CROSSWINDS CROSSFIT MEMBER OF THE MONTH
November
November’s Member spotlight falls on BEN WETZEL. We met Ben back in July when he came into Crosswinds during our very last Open House on a Saturday morning. He was a very quiet person that first day. He seemed to just take it all in, and then confidently walked up and bought a monthly membership at Crosswinds CrossFit. Although it took his girlfriend about 2 hours to figure out she should join, Ben knew with or without her, he was joining.
From that point forward to now, Ben is still a very quiet guy. Although he is quiet, his presence in the gym is felt by everyone in class. He is a true leader and what we like to call a “quiet professional”. He is not afraid to offer some advice to a fellow Crossfitter, when he sees that the time is right. Don’t get me wrong, he will answer any crazy nurse questions you ask him or give you his opinion if you ask him. But the one thing that amazed us from the very beginning was his natural ability to be a great CrossFit athlete and his desire to also help other people in the gym. From his very first class until now, he will always help when he sees someone in need. He is very humble in his ways and although I am sure he has many goals, he doesn’t broadcast his PR’s like some of the rest of us! He has had great accomplishments already, like increasing his backsquat from 205lbs in August to 225lbs in November. He often sets the bar for many of the other athletes in the gym with his pace, and never leaves the gym without knowing he put his best effort forth. Ben has also taken a further interest in being more than an awesome CrossFitter, he will soon also be a Coach!
A quick little story, after Ben’s first week at the gym, we knew he would be a great CrossFit Coach and we knew we wanted him to coach for us. The first couple weeks we talked about when would be the right time to ask him. His willingness and desire to learn about CrossFit, understand the movements, and even more, the desire to learn the progressions, modifications and scalability was just what we wanted in a member of our coaching staff. We told him right away that when he was ready to invest in the certification we would love to have him as a part of our staff. Although, he originally planned to wait until late Spring 2016, he changed his mind and is going to the course in mid-January. He will pass his test with flying colors for sure. We couldn’t be more excited to know that he is going to add a lot of value on staff at Crosswinds. This is only the beginning of your journey Ben and we couldn’t think of a better person to be recognized. Congrats on being our December Member of the Month Ben!
1. What is your fitness background?
I started wrestling in pre-school and competed all the way through high school and was an assistant coach for a few years as well. I also played football in elementary and high school along with some baseball until middle school. I was a very active child and took part in many unorganized sports and games outside of school. I have not competed in sports competitively since high school but have stayed active previously on my own and at another non-CrossFit gym.
2. Why did you decide to try CrossFit?
I decided to try CrossFit because I was tired of not getting the desired results from my self guided workouts and I was looking for more structure in my exercises. After researching what a CrossFit work out was like I became very interested and decided to give it a try.
3. What would you tell someone who is just starting at CrossFit?
For someone just starting CrossFit I would tell them that it is much more than just a different gym to workout in, it is a community of people that supports and encourages each other no matter what your current fitness level, gender or age is. I would also tell them that CrossFit is a great way to not only get back in shape but to live a healthy lifestyle in all aspects of your life through diet and healthy functional movements that make up CrossFit.
4. Anything else you would want to share/say?
I would just like to share that I am very glad I decided to join Crosswinds CrossFit, it literally was a "being in the right place at the right time" situation when I decided to give CrossFit a try and when Crosswinds opened its doors a few blocks from home, but I couldn't be happier with the choice. I have really enjoyed getting to know everyone one and even more so I have enjoyed the results I have seen. Looking forward to what's to come.
From that point forward to now, Ben is still a very quiet guy. Although he is quiet, his presence in the gym is felt by everyone in class. He is a true leader and what we like to call a “quiet professional”. He is not afraid to offer some advice to a fellow Crossfitter, when he sees that the time is right. Don’t get me wrong, he will answer any crazy nurse questions you ask him or give you his opinion if you ask him. But the one thing that amazed us from the very beginning was his natural ability to be a great CrossFit athlete and his desire to also help other people in the gym. From his very first class until now, he will always help when he sees someone in need. He is very humble in his ways and although I am sure he has many goals, he doesn’t broadcast his PR’s like some of the rest of us! He has had great accomplishments already, like increasing his backsquat from 205lbs in August to 225lbs in November. He often sets the bar for many of the other athletes in the gym with his pace, and never leaves the gym without knowing he put his best effort forth. Ben has also taken a further interest in being more than an awesome CrossFitter, he will soon also be a Coach!
