Q1. What have been your greatest successes (physically, mentally or emotionally) since you began? How does your body feel now compared to when you started and WHY?
My greatest successes since starting CrossFit have been the mental and physical challenges I have overcome. I came in every day with butterflies in my stomach not knowing if the exercise itinerary was one that would make me want to quit. Instead each exercise lineup has made me come back for more, as I am feeling stronger and healthier with each challenge! I have seen a difference in my strength, endurance, body, and confidence since starting CrossFit. It is truly exciting to workout and see change happening, in one area would be great but four areas is AWESOME! I feel confident about what I am capable of and am excited about what is to come. I look forward to continuing my journey with CrossFit training. I am excited to say I can do pull-ups without a band and can do more than 10 burpees without feeling like I want to die! My biggest success will be when I can do a muscle up, kipping or strict, which ever comes first!
Q2. How has your life changed since starting CrossFit training? Has CrossFit transferred over into any other areas of your life?
Since starting CrossFit I am more excited about working out than I ever have been. It is not something I have to do but rather something I want to do. The people that I am surrounded by each day make training that much more enjoyable. There is friendly competition to push me out of my comfort zone and inspirational cheers to help get me through challenging workouts.
Q3. What are the advantages of CrossFit style training compared to your previous workout styles?
The biggest advantage of CrossFit is that I do not have to come up with an exercise plan. It is done for me! All I do is show up and do the workout that is planned! Also, there is intensity in the CrossFit program. In the past I would go to the gym or workout at home but the intensity was not there. Once I reached a point of pain I’d stop. I was always afraid to push myself beyond pain because I didn’t want to hurt myself. I love that there is a little more push but not to the point that I am compromising technique and my body. The coaches are always there making sure that technique is not being compromised for more weight. I did not get that in a gym or at home! I also love the variety of exercises that CrossFit has to offer and the diversity of people that have made CrossFit part of their life.
Q4. What advice can you give to others?
Don’t think you are too old or too out of shape to try something new that is going to improve you! If you want to get stronger always try to improve that strength a little at a time. Most importantly, don’t weigh yourself! Come everyday and see the changes in your endurance, strength, and confidence! Being able to do things you couldn’t do before CrossFit should be incentive enough to keep at it!
Athlete Specific Q. Have your shoulders really gotten “bigger” since starting CrossFit? Dean seems to think so!
According to Dean my shoulders are ripped! He is so kind with his words.
