November Spotlight–Coach Kayla

We wanted to take a different spin this month on the Athlete Spotlight and give it up to one of our own coaches.  As with all of our coaches, we wanted to groom our staff from within, and Coach Kayla is a great example of someone who came here originally as an intern, stayed as a member of our classes and community, and eventually showed interest in wanting to coach.  She was always willing to put forth effort and learn new skills, and I must say her progress and development as an athlete and a coach here at CFD has been pretty remarkable.  She is a great example of someone who is willing to put forth the effort and work her way up, which is why she is very deserving of the November Athlete Spotlight!

1. How long have you been a member at CFD, and what made you want to get started?

I have been a CFD member since May of 2015, when I started as an intern while going to school at the University of Dubuque. I met April Elsbernd at UD and quickly we became friends. She told me about how great CFD was and that I should join.

2. What changes have you seen in yourself since your very first day?

My body composition has definitely changed—I have gained muscle and lost some fat, but more importantly I have a new appreciation for what my body is capable of. When I started CrossFit, I wasn’t able to do a pull-up. Now I do them in the workouts and I love them. Also, public speaking wasn’t my strong suit, but coaching (sometimes classes of 26 lol) can make you get over that. The support from the athletes has been greatly appreciated as well :).

3. What did you do for fitness prior to CFD, and what do you like most about CrossFit?

I did a lot of P90X, Insanity, etc., but as I learned more about CrossFit, I felt like I needed a change. Of course I was getting bored with the same routine, and CrossFit was so appealing because it’s known for it’s constantly varied workouts. My favorite thing about CrossFit is probably the weightlifting. It’s awesome to PR of course, but also that feeling when a lift finally clicks in your mind. That’s pretty great.

4. What type(s) of workouts are your favorite?

My favorite workouts are anything with strongman stuff like farmer’s carriers and waiter’s walks. I enjoy having a barbell in the workout, whether it’s deadlifting, shoulder-to-overhead, etc. I like chippers because they are like a checklist of movements/lifts and you just work through it. And I’m just going to say it…I don’t mind burpees that much lol.

5. What type(s) of workouts do you least like to see come up?

Anything with thrusters or wall balls. Wall balls just light my ass up so I can’t even walk the next day. Also, the AirDyne bike is the actual devil.

6. What are you goals going forward?

My goal is to get to the 300 Club for deadlifts. I also want to get a muscle up and do some handstand pushups. And 4 Miller Lite bottles.

7. What advice do you have for someone just starting out at CFD?

My advice would be to show up with the willingness to learn. I understand starting CrossFit is outside of a lot of people’s comfort zone—it was for me too!—but I guarantee whether you love it and stay, or don’t love it and leave, you will take something away from it. Give it a fair shot! I have learned so much here and I have made so many friendships. I will be forever grateful for the experience :).

Not a member? Sign up for an Intro Class today!  The next Intro class takes place on 04NOV at 1000, and Foundations starts the next week (07NOV).
RSVP to the intro class here!