A quick little story, after Ben’s first week at the gym, we knew he would be a great CrossFit Coach and we knew we wanted him to coach for us. The first couple weeks we talked about when would be the right time to ask him. His willingness and desire to learn about CrossFit, understand the movements, and even more, the desire to learn the progressions, modifications and scalability was just what we wanted in a member of our coaching staff. We told him right away that when he was ready to invest in the certification we would love to have him as a part of our staff. Although, he originally planned to wait until late Spring 2016, he changed his mind and is going to the course in mid-January. He will pass his test with flying colors for sure. We couldn’t be more excited to know that he is going to add a lot of value on staff at Crosswinds. This is only the beginning of your journey Ben and we couldn’t think of a better person to be recognized. Congrats on being our December Member of the Month Ben!
1. What is your fitness background?
I started wrestling in pre-school and competed all the way through high school and was an assistant coach for a few years as well. I also played football in elementary and high school along with some baseball until middle school. I was a very active child and took part in many unorganized sports and games outside of school. I have not competed in sports competitively since high school but have stayed active previously on my own and at another non-CrossFit gym.
2. Why did you decide to try CrossFit?
I decided to try CrossFit because I was tired of not getting the desired results from my self guided workouts and I was looking for more structure in my exercises. After researching what a CrossFit work out was like I became very interested and decided to give it a try.
3. What would you tell someone who is just starting at CrossFit?
For someone just starting CrossFit I would tell them that it is much more than just a different gym to workout in, it is a community of people that supports and encourages each other no matter what your current fitness level, gender or age is. I would also tell them that CrossFit is a great way to not only get back in shape but to live a healthy lifestyle in all aspects of your life through diet and healthy functional movements that make up CrossFit.
4. Anything else you would want to share/say?
I would just like to share that I am very glad I decided to join Crosswinds CrossFit, it literally was a "being in the right place at the right time" situation when I decided to give CrossFit a try and when Crosswinds opened its doors a few blocks from home, but I couldn't be happier with the choice. I have really enjoyed getting to know everyone one and even more so I have enjoyed the results I have seen. Looking forward to what's to come.
OCTOBER
October’s member spotlight falls on BRETT SCHEIBEL. We had the privilege of knowing Brett before he became a member at Crosswinds CrossFit. See Brett lives just a few houses down from us on the same street in a very tight knit neighborhood. The last thing we ever thought we would do, was profile him as the member of the month at our CrossFit gym. For as long as we have known Brett, he had never really expressed interest in working out or being athletic. Brett is a hard working blue-collar family man with a super cool wife and a group of boys that I can’t keep my daughter far enough away from!
Brett started asking us questions about CrossFit and working out long before our doors opened in July. I knew he was intrigued, but I also knew he had to be ready. During our open house week in July, Brett walked through the door. We were a little shocked, but beyond excited! Dan self admittingly totally geeks out over a challenge and Brett would likely be a challenge. Well, he was wrong. Brett was the furthest thing from a challenge that day. Although Kristy and I both thought Brett might not walk out on his own two feet after his first workout. During this first workout, he wore a belt. No, No…not a weightlifting belt, a real belt and real casual shorts. We are not sure how he didn’t split them! I will note that rumor has it that Brett went home after his first workout and walked up and down our street a few times telling everyone about how “Dan just tried to kill me….what a (insert anger hereJ)”.
Brett started working out one day a week. Then he moved to two days a week. Then he met Jim, Jim Beard. Yup, the guy you just read about. Brett and Jim were in very similar stages in their fitness journey. It has been somewhat of an unsaid “competition” between the two of them. There are days in the gym where a person doesn’t know what they are capable of. It isn’t rare to see them looking at one another and thinking, “If he can do it, I can do it”. Brett for being such a big guy has also surprised us not only with his natural abilities, but his no fear mentality. When asked to do a handstand….He does a handstand. Period. Brett is by far, easily, hands down, no questions asked, THE MOST FLEXIBLE MAN IN THE GYM. It’s impressive!
Brett started coming every morning at 5:30am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. Just recently we watched Brett perform perfect power cleans with nearly 200 lbs on the bar. We could not be happier with Brett’s progress. He knew it was time to do something, and he took a leap of faith to step out of his comfort zone and has been able to achieve so much, in a small amount of time. Well-done Brett. We could not be happier with your progress and we are very proud to call you not only a neighbor and friend, but also a member of our gym, Crosswinds CrossFit!
