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CrossFit Renaissance Working out

Victoria Vassallo

“I began one-on-one training with Bill at the end of February 2015. I remember calling with no intention of signing up for anything, but after hearing what CFR had to offer, I found myself with 10 personal training sessions that began the very next day. I hadn’t prepared myself, hadn’t done my research on CrossFit, had absolutely no idea what I was getting into. But I sucked it up, pulled out my sneakers and workout gear and headed to the gym. It took some time to get used to doing an intense workout and having someone at my side the entire time, but it didn’t take very long. I found that I work best and I perform my best when I have someone there motivating me and telling me that I can finish. Everyone at CFR has been incredibly welcoming and supportive, and while I may not be a part of the group classes, I definitely feel a part of the CFR family!”

1. What brought you to CrossFit Renaissance?
“I decided to do CrossFit after seeing the success of my two close friends, Ed and Crystal, who have been members at CFR for a few years. It took a while for me to follow in their footsteps, but they have always inspired me to lose weight, become active, and to just be healthy. I have always struggled with my weight and I have a lot of health issues that run in my family. I decided it was time to make a change and to do something to prevent having those health issues myself. Having been a member of Planet Fitness and essentially wasting my money for years, I knew it was time to join CFR and finally lose weight, become active and be healthy.”

2. What was your first impression?
“My first impression was intimidation. I walked into the gym for my first session, saw no machines, ropes hanging from the ceiling, and a lot of weights, and felt like I was in gym class back in high school. It took everything I had to stay for that session. I remember the first workout which involved maybe 40 air squats and being in so much pain the next day. I almost didn’t go back.”

3. Has that changed?
“Yes and no, to be honest. There are days where my workout is insane and I feel like giving up and then there are other days where I think to myself “That’s it??” I’m still a little bit intimidated by some of the movements, but I always, ALWAYS, finish my workouts no matter what.”

4. What are you currently working on?
“I’m training for my very first Half Marathon!”

5. What is the toughest part of CrossFit for you?
“The toughest part for me is not overthinking a movement. This happens to me entirely too often and I really hope that it is something that I can overcome. I also have a hard time getting through workouts that involve Kettlebells because they are absolutely my least favorite thing in CrossFit.”

6. What is your favorite memory at CrossFit Renaissance?
“I have two favorite memories. The first would have to be when I finally crushed the backsquat, I think at only 30 lbs or so, not too long after I began training. It may not seem like much, but it was a huge turning point for me mentally. The second would be when I challenged Bill to a one-mile tire flip at one of the BBQ’s during the summer (tequila may or may not have been involved) and showing up to my next session after that weekend and having to flip the tire…by myself…for 400 meters. And doing so in under 30 minutes too! Flipping tires is now my absolute favorite thing to do. I also have fond memories of walking face-first into a barbell and smashing my nose doing a Clean and Press. The barbells and I have become very close. HA!”

7. How long have you been doing CrossFit?
“I began CrossFit back in February 2015 and I don’t think I’ll be stopping anytime soon, whether that’s continuing with one-on-one training or taking the plunge and joining the group classes.

8. What kind of results have you seen? Both physical and mental.
“As far as physical results go, I have lost 31 pounds and several inches off of my waist, hips and thighs. I am able to deadlift 190 lbs, backsquat more than I ever thought I could, and I can now run 11 miles without stopping. I am amazed every day at what I am able to do, and what I have accomplished over the past 10 months at CFR.
As far as mental results go, I have gained an insane amount of confidence. A few weeks ago I was asked to speak in front of the group of women that attended CFR’s Wine and WOD event. I never in a million years thought I would be able to stand in front of all of those people and speak without shaking. But I did it! Now, any chance I can get to speak about my successes with CrossFit and any chance to inspire someone is something I look forward to. I’ve also noticed that it’s easy for me to talk to people I have just met. I have always been a shy person, but doing CrossFit has made me comfortable in my own skin, and I am now able to do things I never thought I could do. I feel like I can conquer the world!”

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