What brought you to CrossFit Renaissance?
“I don’t exactly remember the conversation I had with Carrot (Lauren Carotenuto), but I mentioned to her that CrossFit was something that I had been interested in trying for over a year and I was way too intimidated to give it a shot. I had tried about every type of exercise class out there up until this point and I honestly didn’t enjoy any of them. Plus, I hated working out alone. It took her less than 5 seconds to convince me to go to a one-on-one class with her and Bill to see what it was all about.”
What was your first impression?
“Wow, this place is huge! I was super nervous and really didn’t know what to expect. Being a Physical Therapist, I had learned all of the lifting movements in school, but that didn’t mean I had ever attempted them before. I remember hoping that I wouldn’t make a fool of myself and that I could lift the bar without any weight!”
Has that changed?
“Yes, it definitely has! I look forward to doing all the different and challenging workouts and attempting the same ones again to see if I get a PR (Personal Record). Plus, I actually CAN lift the bar without weight on it!”
What are you currently working on?
“EVERYTHING! I’m continuously focusing on my form with all the movements and making sure I’m using proper body mechanics.”
What is the toughest part of CrossFit for you?
“Definitely overthinking the steps for a lift. I find the more I think about it, the more it falls apart. If I just let it happen, I find that things go a lot smoother and it seems easier. Also, I tend to freak myself out about the number on the bar and if I perceive it as being too heavy, I tend to not get the lift.”
What is your favorite memory at CrossFit Renaissance?
“I think there are too many to pick just one. Personally, I love the wacky partner WODs (workouts) on the streets of Port Richmond where people driving by literally stop in their tracks and stare in disbelief.”
How long have you been doing CrossFit?
“I started CrossFit at CFR in October of 2015.”
What kind of results have you seen, both physically and mentally?
“Physically, I can’t believe how much stronger I have become. I remember being so weak prior to CFR that I couldn’t overhead press 10 pound dumbbells or do unweighted squats or walking lunges, without some serious DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) the next day. Mentally, I am more confident on a day-to-day basis in my abilities to guard and assist my patients with transfers, ambulation, and stair climbing. Also, I have noticed that I am more willing to try something new and challenging, since every class I have taken has challenged me on some sort of crazy level!”