1. What is your fitness background?
Not much since high school where I was a three sport athlete. It has been a good 20 years since I "worked out".
2. Why did you decide to try CrossFit?
I have known for a while that I needed to do something to get in some kind of shape and never felt comfortable at a traditional gym. When I found out my neighbors (Dan & Kristy) were starting a gym, I had no idea what CrossFit was, but decided to go to an open house. Dan made me work out (running included, which I have never done well), and I just keep coming back.
3. What would you tell someone who is just starting at CrossFit?
It looks overwhelming and intense and it is. But everyone starts at their own level and that's OK. The more you go, the better you get and it is like a family. More encouragement rather than competition.
4. Anything else you would want to share/say?
Thank you. For helping me realize that I am still able to do things I haven't done since I was an 18 years old. I am in the best shape I have been in in a long time. I have finally found a place where I am comfortable and accepted for what I can do.
Brett started asking us questions about CrossFit and working out long before our doors opened in July. I knew he was intrigued, but I also knew he had to be ready. During our open house week in July, Brett walked through the door. We were a little shocked, but beyond excited! Dan self admittingly totally geeks out over a challenge and Brett would likely be a challenge. Well, he was wrong. Brett was the furthest thing from a challenge that day. Although Kristy and I both thought Brett might not walk out on his own two feet after his first workout. During this first workout, he wore a belt. No, No…not a weightlifting belt, a real belt and real casual shorts. We are not sure how he didn’t split them! I will note that rumor has it that Brett went home after his first workout and walked up and down our street a few times telling everyone about how “Dan just tried to kill me….what a (insert anger hereJ)”.
Brett started working out one day a week. Then he moved to two days a week. Then he met Jim, Jim Beard. Yup, the guy you just read about. Brett and Jim were in very similar stages in their fitness journey. It has been somewhat of an unsaid “competition” between the two of them. There are days in the gym where a person doesn’t know what they are capable of. It isn’t rare to see them looking at one another and thinking, “If he can do it, I can do it”. Brett for being such a big guy has also surprised us not only with his natural abilities, but his no fear mentality. When asked to do a handstand….He does a handstand. Period. Brett is by far, easily, hands down, no questions asked, THE MOST FLEXIBLE MAN IN THE GYM. It’s impressive!
Brett started coming every morning at 5:30am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. Just recently we watched Brett perform perfect power cleans with nearly 200 lbs on the bar. We could not be happier with Brett’s progress. He knew it was time to do something, and he took a leap of faith to step out of his comfort zone and has been able to achieve so much, in a small amount of time. Well-done Brett. We could not be happier with your progress and we are very proud to call you not only a neighbor and friend, but also a member of our gym, Crosswinds CrossFit!
1. What is your fitness background?
Not much since high school where I was a three sport athlete. It has been a good 20 years since I "worked out".
2. Why did you decide to try CrossFit?
I have known for a while that I needed to do something to get in some kind of shape and never felt comfortable at a traditional gym. When I found out my neighbors (Dan & Kristy) were starting a gym, I had no idea what CrossFit was, but decided to go to an open house. Dan made me work out (running included, which I have never done well), and I just keep coming back.
3. What would you tell someone who is just starting at CrossFit?
It looks overwhelming and intense and it is. But everyone starts at their own level and that's OK. The more you go, the better you get and it is like a family. More encouragement rather than competition.
4. Anything else you would want to share/say?
Thank you. For helping me realize that I am still able to do things I haven't done since I was an 18 years old. I am in the best shape I have been in in a long time. I have finally found a place where I am comfortable and accepted for what I can do.
SEPTEMBER
September’s Member spotlight falls on JIM BEARD. Jim Beard joined Crosswinds in the beginning of August. From the very beginning he told us it was time for him to take control of his weight and ensure he would be the active father he wanted to be for his kids. He told us he would be in 3 times a week to be sure he could meet his goals. His first few weeks were tough for him as his body didn’t move the way he wanted it to. His first few weeks were as much a physical challenge, as they were a mental challenge for him to keep pushing himself. What he didn’t know or realize, was every time he came into the gym he surprised us with his determination. Even though his body was giving him a hard time, he was willing to push through because he knew he needed to, and he wanted to. He set goals and wasn’t going to watch them fall short. It wasn’t rare for us to talk about how Jim was killing it in class.
