How did your journey with CrossFit Northland began? How long have you been a member of CrossFit Northland? What made you decide to do CrossFit at that time?
My journey began as another addition to CFN courtesy of the Miller Family. Clarice had moved back to Kansas City after finishing grad school and restarted her membership at CFN and she thought I would like the gym. I was looking for a more structured exercise environment, so I gave it a shot and now two years later, I’m hooked!
Tell us about your fitness/health background? (Have you always been active? Played sports growing up? Tried other gym settings? Workout at home?)
I was never very athletic growing up, but I was a proud mathlete! My only athletic endeavors in high school and college began and ended with marching band, where I played crash cymbals.
How has CFN played a role in your life outside of the gym?
Professionally, I’m a software engineer, so I can’t say crossfit has made a big impact on my performance at work, but working a 9-5 desk job made me realize I need to be more serious and intentional about exercise if I want to maintain my physical condition. In that regard, CFN has been everything I could ask for and more. It’s become a passionate hobby of mine and has introduced me to countless amazing individuals who I otherwise never would have met.
What are some changes you’ve noticed in yourself during your time here at CFN? (Physically, mentally, capabilities, daily life, etc.)
As of my most recent goal review with David (Tuesday, June 9th), since beginning my fitness/weight-loss “journey” with the 2018 Fall Nutrition Challenge, I have lost 21 pounds (all fat!), correlating to a 10% drop in body fat over that period. Aside from the numbers, I can easily say I’m in the best shape of my life and I’m excited to know I have plenty of room for improvement from where I am now.
In your opinion, what is the most valuable aspect of Crossfit Northland?
I would say the most valuable aspect of CFN is the coaching. I had my reservations about CrossFit before joining from what I’d heard from friends and seen online, but I’ve never had any doubt that my coaches at CFN have my best interests at heart and are looking out for me to ensure I’m performing safely in every workout I attend.
What is your favorite CFN memory?
I can’t say I have any individual memory that sticks out in my mind, but my favorite part of any workout at CFN is the moment right after finishing a WOD. It’s the best kind of exhaustion, knowing I can go about the remainder of my day knowing I’ve done my best to better myself that day.
What is your favorite type of workout?
I’m definitely a big EMOM fan because I appreciate (usually) having short built-in rests, combined with knowing exactly when I’ll be done with the WOD.
What would you tell someone that is considering to join a CrossFit gym?
The worst thing you could do is not give it a shot! The workouts are great, the people are even better, and the results are priceless!