Nancy Costanzo
Hometown: Willingboro, NJ (currently KSQ)
Age: 54
Occupation: Corporate Travel Consultant
When did you first start training at CFKSQ? November, 2016
Favorite WOD: Any AMRAP or EMOM involving “all the things!” – I do enjoy “for time” workouts, but really enjoy timed workouts the most.
Least Favorite WOD: I struggle with the calorie assault bike, but am determined to get better with that so for now any WOD involving the bike makes me anxious.
Tell us about your sports & fitness background: Before CrossFit I’d run, walk or use the treadmill, but other than that I didn’t enjoy any form of exercise on a regular basis. I tried swimming, the weight-room or classes at the Y (I worked there for four years), and just didn’t like anything – even yoga.
How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD… what was it, and how did it feel? After losing a good 20 pounds in 2016 I was ready to move more, and went to talk to Everett about trying CrossFit again. After my intro sessions with Laurie, my first WOD was on 12/19/16 with Jared: Sleigh Ride. Honest to God, I don’t remember it, but I do remember learning what “Fran Burn” is during my intro! And I remember exactly how I felt when I tried to go to my first class alone: terrified. I found a workout partner and friend in Karen Conlin and that made ALL the difference in the world.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)? My overall outlook has improved tremendously. I feel healthier emotionally as well as physically, more confident, stronger, and am more tone than I thought I could be (it’s fun to watch muscles appear!). I am encouraged more and more every day to keep going back. In fact, my day is just not right or as good if I don’t get in my morning workout.
What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? I never expected to enjoy this sport as much as I do. Kelly said that 3-4 times a week is optimal, but I never thought I’d make it more than twice. I’m now averaging 5 days a week! I also never expected to make so many friends. I am thrilled with the relationships that I’ve established since joining.
Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFKSQ moments: Individually, finally “getting” the overhead squat and snatch were fun moments when the feel of the correct movement for each finally sunk in! Participating in the Open was a whole new experience for me! And also making those friendships that I mentioned. As part of this community, it’s always special to watch someone get that first pull up, or box jump, or a PR.
Any advice for people just getting started? I enjoy meeting new members, and assuring them that they made a great decision to come in. I let them know that they found a terrific place to get fit, have fun, and make friends.
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? Outside of work, and working out, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, and our animals – a dog and two cats. I love being in our new home, but I also love to travel when I get a chance to do so since it’s what I do for a living, and I get lots of opportunities. I also enjoy collecting Wyeth art (prints).
Jason Daliessio
Hometown: Parkesburg, Pa
Age: 44
Occupation: Geologist
When did you first start training at CFKSQ? Winter 2018
Favorite WOD: Murph
Least Favorite WOD: They are all good!
Tell us about your sports & fitness background: I have always been involved with playing sports/fitness – it has always been an important part of my life.
How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? I didn’t know anything about CF when I walked-in the door and met Everett. I was coming off an injury that ended my 10-year jiu-jitsu training and wanted a new challenge.
Take us back to your first WOD… what was it, and how did it feel? Pain and Confusion – Big Thanks to Lauren Byrd for teaching me the fundamentals. I know she had a good laugh at some of my initial performances. I will always remember seeing the class doing OH squats and thinking “I will never be able to do that”!
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)? I thought that I had decent muscle strength before CF- boy was I wrong. The Olympic lifts have been challenging and rewarding! Also, my range of motion has really increased.
What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? Morning workouts – I was never into them before CF. I usually an afternoon guy, but I enjoy my morning workouts when I can get them in.
Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFKSQ moments: I really enjoy the in-house competitions. I love the opportunity to compete with myself and others – it really drives me to push harder!
Any advice for people just getting started? Don’t let the intimidation factor scare you away. Trust me – everyone is concentrating on surviving their own work-out, they are not watching you.
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? I am blessed to be a father of two children, Stella (9yo) and Carter (7yo). I spend most of my time watching them develop their ice hockey and gymnastics skills.