Jim quickly became a regular at the 5:30am class and went from being the “new guy” to the “regular.” Jim’s determination continues to be very contagious. He is a bigger guy who helps set the bar for other similar sized men in our gym. We have to believe that part of the reason that the 5:30am class has gown the way it has is because of Jim’s presence. He is inspiring to those around him with his hard work and dedication. He also ensures he has quality movement and holds himself accountable to our standards and doing things the right way. He has a laser focus to finish the workout with the weight he started with, to get those box jumps instead of the step ups, and to click that RX button more often than not.
We know his journey is far from over when it comes to CrossFit, but what he has already managed to accomplish in such a short time is such an inspiration. We can’t thank you enough for the energy you bring to the gym and the bar you continue to raise every time you walk in the door. Thank you Jim, for believing in us and trusting us with YOUR fitness journey! Although we may be the ones giving you the tools and the intellect, you are ultimately the one creating the masterpiece.
1. What is your fitness background?
I played the typical sports in high school and was very active in recreational activities in college. I would occasionally sign up for the traditional gym membership and even engage a trainer here and there but that never lasted more than a year before I lost interest.
2. Why did you decide to try CrossFit?
After years of being overweight and inactive I decided it was time to get off my butt and get healthy and fit. I wanted to find something that would keep me engaged that I could stick with for the long term. The traditional gyms bored me and I liked the variety of CrossFit. I want to be active with my kids and CrossFit looked to be the tool to use to get all around fit for everyday life.
3. What would you tell someone who is just starting at CrossFit?
CrossFit IS for everyone. Every workout can be scaled to the individual’s ability. Also, having the right coaching is crucial. You want coaches who care more about proper form and fundamentals than about reps and weight.
4. Anything else you would want to share/say?
I surprise myself every week with what I can do. I am learning how to really push to be better than myself and Dan and Kristy are great at knowing when I can
Jim quickly became a regular at the 5:30am class and went from being the “new guy” to the “regular.” Jim’s determination continues to be very contagious. He is a bigger guy who helps set the bar for other similar sized men in our gym. We have to believe that part of the reason that the 5:30am class has gown the way it has is because of Jim’s presence. He is inspiring to those around him with his hard work and dedication. He also ensures he has quality movement and holds himself accountable to our standards and doing things the right way. He has a laser focus to finish the workout with the weight he started with, to get those box jumps instead of the step ups, and to click that RX button more often than not.
We know his journey is far from over when it comes to CrossFit, but what he has already managed to accomplish in such a short time is such an inspiration. We can’t thank you enough for the energy you bring to the gym and the bar you continue to raise every time you walk in the door. Thank you Jim, for believing in us and trusting us with YOUR fitness journey! Although we may be the ones giving you the tools and the intellect, you are ultimately the one creating the masterpiece.
1. What is your fitness background?
I played the typical sports in high school and was very active in recreational activities in college. I would occasionally sign up for the traditional gym membership and even engage a trainer here and there but that never lasted more than a year before I lost interest.
2. Why did you decide to try CrossFit?
After years of being overweight and inactive I decided it was time to get off my butt and get healthy and fit. I wanted to find something that would keep me engaged that I could stick with for the long term. The traditional gyms bored me and I liked the variety of CrossFit. I want to be active with my kids and CrossFit looked to be the tool to use to get all around fit for everyday life.
3. What would you tell someone who is just starting at CrossFit?
CrossFit IS for everyone. Every workout can be scaled to the individual’s ability. Also, having the right coaching is crucial. You want coaches who care more about proper form and fundamentals than about reps and weight.
4. Anything else you would want to share/say?
I surprise myself every week with what I can do. I am learning how to really push to be better than myself and Dan and Kristy are great at knowing when I can
AUGUST
August’s Member spotlight falls on MICHELLE KARIS. Over the last two months there was one story that hit me hard and made me sit down and think for a long time. It was and is Michelle’s story. Michelle emailed us back in May asking for additional information about CrossFit. Then I didn’t hear from her again, until day one of our open house. She walked through the doors very very slowly and hesitantly. I introduced myself and we had a nice conversation. I liked Michelle from the get go! I immediately got the vibe that she was a fighter, she was a go getter and that nervous as she may be. She was coming back. She had something more to accomplish. She had goals and I wanted to be the one to help her achieve those goals, and then some.
