1. What brought you to CrossFit Renaissance?
“My closest friend, Mary Ann Tobin, had joined several months before I did. She raved about how much better she felt by getting involved with CrossFit Renaissance and I noticed physical changes in her, as well. I thought: If she can do it, so can I!”
2. What was your first impression?
“My first impression was a revelation of how out of condition I was. I mean, I couldn’t do more than a few push-ups, jumps, etc. But, because of the encouragement of the coaches and the members, I was determined to change; to build up my stamina, hoist the kettlebells, etc.”
3. Has that changed?
“Oh, yes! Within a few months, I saw great improvement. I remember telling Bill that my first priority was getting in better condition. Even though I still need to lose some weight, I wanted to concentrate on being able to perform the various movements and achieve proficiency in doing them.”
4. What are you currently working on?
“I’m at the point now where I want to lose some of my extra weight. I’ve seen some radical changes in some of the members who have set that goal and that has inspired me to finally make that a goal for myself.”
5. What is the toughest part of CrossFit for you?
“I’ve always been competitive, so I want to do everything the younger members are doing! Then I remind myself that I’m not 30 anymore and change my mindset to compete with myself – trying to improve my technique and number of reps/rounds instead of trying to do what the “kids” are doing.”
6. What is your favorite memory at CrossFit Renaissance?
“One of my favorite memories is not actually associated with a movement or amount of weight lifted. Early on in one of the classes, we did some lifts and after completing the number prescribed, I started to pack up and leave. Bill called from across the gym to ask where I was going – there was still more to be done as far as the conditioning part of the class! We all laughed and I dropped my bag and joined the rest of the class to finish the workout. Of course, I have great memories of being able to lift more than I thought I ever could and doing more reps too, but cutting out of that early class sticks in my mind as one of the many fun moments at the gym.”
7. How long have you been doing CrossFit?
“Well, I started with one-on-one training with Bill to learn the movements of CrossFit, and that was at the end of August 2013. Then I started with regular classes in the middle of September that year.”
8. What kind of results have you seen, both physically and mentally?
“I’m one of the ‘Senior Warriors’ at CrossFit Renaissance. There are some movements that my body just doesn’t want to do! Having said that, I can truly say that the movements, lifts, etc., have helped me to improve in other areas of my life: walking, getting up out of a chair, are easier because of CrossFit.
I’m stronger than I have ever been! As an example, I needed to purchase some ice melt this fall and found that I could lift the 50 pound bag into the cart, get it from the cart to my car and then from the car into the house by myself. It was very satisfying when one of the guys from Home Depot offered to lift the bag into the car and I said ‘I’ve got it’! Also, I have more confidence in other areas of my life. I believe that is a result of seeing improvements in the movements, lifts, etc., that I have achieved at CrossFit.”