When did you first hear about CrossFit and what was your first experience like at CrossFit Cameron Park /First WOD?

My brother first told me about CFCP the summer of 2017, but I didn’t join until November because I broke my arm and had to wait for it to heal. My very first night I knew I was in the right place! Two members (Moa and Dennis) came right up to me and introduced themselves and told me they were glad I was there. It felt really good to be greeted and to already know the names of some of the people. I had been at other gyms in the past and didn’t know anyone by name. CFCP just felt like family from the start.

How many days/week do you CrossFit and what is your normal class time?

I usually go to class 5-6 days a week. I work out with the 4:30 afternoon class on weekdays and then the 9AM class on Saturday mornings. 

What do you do for a living?

I teach high school math at Union Mine High School. 

What is your favorite thing about CrossFit Cameron Park?  

My favorite thing about CFCP is definitely the people I work out with!! Everyone is always so positive and encouraging and happy to be there. I look forward to seeing my “family” as much as I look forward to exercising. And, on days I’m not as motivated to go to class, I still show up so that I can catch up with the other members. 

You do accessory work after almost every workout. Is this why you have improved so much so quickly with skill type movements?

Yes…partly…but I also ask for a lot of help from the coaches and other members. It’s been a group effort for me to reach the goals that I’ve hit. For instance, my first year doing the Open, I would just walk up to people and ask them to teach me how to do a movement. I remember Lexie showed me how to do hand stand pushups and JR showed me chest to bar. They were both really patient and kept helping me up until it was time for them to do their own workout. It always feels like a group effort when I stay after class and work on skills. 

Your daughter and brother are both into CrossFit. What is the best part of having a family that does CrossFit Together?

Sooooo many things!!!! You always have someone to celebrate your achievements with, but at the same time, they understand your frustrations with certain movements. In my family, we all like to think we can coach each other and help each other improve, so that’s fun to have a coach on call 24/7. Also, we never run out of things to talk about on long hikes or backpacking trips. There’s always a WOD, movement, or Games athlete that we can all get excited about and talk about endlessly. But, the best part of doing CrossFit as a family is that it is a built in way to just hang out and see each other on a regular basis. I love family time!

What accomplishments are you most proud of?

I’m proudest of my first strict pull-up and my first handstand push-up. I’ve never had any upper body strength before I joined CrossFit, so I always thought these movements would be impossible for me to get. I’m pretty sure I let out a scream of excitement when I did my first rep on each skill. 

What is your least favorite CrossFit movement?

Thrusters…without a doubt, thrusters!!

Has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, level of fitness?

CrossFit has changed my life for the better. I am in the best shape of my life, I eat healthier, and my chronic back pain is almost non-existent. I look at the sign in the gym that says “Stronger than yesterday” and that’s how I feel every day. I am more confident in my strength and endurance and I look forward to physical challenges outside of the gym like difficult summit hikes or multi-day backpacking trips. 

Any advice for someone thinking about doing CrossFit or someone who is just starting?

I would tell people that every movement can be scaled, no matter your fitness level. And, more importantly, when you scale, you should be proud of what you accomplished. I remember apologizing that I used a band for pull-ups, chest to bars, etc. and then Jennifer said “ya, but girl, YOU DID IT!” It made me feel proud of my workout, scaled or not, and it helped me to realize I had accomplished something for me. Everyone shows up to the gym for different reasons, so you should be proud of your own personal accomplishments and not compare yourself to others. It’s a personal journey, not a competition.