.

TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF. WHAT DO YOU DO OUTSIDE OF THE GYM?

Outside of Hardware I snuggle cats (my cats Motorbike and Boris are the world’s greatest… except when they are puking on my rug), listen to podcasts (my current fave is Free to a Good Home hosted by Ben Jenkins and Michael Hing) and eat cookies (I’m an equal opportunity cookie consumer)! But for real … I’m the administrative manager of a small but mighty hair salon in West Town (no I don’t do hair, I am a trained makeup artist though!). In my free time I like to play outside … hiking, horseback riding, paddle boarding, bike riding, drinking wine on a porch, looking at the stars, whatever gets me out of the house!

WHAT INITIALLY GOT YOU INTO TRAINING AND WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK?

Initially I started training when I hit my late twenties and I realized I was skinny fat… I could run 15 miles but I was so weak and things were starting to hurt. I wanted workouts that would keep me engaged and I knew I needed guidance. I had zero interest in going to a globo gym so I chose crossfit. I keep coming back to Hardware because it keeps me strong, I love the people, and I have SO MUCH FUN!

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

Eek… I’m not much for numbers. Typically my overarching fitness goal is to be pain free and feel good movin’ my body. I wouldn’t mind cracking 6 minutes on Annie but I’m not in a rush.

WHAT’S AN ACCOMPLISHMENT OR GOAL YOU’VE REACHED AT HARDWARE THAT MADE YOU THE MOST PROUD?

Getting over my fear of lifting heavy! After a traumatic impact injury that left me with a messy spine (ahh to be young and dumb) I have been very trepidatious about lifting heavy. I still get nervous but I’ve found my body actually benefits from it so I use good judgement and stick with what feels achievable. Shoutout to my hype man Joel M who is always there to support me when I go for a heavy lift!

FAVORITE WOD/MOVEMENT?­­

When I’m feeling spritely I actually like Whitten, pace thyself or reap the consequences! I like any WOD in the 30-60 minute time domain (because I’m a weirdo).

LEAST FAVORITE WOD/MOVEMENT?

Snatches. I don’t have the thoracic mobility for them and I’d rather not test the limitations of my spine, that’s just a personal choice. And no sprinting wods please, no likey!

ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE INTERESTED IN TRYING OUT HARDWARE?

Come have fun! Learn modifications, practice movements (good form is paramount!), keep up with your mobility, and share all the cute pictures of your cat with me!

TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF. WHAT DO YOU DO OUTSIDE OF THE GYM?

Life outside of the gym is quite busy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! For a career, I work for an environmental non-profit and have been working in that field for about 7 years. In line with that, I love being outdoors, camping, gardening, kayaking, and hiking. I also am the lead singer, guitarist, and main songwriter in a band – Bev Rage & the Drinks. We are, what I like to call, a “queer garage pop” band and have been playing together for about 6 years. Despite many people thinking I am shy or quiet, I am in fact a 7-foot tall drag queen playing a guitar in music venues on the weekends. Come see us sometime! Other than those things, I spend a lot of time with my chosen family here in Chicago, go on road trips, and watch far too many scary movies, even when it isn’t October. 

WHAT INITIALLY GOT YOU INTO TRAINING AND WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK?

I first started at Hardware in April 2019 and haven’t turned back! When I began, it was really about trimming down, trying to improve my health, and to boost my self-esteem when I’m on the beach. However, what I really got was a very big change in my lifestyle for the better. Hardware has helped me to be disciplined with my workouts, be more mindful of what I am putting in my body, and build confidence to try to push myself as hard as I can both in and out of the gym. I keep coming back to continue making positive changes in my life, and of course to keep feeling more confident in my swimsuit. 

 

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

The only main goal is to just keep making it to class at least 5 days a week. As long as I am staying on schedule and keeping myself active, I don’t need to have a specific weight or time goal. Just spending that hour a day being active is now essential for both my physical and mental health. I would love to improve on my kipping pull-ups, though. Those have been tough to get the hang of… (see what I did there?)

 

WHAT’S AN ACCOMPLISHMENT OR GOAL YOU’VE REACHED AT HARDWARE THAT MADE YOU THE MOST PROUD?

A fear of mine prior to joining Hardware was working out in front of other people. Now, working out without a bunch of people around seems daunting! Overcoming that fear has probably been my greatest accomplishment. Before I began here I associated gym culture with toxic masculinity, however, the uplifting and diverse community at Hardware could not be more opposite of that. 

 

FAVORITE WOD/MOVEMENT?­­

I love long WODs with rest built in. I like to be able to push myself very hard with that nice reward of a minute or two of rest built into the workout. TABATA workouts with a variety of movements are a fave as well. I also love partner WODs and working with someone to get to the end of a tough workout. 

 

LEAST FAVORITE WOD/MOVEMENT?

For the life of me I can never imagine a time when I will enjoy overhead squats. I hope I get proven wrong on that at some point. 

 

ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE INTERESTED IN TRYING OUT HARDWARE?

Just give it a shot! The coaches are all great at working with beginners. The other members are very friendly and supportive. The incredible positivity that radiates in the space truly cannot be matched. Just don’t start on overhead squat day. :)