While showing Michele around, she shared with me that she is a cancer survivor. More specifically a breast cancer survivor. She had recently completed both radiation and chemo therapy. She desperately wanted a workout regime that would help her stay healthy and gain her strength back. Michelle’s story hit me hard. It literally consumed my thoughts for a few days. Not only was it a tremendous feat to battle cancer and win, but now she wanted to take her health and fitness to the next level…and she wanted me to be the one to assist her on her journey. $h&T…Things just got real. As a CrossFit Affiliate owner and coach, I have a huge responsibility to my athletes. But now also a person who nearly lost her life to cancer, wants me to help her better her life. I honestly could not have felt more honored, more humbled or more freaked out! See, this is exactly why I got into coaching CrossFit. To make a difference and help everyday people do common things uncommonly well. To give people the strength and courage and confidence to make a positive change in they’re life. These things I take very seriously.
When I met Michele, I realized I was going to be able to show Michelle just what CrossFit could do for her! Michele signed up for her membership and hasn’t looked back. She pulls into the lot with that same nervous look on her face every time I see her, but I know better now. Inside she is ready to kick some serious ass! Michelle showed a HUGE AMOUNT OF COURAGE just by walking through the doors to see what CrossFit is all about. She continues to amaze me every time I see her, with her motivation and dedication and of course courage. Oh and some of her new hard earned strength!!!
Keep up all the hard work and dedication Michelle! I’m with you all the way!
1. What is your fitness background?
I don't have an ounce of athlete in me! But I've always worked out and been in pretty good shape. Throughout the years I've taken all kinds of fitness classes; I've also run, lifted weights and even got into the latest BeachBody workout craze. I'm one of those people who is crabby when I don't get in at least 3 workouts/week.
2. Why did you decide to try CrossFit?
With surgery, chemo and radiation, I'd become more out of shape than ever. I hated looking in the mirror. I knew I'd need help to get where I wanted to be. A coworker and his wife love CrossFit and he'd mentioned a couple of times that I should try it. I blew him off, thinking there was no way I'd be able to do that kind of workout! Then when he mentioned Crosswinds was opening, I decided to check it out. I'd just finished radiation in June so the July opening was perfect timing.
3. What would you tell someone who is just starting at CrossFit?
You can do it! I used to think that CrossFit was only for people who were really fit and strong. Everything is scaled to your level. Within the first month I could already feel myself getting stronger.
4. Anything else you would want to share/say?
The coaching you get from Dan, Kristy and Ryan is awesome. They are great at meeting you where you are, yet encouraging and pushing you to get better.
While showing Michele around, she shared with me that she is a cancer survivor. More specifically a breast cancer survivor. She had recently completed both radiation and chemo therapy. She desperately wanted a workout regime that would help her stay healthy and gain her strength back. Michelle’s story hit me hard. It literally consumed my thoughts for a few days. Not only was it a tremendous feat to battle cancer and win, but now she wanted to take her health and fitness to the next level…and she wanted me to be the one to assist her on her journey. $h&T…Things just got real. As a CrossFit Affiliate owner and coach, I have a huge responsibility to my athletes. But now also a person who nearly lost her life to cancer, wants me to help her better her life. I honestly could not have felt more honored, more humbled or more freaked out! See, this is exactly why I got into coaching CrossFit. To make a difference and help everyday people do common things uncommonly well. To give people the strength and courage and confidence to make a positive change in they’re life. These things I take very seriously.
When I met Michele, I realized I was going to be able to show Michelle just what CrossFit could do for her! Michele signed up for her membership and hasn’t looked back. She pulls into the lot with that same nervous look on her face every time I see her, but I know better now. Inside she is ready to kick some serious ass! Michelle showed a HUGE AMOUNT OF COURAGE just by walking through the doors to see what CrossFit is all about. She continues to amaze me every time I see her, with her motivation and dedication and of course courage. Oh and some of her new hard earned strength!!!
Keep up all the hard work and dedication Michelle! I’m with you all the way!
1. What is your fitness background?
I don't have an ounce of athlete in me! But I've always worked out and been in pretty good shape. Throughout the years I've taken all kinds of fitness classes; I've also run, lifted weights and even got into the latest BeachBody workout craze. I'm one of those people who is crabby when I don't get in at least 3 workouts/week.
