April Athlete Spotlight–Jen Schwartz!

Say hello to our April CFD Athlete Spotlight–Jen Schwartz!

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

I have been a member at CFD for approximately 2 years now. I knew about CrossFit for over a year and half prior to starting, but was always too intimated, too self-conscious and had a wide array of "excuses" or reasons I "shouldn't" or "couldn't" do CrossFit. Finally, after a year and half of contemplating, one summer while back for summer break from college, I forced myself to step out of my comfort zone and start up with Foundations.

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

Strength. Mental strength. Self confidence. Who I am mentally now and 2 years ago are two different people. I still have lots of room to grow and make improvement, but even walking into the box was a struggle, knowing there would be things I would fail at was not easy. Becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable. Pushing myself mentally and physically to new levels. CrossFit has made me mentally stronger in every aspect of my daily life inside and outside of the box. The physical strength will always come, but the mental strength I've gained really can't be measured., but it is by far the biggest change. CrossFit has trained and strengthened my mind just as much as it has trained and strengthened my body.

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

Prior to CrossFit I had played tennis and snowboarded my whole life. Throughout college I took group workout classes like spin, pilates, etc. What I like most about CrossFit is the people. There really is nothing like having others believe in you, sometimes more than you believe in yourself. There is no better feeling than having others truly support you and wanting you to be the best you can. It's the people who know how grueling of a workout you are going through, pushing you to move faster, keep going and not give up on yourself. It's being able to celebrate each others victories, and watching others grow in the process. It's the relationships that are created that I like most about CrossFit.

What type(s) of workouts are your favorite?

My favorite workout depends on the day honestly. Although, I will say, there is something about finishing a workout that initially gives you a sick to your stomach feeling at the 3-2-1 GO, or finishing a workout you went RX on when you were thinking about doing scaled and realizing you are stronger, faster, better than you credit yourself for.

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

My least favorite workouts usually involve thrusters and push ups, or workouts that involve sprints on the rowers.

What are you goals going forward?

My goals going forward are endless, there is always room for improvement. Right now, it would have to be working on strict movements, such as strict pull-ups, ring dips, etc and becoming more efficient and stronger on the base movements. I would also like work on my technique in regards to Olympic lifts.

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

My advice for anyone starting out at CFD would be believe in yourself. You are capable of more than you realize. We all start and come from different places, but we all strive for the same goal: to be better, and everyone wants to help each other achieve that. If you have questions, ask. Don't be afraid of failure, failure means you're trying and you're growing. Keep track of your scores, your PR's, and how you felt that day/during the workout, being able to reference these numbers and times is a true testament to your progress and is a crucial reference. Don't give up on yourself, the workouts are as challenging as you make them, the lifts can be difficult to learn, but give yourself time to learn and listen to your mind and body, nothing great ever comes easy.