Brian Slawter
Hometown: Chadds Ford PA
Age: 41
Occupation: Postmaster, Unionville PA
When did you first start training at CFKSQ? Jan 2018
Favorite WOD: Usually AMRAP’s or anything with rowing
Least Favorite WOD: Anything with Box Jumps and Handstands!
Tell us about your sports & fitness background: I didn’t play sports much growing up. I was a super nerdy kid. I had asthma, played video games and collected comic books. I started lifting weights at 18 and worked at a local gym during my 20’s. I was the typical gym rat: back and biceps on Mon/Wed, chest and triceps on Tue/Wed, skip leg day on Thurs and do some 100lb dumbbell shrugs instead. I never practiced any of the Olympic lifting that we do at CrossFit.
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 been interested in trying CrossFit for a while. I had not been able to find a fitness routine that could hold my interest for more than 3 months. I had been going to a gym but working out on the machines bored me. I decided it was time to give CrossFit a try and signed up for fundamentals. The first few months at CFKSQ was a humbling experience. As I had always worked out in some regard, I assumed I was in relatively good shape. I realized I was wrong when I was not even able to finish my first mini WOD with Lauren at fundamentals. My first full WOD was “Gas Can” which got me hooked. I was blinded by sweat, exhausted and nauseous, but proud of having pushed myself farther than I thought I could go.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)? Gaining muscle was probably the first thing I noticed. I had not concentrated on strength training in years so seeing some size and definition return to my arms and shoulders was encouraging. I was close to starting blood pressure medication when I started and now my blood pressure is fine. My mobility has greatly improved. I recently completed the Nutrition Program with Jared which taught me how to properly fuel my body for peak performance. Now that I am combining proper diet with my workouts, which is really what CrossFit is all about, I feel that I am taking my fitness to a new level.
What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? I would say the community aspect of CFKSQ was unexpected. I’ve met so many great people and have developed new friendships with people I likely would never have met. Everyone from the coaches to the members are so positive and supportive. It really creates a great environment to push yourself to improve. I’m an introvert by nature (you’ll usually find me tucked away in the back or hiding under the rig) so CrossFit gives me the opportunity to engage with a great community.
Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFKSQ moments: My favorite time at CFKSQ is when I get to do a WOD with my wife, Barb, and oldest daughter, Katie. It makes it fun and I like seeing them pushing themselves through a tough workout with me.
Any advice for people just getting started? Be patient and be humble when you start. There are going to be things that you see everyone else doing that you won’t be able to do. Don’t get frustrated by that. Take your time, scale what you need to, spend time working on your weaknesses and you will continue to get stronger.
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? Spending time with my family, of course. I’m still super nerdy so, playing video games (there’s a lot of cool virtual reality stuff out now), watching super hero movies with my middle daughter Aly (she’s the only one who got my nerd gene) and watching my 3 daughters play sports. My oldest, Katie, is 11 and plays Field Hockey and she was a competitive gymnast until recently. My daughter Aly is 9 and plays on a travel soccer team. Our youngest, Hannah, is 6 and has developed a love for Horseback Riding. All 3 seem to be athletic which is surprising because half of their genes come from the guy who was always picked last in gym class or put out in right field.
Carolyn Connors
Hometown: Landenberg, PA
Age: 56
Occupation: Attorney, High School Basketball Coach
When did you first start training at CFKSQ? May 2017
Favorite WOD: endurance workouts or anything with rowing
Least Favorite WOD: easy…. BURPEES. Anything with burpees!
Tell us about your sports & fitness background: Growing up the youngest with three older brothers made for an active and competitive upbringing. I followed my brothers everywhere and wanted to do everything they did. I was definitely a tomboy. Our 2 v 2 basketball games in the driveway were brutal and legendary. In high school, I played field hockey, basketball and lacrosse, but basketball was always my first love. Eventually, I went on to play basketball in college.
Multiple knee surgeries over the years have slowed me down and forced me to change the way I stay active, but CrossFit has definitely enabled me to keep challenging and pushing myself physically and mentally and has ultimately allowed me to continue being in the game.
How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD… what was it, and how did it feel? My brother Scott kept telling me about CrossFit Kennett Square and how it had changed his life. He thought I would really like the workouts and the community, and when there is an opportunity to spend more time with your big brother you say, yes!
A little sip of that Kool Aid was all it took (thanks Coach Lauren). I had never done anything so challenging, and that first WOD, which was an endurance WOD, was totally humbling. I have to admit, I thought I would cruise through the workout and I barely made it through and probably counted by 5’s. At the end, I was hooked simply because it was so challenging, and I wanted to get better. By the way, every single WOD since then has been a challenge, and I am still wondering when or if they get easier.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)? Physically and emotionally, I am stronger and healthier, and slowly but surely, I am developing better eating habits and getting leaner. Some improvements have been huge (in my mind) and other improvements slight but steady…. except for burpees…pretty sure I still suck at those.
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 find a group of people (coaches and members) so encouraging, supportive and without egos. Constantly having to modify WODs was emotionally difficult for me, and I probably wouldn’t still be at CFKSQ if it wasn’t for the coaches’ understanding and encouragement. CFKSQ’s positive atmosphere and amazing vibe are truly unique, and the extra bonus is the great friends I have made!
Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFKSQ moments: Realizing I could check the Alpha box after a WOD that was just rowing (so obviously no modifications). I know, that is ridiculous.
Any advice for people just getting started? Just jump! Keep pushing forward, lean on those around you, don’t be afraid to ask questions or modify when you must, and when you are lying on the floor in a sweaty mess be proud of yourself.
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? Spending time with family and friends.
Hiking with our dogs. We sent our last son off to college, so we are trying to
figure out this empty nester thing. Coaching basketball is also a big part of
my life. I love working with the girls “my kids”. I do my best to help them navigate
their high school years and beyond, and hopefully help them develop as
basketball players but also grow into strong, responsible and caring
individuals.