2. Why did you decide to try CrossFit?
With surgery, chemo and radiation, I'd become more out of shape than ever. I hated looking in the mirror. I knew I'd need help to get where I wanted to be. A coworker and his wife love CrossFit and he'd mentioned a couple of times that I should try it. I blew him off, thinking there was no way I'd be able to do that kind of workout! Then when he mentioned Crosswinds was opening, I decided to check it out. I'd just finished radiation in June so the July opening was perfect timing.
3. What would you tell someone who is just starting at CrossFit?
You can do it! I used to think that CrossFit was only for people who were really fit and strong. Everything is scaled to your level. Within the first month I could already feel myself getting stronger.
4. Anything else you would want to share/say?
The coaching you get from Dan, Kristy and Ryan is awesome. They are great at meeting you where you are, yet encouraging and pushing you to get better.
JULY
July’s Member Spotlight falls on ABBY OSIKA. When choosing last months winner, we were
tasked with a much more difficult decision than we could have imagined. In July, we opened our doors for the first
time! We were lucky enough and blessed
with the opportunity to watch sixty people come through our doors during our
open house week! Some were friends, family, fellow CrossFit athletes from other
local affiliates, but the vast majority consisted of people new to
CrossFit. Many people stood out and left
lasting impressions on us, but Abby really took the spotlight!
We would like to share the story of our first class with Abby. Abby joined us on a Saturday with her boyfriend Ben. From the moment she walked through the doors she looked very comfortable. She was able to follow along with the stretching, the mobilizing and figured out the new movements pretty quickly. But once we got into the workout, we couldn’t help but notice Abby was struggling a little bit. She scaled the already scaled movements, She was taking breaks to catch her breath, but overall she was still pushing herself. We also couldn’t help but notice she was still wearing her heavy duty sweatpants. When the workout was complete, Abby looked a little like everyone, out of breath, a bit sweaty, and maybe even a bit dazed. As Abby’s boyfriend signed up for his membership, he looked back at her – the lack of color in her face and her staring into space - and then he looked back at me and continued with the one membership. By this time, I thought to myself – ah oh – she may have pushed it a little too hard today. At that moment she smiled, thanked us for the workout and left. About an hour later, a car drove up, and out jumped Ben and Abby. They looked great! They had recently showered, had fresh clothes on, their hair done, and color back in their faces. We asked – Did you leave something here, what did you forget? Abby goes, “No, we didn’t forget anything, I decided anything that can kick my butt like that, I should probably sign up for!” All four of us had huge smiles on our faces. Once Abby was done signing up, she looked back at Ben and said, “Alright, let’s go get me some new pants!” I couldn’t help but laugh out loud to her comment. She looked back and said that she had never in her life wore anything but sweatpants, but obviously here was going to be different!
Abby is a great example of although every single moment of your workout at Crosswinds CrossFit may not be easy, that It may kick your butt and leaving you wondering, “why did I do this today” – You are not alone. And like Abby – you have realized you can’t NOT do this.
Abby is an everyday person who has allowed us to help her do common things uncommonly well. She has put her trust in us to give her strength, courage and confidence to make a positive change in her life and make her health and wellness a priority. If you have the chance to meet Abby in class, you will quickly see she has a great sense of humor and a very determined work ethic. There are times I can see her start to question herself, and then dig deep and find that extra push to finish with no regrets. She has a laser beam focus to get the movement, to take on more weight, to move faster, to get stronger, and to be the best she can be.
Abby, we have enjoyed working with you during the month of July, and look forward to seeing you continue to kick butt at CrossFit! Keep up the Great Work!
