What brought you to Derby City CrossFit?
I had been posting about my P90X workouts on Facebook and a friend said her brother did a workout I may be interested in called CrossFit. The first time I walked in DCCF I was nervous and excited. I didn’t do any beginner classes, just jumped right in with Slater and started doing his workouts. He never babied me, he’d even correct my form with his foot, sometimes almost knocking me over. I thought he was insane, I knew I would fit in perfectly!
How long have you been a member?
I think I have been a member since July 2010
Did you play any sports in high school or college?
No sports, I was chubby and uncoordinated.
Since joining, what changes have you seen in your life?
I’m stronger physically, I look better naked and I always say I feel 17. I have found a second home at DCCF. I love the building and the people. If I am happy, sad, angry or heartbroken I immediately want to go to the gym. One thing that makes this place more than a gym is if I don’t show up, I get a text or phone call. That would never happen at a globo gym. Even when I lost my job, Shark called to make sure I didn’t lose my membership. These people truly care. DCCF has helped me to be more confident. I have heard many times that my thighs are too big, I have man shoulders and any man would walk away from me if they saw my calloused hands or banged up shins. Each time I hear this it makes me smile and I feel a sense of pride. These are all signs of my hard work and everyone at DCCF understands.
What are your proudest accomplishments in CrossFit?
I always remember the first time I did Grace, afterwards a girl came up to me and said, “That was so inspirational, you should be on SportsCenter tonight!” I was so proud of myself, I love that feeling.
What was your first CrossFit workout?
My first “official WOD” was Fight Gone Bad. When I was finished I wanted to go around and punch everyone in the face and hug them, all at the same time. I still usually feel that way post WOD.
What areas are you working to improve?
I just finished an 8 week nutrition program with Waylon and that has improved my performance dramatically. Next, I want to get stronger and improve all of my lifts, mainly working on technique. Also, I have to get past my fear. Prior to DCCF I injured my back so severely I had to relearn how to put my pants on after doing it my “handicapped way” for 5 months. If I feel the slightest pain in my back I am paralyzed with fear. I need to learn how to put that fear out of my head so I can move forward. I truly believe I would be a beast if I wasn’t such a scaredy cat.
What do you look forward to in the future with CrossFit?
Muscle ups, dammit if I could get those down pat I would be thrilled. Also, I need to compete in something!
What advice would you give to someone who is hesitant about starting CrossFit or Paleo or both?
If you hate working out and you hate eating healthy, DCCF and Paleo are perfect for you. Trust me on this. The workouts don’t seem like workouts, they are actually fun and they make you feel fantastic. Paleo isn’t so bad either. You will get to a point where the crappy food tastes like crap and the healthy food is what you crave. Except for doughnuts, they will always be the most fantastic thing to eat, but you will learn to love those in moderation as well. My advice to anyone willing to listen is this, follow Slater’s lead when it comes to working out. He’ll guide you in the right direction when it comes to determining what programming is best suited for you based on your skills and goals. When your muscles are sore and you want to treat yourself to pure bliss, contact Jamie Gerhard, you will want her to be your bff I promise. If you experience any aches and pains go to Calvin Spears, he will fix you up for sure. Other than that, I will tell you the same thing I tell everybody, make excuses or make it happen. If there was ever a moment to do something that matters to you, that moment is now!
If you could have a theme song playing when you workout, what would it be?
Riot by Three Days Grace
Also, when I die, or whenever anyone with CF authority can make it happen, I would like a WOD named “Misty”. It should consist of overhead squats, weighted lunges and skin the cats (just because I like the name). Riot must be played first followed by insanely angry music.