September Spotlight – Austin

How long have you been a member at CFD?

I’ve been a member since November 2018.

What did you do for fitness prior to joining CFD?

I was doing my own thing at another gym locally by myself for about two years. I had a very routine workout that I did consistently for months at a time before switching to another 8-12 week workout plan that I would find on online forums which felt very repetitive. I have a friend who is a CrossFit coach out-of-town help out with programming weekly for a few months and eventually it felt repetitive as well.

What made you want to get started?

After telling my coaching friend how I felt working out solo at the gym and my fitness goals, he kept telling me, “You have to try CrossFit. It’s a three-month commitment minimum. If you don’t like it at the end, you can at least say you tried it.

What changes have you seen in yourself since you started?

I’ve gotten surprisingly stronger! Like much stronger than I ever think I am. I knew that CrossFit would help get me in a better place in terms of fitness but I’ve managed to accomplish a lot of personal fitness and strength goals in the last few months that I would’ve never expected to reach in my time here so far.

What do you like most about CrossFit?

The consistency and the discordance. The consistency that the programming is designed to make you stronger not only in the spots you’re already strong in but also the spots you struggle. The discordance of the workouts makes it both enjoyable and fearful. I love lifting heavy weights and I absolutely hate cardio. As much as I’d love to skip the days with large amounts of cardio, I make it a point to go and try to focus on the spots I’m weak in both physically and mentally.

What type(s) of workouts are your favorite?

Anything focusing on strength components. I love to compare how I had done previously and try and beat my own PRs.

What is your go-to junk food?

I wouldn’t call it junk food, but anyone who knows me knows it’s a large chicken carbonara on Rosemary Parmesan bread with no mushrooms and extra sauce from Quiznos.

What are your goals going forward?

I’ve hit a lot of goals in the last two months that I never thought I would’ve hit previously since I joined and that’s only made me hungry to set new goals and continue to get better. As slow going as it’s going to be, I also want to focus on eating healthier; as someone who’s rarely eaten vegetables their entire life, it’s been a struggle to introduce it into my diet. Lastly, I would like to compete in a local/regional competition sometime after my one year anniversary.

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

The workouts can and will be intimidating, frightening, grueling, and downright morale-breaking. But when you hit a new PR on a movement, or finish that last round of five, or collapse to the ground after a 20-minute AMRAP, you will feel relieved and accomplished. The coaches do an amazing job helping you understand the movements; the members make it effortless to become entangled in the community and events; the community is extremely supportive and feels like another family. Never be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help as others have been in your shoes before. Focus on your own growth, both physically and mentally. Most importantly – have fun!

Not a member? Sign up today!  The next Intro class takes place on September 7th at 10:00. RSVP to the free Intro Class or e-mail us today to set up an appointment!