We would like to share the story of our first class with Abby. Abby joined us on a Saturday with her boyfriend Ben. From the moment she walked through the doors she looked very comfortable. She was able to follow along with the stretching, the mobilizing and figured out the new movements pretty quickly. But once we got into the workout, we couldn’t help but notice Abby was struggling a little bit. She scaled the already scaled movements, She was taking breaks to catch her breath, but overall she was still pushing herself. We also couldn’t help but notice she was still wearing her heavy duty sweatpants. When the workout was complete, Abby looked a little like everyone, out of breath, a bit sweaty, and maybe even a bit dazed. As Abby’s boyfriend signed up for his membership, he looked back at her – the lack of color in her face and her staring into space - and then he looked back at me and continued with the one membership. By this time, I thought to myself – ah oh – she may have pushed it a little too hard today. At that moment she smiled, thanked us for the workout and left. About an hour later, a car drove up, and out jumped Ben and Abby. They looked great! They had recently showered, had fresh clothes on, their hair done, and color back in their faces. We asked – Did you leave something here, what did you forget? Abby goes, “No, we didn’t forget anything, I decided anything that can kick my butt like that, I should probably sign up for!” All four of us had huge smiles on our faces. Once Abby was done signing up, she looked back at Ben and said, “Alright, let’s go get me some new pants!” I couldn’t help but laugh out loud to her comment. She looked back and said that she had never in her life wore anything but sweatpants, but obviously here was going to be different!
Abby is a great example of although every single moment of your workout at Crosswinds CrossFit may not be easy, that It may kick your butt and leaving you wondering, “why did I do this today” – You are not alone. And like Abby – you have realized you can’t NOT do this.
Abby is an everyday person who has allowed us to help her do common things uncommonly well. She has put her trust in us to give her strength, courage and confidence to make a positive change in her life and make her health and wellness a priority. If you have the chance to meet Abby in class, you will quickly see she has a great sense of humor and a very determined work ethic. There are times I can see her start to question herself, and then dig deep and find that extra push to finish with no regrets. She has a laser beam focus to get the movement, to take on more weight, to move faster, to get stronger, and to be the best she can be.
Abby, we have enjoyed working with you during the month of July, and look forward to seeing you continue to kick butt at CrossFit! Keep up the Great Work!
What is your athletic/fitness background?
I played soccer in high school. When I graduated, I stopped really doing too much "athletically." I bounced around through my undergrad, doing only a required gym class (spin) for 8wks. I gained a total of 50lbs on my already small frame. After starting nursing school, I bought an elliptical and started doing that while I read endless chapters of disease processes. Once I graduated and started my adult job, the elliptical started collecting dust. Ben and I thought, "we are getting chunky, lets join lifetime." I found that I really didn't fit in there, nor did I really like working out there. I had a membership for a year and went maaaaaaaaybe 18 times. So, that's where I was walking in.
Why did you decide to try CrossFit?
Ben made me do it!....no. Dan and Kristy were very passionate and it seemed like it would be a safe space to fall on my ass a few times. I really trusted that these three (Dan, Ryan, and Kristy) would help me get in shape. Also, I loved the sense of community. I felt like I was part of this group of people who were doing something awesome, and if I didn't show up someone was going to notice, and call me out.
What would you tell someone who is just starting at CrossFit?
The first workout is always the worse (just ask me, I would know) Don't give up. Come back and try it again. No one is going to care if you can't do something, or can't lift as much as the next person. All you have to do is have a positive attitude, give it 100%, be able to laugh at yourself, and have fun.
Anything else you would want to share/say?
I have a tattoo on my foot that says "a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step." Don't be scared to take the first step.
I played soccer in high school. When I graduated, I stopped really doing too much "athletically." I bounced around through my undergrad, doing only a required gym class (spin) for 8wks. I gained a total of 50lbs on my already small frame. After starting nursing school, I bought an elliptical and started doing that while I read endless chapters of disease processes. Once I graduated and started my adult job, the elliptical started collecting dust. Ben and I thought, "we are getting chunky, lets join lifetime." I found that I really didn't fit in there, nor did I really like working out there. I had a membership for a year and went maaaaaaaaybe 18 times. So, that's where I was walking in.
Why did you decide to try CrossFit?
Ben made me do it!....no. Dan and Kristy were very passionate and it seemed like it would be a safe space to fall on my ass a few times. I really trusted that these three (Dan, Ryan, and Kristy) would help me get in shape. Also, I loved the sense of community. I felt like I was part of this group of people who were doing something awesome, and if I didn't show up someone was going to notice, and call me out.
What would you tell someone who is just starting at CrossFit?
The first workout is always the worse (just ask me, I would know) Don't give up. Come back and try it again. No one is going to care if you can't do something, or can't lift as much as the next person. All you have to do is have a positive attitude, give it 100%, be able to laugh at yourself, and have fun.
Anything else you would want to share/say?
I have a tattoo on my foot that says "a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step." Don't be scared to take the first step.
