Brief personal history and journey towards beginning your CrossFit journey:
I had worked out with my trainer in Virginia for about two years, then we got orders to move back to this area. The move threw me out of my normal workout routine, I couldn’t find a trainer here, and I was working out by myself at a local gym when I saw the ad on Facebook for the “New You Challenge”. I wanted to challenge myself with something new. I had really only been lifting and had heard of Cross Fit but never tried it before. I met with Austin, started the New You program and things went on from there. I started regular classes and personal training sessions and I’ve been a member of CFO for almost a year now.
What brought you to CrossFit Oshkosh?
As I mentioned above, the ad on Facebook for the New You Challenge was what sparked my interest in Cross Fit Oshkosh. I wanted to get back into a consistent workout routine, meet people, and find a new trainer. All those things happened after starting at CFO!
Your first impression of CrossFit Oshkosh?
Walking in for the first time I was a little overwhelmed, but was quickly welcomed by the other members and instructors. I remember looking around the room and seeing what some of the members could do, telling myself I wanted to be like them (really it was Heather!). They were strong and looked like they really enjoyed being there.
What has been your biggest hurdle since starting?
I think one of the biggest challenges is continuing to master some of the more difficult skills for me, as such as double unders and the other gymnastic moves, as well as not beating yourself up about the days that I may not achieve the goal I had set. You have to have the mind set that not every day will be a “max out” day, but coming back to try gets you that much closer to your goals. CrossFit is just as mentally challenging as it is physically.
What is your favorite aspect of CrossFit?
Of course I love the workouts, the mix of strength and cardio training, but I think the best part of being part of the CrossFit Community is just that, the community. Whether at CFO, or as a drop-in in Las Vegas or Missouri, I have been welcomed with open arms. It doesn’t matter what your fitness level may be or where you came from, you are welcome at the Box. I haven’t found that with any other fitness setting.
What are your current goals in CrossFit?
Currently I am really trying to focus on some of the gymnastic skills, such as kipping pull ups, hand stand push ups, and double unders. I am making progress but there is definitely still a lot of work to be done. Short term goals: working with Coach Ali to prep for the open workouts. Six month goal: to complete Murphy without scaling and hopefully with a weighted vest on. We’ll see!
What is something we don’t know about you
I don’t know-you know a lot about me, I like to talk. CrossFit is my therapy, whenever things are tough, I’ve had a bad day at work, or I’m really stressed, I can come to CFO for an hour and forget about it all. Attending classes and seeing Coach Ali for my training sessions is just as important to my mental health as my physical.