How did you hear about CrossFit White Bear and how long have you been a member?
I looked online for a box close to home. I have been a member since March 2014.
What was your first thought when you walked in the door? And now?
My first experience was testing out with Jake. When I first arrived, I sat in my truck thinking to myself “Do I really want to do this? Am I going to fit in, am I going to like it?” When I walked in my first thought was, it’s small and dark. Something you would see in a Rocky movie. After meeting Jake, warming up and talking a little all my earlier worries disappeared. My first class went way different than I expected. I thought the class would ignore or not talk to me. I was wrong. Everyone wanted to know my story. Where I was from, was I new to CrossFit and did I come from another box. Everyone was extremely friendly and it really helped me settle in.
I have watched our community and box grow. I love coming to the box. For me it’s a place where my worries and problems disappear. I love the push and excitement I get from other members. There is a lot of different personalities, but we all love and embrace the suck which is CrossFit.
What is your favorite movement and least favorite movement?
When I first started my favorite movement was front squat or thrusters. Now as I get stronger my favorite movement is overhead squat. Least favorite is easy and most likely no surprise to anyone. I HATE burpees. I also strongly dislike double-unders. I have worked on them for about a year and a half and still suck at them.
When you don’t want to workout, how do you motivate yourself to walk in the door?
This one is really easy for me. I remind myself how shitty I feel when I do not workout. The community really helps to. There are days I really do not want to be there whether it be because I’m tired, sore or crabby, but after walking through the door and seeing everyone really helps.
How have you seen yourself change – mentally or physically since you joined?
I have seen myself change a lot. Mentally, I feel a lot better now than I have in the past. I was a three sport athlete and in great shape. Once I stopped playing competitive sports I really let myself go. I gained a lot of weight and ate whatever was easiest. At my heaviest I knew I had to change something. I got a gym membership and started pushing myself to be better. I started crossfit about a year into my “get it” journey. Crossfit has brought back my competitive spirit and put me in a really good place mentally. Physically, I really believe I am in a good spot. With that being said I think you never should stop pushing yourself to get better, but I feel healthier than I ever have.
Like the other recent athletes you have been working Luke Popham at Bear Nutrition and we have noticed some significant gains in your strength and workout times. How have you felt since you put nutrition and CrossFit together?
Luke has helped me a lot. Almost all of my lifts have gone up. Before I went to Luke, I was a somewhat healthy eater and with CrossFit I stayed in good shape. After working with Luke, he wanted me to add more food to fuel lean muscle growth. Once I started to listen and really push to eat often and healthier I really started to see gains. By adding nutrition, I have really started to enjoy and feel extremely better before, during and after workouts.
Anything else you’d like to add?
CrossFit and CrossFit White Bear have changed my life. CrossFit has brought back the competitive athlete in me and given me a better everyday life. CrossFit White Bear feels like family to me. From the Coaches to the newest member, thank you for pushing me to be a better CrossFiter.
Recent Comments