Lisa
Hometown: Valley Stream, NY (originally)
Age: 46
Occupation: Pediatric Physical Therapist
When did you first start training at CFKSQ? July 2017
Favorite WOD: “Trevor”- I love the team work and comradary in this workout & the reason behind Hero WODs.
Least Favorite WOD: Anything with the bike :/
Tell us about your sports & fitness background: I’ve always been interested in exercise. I played rec Volleyball in College & after. Throughout my adult life, I have always belonged to a gym and have enjoyed taking group fitness classes. I became certified to teach Hula Hoop Fitness in March of 2013 and taught Hoop Fitness and Hoop Dance to adults and children for years. I love bringing fitness & fun through movement and laughter to people of all ages.
How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD… what was it, and how did it feel? I had heard about CrossFit, but was always fearful & never saw myself as someone that was strong enough or fit enough to try. Talking to Leigh at a school function allayed my fears and opened up the door for me to give CrossFit a try. I remember my first class, have no idea what the workout was, but do remember Everett, Leigh and the whole class being so supportive and encouraging. I remember being surprised that every workout could be “adapted” to become achievable for anybody, even someone like me. I’ll never forget all of the fist bumps and words of encouragement after EVERY class by EVERYONE in class…even the ones who stereo-typically would not pay you any mind in any other gym. The sense of community, caring and support was very powerful.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)? I have a history of back problems, but since starting CrossFit I truly believe that my back is stronger and I have not had anywhere near the level of pain and problems with it that I have in the past. I’ve learned I can lift heavier things than I thought possible, I can do more than 1 real push up & I can climb a rope now! I have learned about nutrition and the fuel my body needs to make changes. I have learned and am still learning that you can do anything if you put your mind to it…my favorite CF shirt is the “It’s just you against you”- It was so difficult for me to not compare myself to others, but I’m continuously learning to be proud of myself for what I have achieved and how far I’ve come. I work each day to get out of my head and put myself out there. Showing up each day & completing the WOD can sometime be the greatest challenge, but the reward always outweighs any excuse I can come up with in my head. 🙂
What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? I believe I have more confidence than I did before starting CrossFit. I have more energy and am more motivated to do my best in all areas of my life.
I am so much happier when I show up and get it done. I ALWAYS feel better walking out of that building than I do when I walk in. I also love encouraging my friends to try and seeing how amazed they are at their own abilities.
Most recently during this COVID-19 pandemic, I continue to see an unbreakable sense of community and support in CrossFit Kennett Square…the coaches & members have been amazing. I have found that no matter how bad my day is….with the help of a kind/motivating word from Sharon, my virtual coach, I can compete the WOD & always feel so much better.
Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFKSQ moments: From Everett’s words of wisdom at 6 AM to Lauren’s smiling words of encouragement at 6:30 PM…..there are so many moments that include laughing & sweating with friends (new & old). I so appreciate all of the coaches who take the time to help me scale a workout while appropriately challenging me to try something I would not typically try on my own. I love how the coaches really take their time to get to know you and are able to help you identify the best challenge for you.
Any advice for people just getting started? DO IT & Never give up…even if you miss and you fall off the wagon…get back on & try again…. This community will bring you back with open arms (and heavy weights) 😉
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?
I love music (all kinds), concerts, cooking, baking, hiking, camping, reading, watersports, skiing and enjoying life with my boys. The beach is my happy place-I grew up near the ocean & love to go during any season. I love spreading happiness and helping others see the positive in life.
Lars
Hometown: KSQ for the past 20 years
Age: 51
Occupation: IT Consultant
When did you first start training at CFKSQ? April 2017
Favorite WOD: Rickey (pull-up, push-up, sit-up)
Least Favorite WOD: Running. Before CrossFit I could probably count on one hand the number of times I’d run a mile in my entire life. Not my favorite thing. That and thrusters.
Tell us about your sports & fitness background: Very little to none. No sports in school or college, but lots of biking to and from school every day for many years. Also the occasional downhill and cross-country skiing during winter holidays.
How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD… what was it, and how did it feel? I was talking to my neighbor Rob Brand
who told me how much he enjoyed CrossFit and when I realized CFKSQ is only
about a mile from my house, I had to give it a shot.
Don’t remember the first WOD, but I do remember the coach in an early workout saying that the sit-ups (some huge number) is the recovery period. That was the most untrue statement I’d heard in a long while. Believe it or not though, three years in, it turns out it is actually true.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)? My weight hasn’t changed hardly at all, but I’m a lot stronger and I do have several muscles that are more prominent now.
What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? I’m surprised how much I enjoy taking an hour every day to go work out. I usually go to some length to make the daily schedule work so that I can head over to CFKSQ.
Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFKSQ moments: The way Mike Haggarty and the CFKSQ staff has handled the quarantine situation is pretty awesome.
Any advice for people just getting started? Schedule your workouts regularly. Pick a few days a week, or every weekday, and stick with it no matter what the WOD is. Do look up the WOD the night before, but don’t let it be the deciding factor to go or not.
Oh and don’t forget to check out Jenn’s core class. It burns but it’s good.
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?We travel a lot, Disney and other
places.