Posts Tagged by athlete profile
TUES 08.28.12 Athlete Profile: KERRY M.
| August 28, 2012 | Posted by LisSaunders under Uncategorized |
Kerry and Anna rocking some cleans. Athlete Profile: Kerry M.Hometown: LaGrange, GA Age: 40 Occupation: Regions Private Wealth Management When did you start CrossFit?: I started CrossFit about 4 years ago with an instructor for 3 months and then thought I would try just using Crossfit.com to get my WODs and instruction. BIG MISTAKE. Finally, after lackluster results and poor form that nearly shredded my shoulder, I was just about ready to quit. Then, I moved to Atlanta and a few weeks later CrossFit Midtown opened up only a block away. I joined in June and have loved it! Favorite WOD: Call me crazy but I like WODs with pull ups. Least Favorite WOD: Any AMRAP. Three words to describe you: God, Family, Work Tell us about your sports & fitness background: I played varsity tennis, wrestling, soccer and football in high-school. Even managed to be selected for GA All-State Football in 1994. After that high point, I went to college and basically stopped doing anything that closely resembled exercise. About 10 years ago I reached a peak of slothfulness and finally decided to get moving. I enjoyed spinning and exercise classes until I heard about 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 went in on a Saturday and the WOD was “Fight Gone Bad”. I gave it my all, was beat by most of the girls and still nearly croaked. No really. Turns out I had “rhabdomyolysis”, which is where muscle fibers are damaged and released into the bloodstream, often causing kidney damage. Seems that it’s often seen in 30+ year old guys who think they’re still 18. I haven’t done Fight Gone Bad since! What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF? I can carry my 9 and 6 year old kids around the house while dodging our barking dog. What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? I have more confidence in all aspects of life and have met some really great, interesting people. Any advice for people just getting started? You will second guess your decision to start CrossFitting for the first few weeks. Don’t give up! Follow your instructor’s guidance. Push yourself every day and you will soon be missing the days you can’t make it into CFM! What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? Living my life for Jesus Christ and spending as much quality time as possible with my wife and kids. I also enjoy bird hunting and scuba diving. What did you eat today? Well, I thought about eating 3 cookies but I only ate one. That counts as progress–right, Lis?! Do you follow the paleo or primal lifestyle? What is your nutrition philosophy? No. I might try it one day but for now I eat healthy “family” meals with lots of chicken, fish, veggies, nuts…and cookies. Labor Day WeekendCFM is open for Labor Day… please check out the following schedule updates: Saturday, September 1 – regular scheduled classes at 10 & 11 am Sunday, September 2 – Hooverball at 10 am, Piedmont Park sand volleyball courts Monday, September 3 – regular classes cancelled. Join Jeremy for open gym from 10am-12noon. Workout of the DayA. 10 minutes to a heavy power clean single B. Deadlift: 3 sets of 15, 2 min rest C. Three rounds: 8 Kettlebell Single Leg Deadlift R, 30 sec rest 8 Kettlebell Single Leg Deadlift L, 30 sec rest 8 Glute-Ham Raises, 30 sec rest
TUES 07.17.12 – Athlete Profile: AUSTIN COHEN
| July 17, 2012 | Posted by LisSaunders under Uncategorized |
Austin and Shira, pictured in the center, married earlier this year and just returned from their long-awaited honeymoon. Athlete Profile – Dr. Austin Cohen Hometown: Charleston, SC Age: 30 Occupation: Chiropractor When did you first start CrossFitting?: 2010…But really feel like I took it more seriously last year Favorite WOD: Anything bodyweight Least Favorite WOD: OH Squats, Muscle Ups, Rowing, and OH squats (again) Three words to describe you: Passionate, Very Competitive Tell us about your sports & fitness background: Been a runner my whole life doing marathons and triathlons. How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD… what was it, and how did it feel? I thought I would never have to relive this experience….I did Helen and only had to do 2 rounds of it because I could barely do a pull-up. I was so sore that I waited 2 weeks to join because I could barely move. What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)? Before – Manorexic from all my endurance training. Now – Being 2.5 years into crossfit and paleo I am noticing some serious gains in muscle mass and tone. I am 3 pounds away from ideal body weight and probably on 1-2% away from ideal body fat. Crossfit has made a huge impact on my life. What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? I remember when I first started there were so many movements I NEVER thought I could get such as: double unders, pull-ups, RX weight, muscle ups, etc. Now 2.5 years into it I am doing these very well and hitting record times and loads on all my workouts. Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFM moments: I love seeing people follow their passion and dreams so just witnessing Lis and how happy she is very inspiring. Any advice for people just getting started? STICK TO IT and the only person to compare yourself to is YOU. When I first started I would get frustrated because all these guys would dominate workouts and I could not do everything RX or had to use bands for pull-ups. I almost quit because I felt like I was not improving. Lis was a big part of me sticking to Crossfit but I am so happy I did as I feel I am in the best shape of my life and love whipping up on these 20-year olds. What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? My life pretty much revolves around the lifestyle such as doing yoga, chiropractic, massages, finding new healthy restaurants, and hanging with the wife. What did you eat today? Deviled avocado eggs, chicken sausage, and cashews. Do you follow the paleo or primal lifestyle? What is your nutrition philosophy? Paleo. Philosophy is eat the way we ware genetically designed to eat and you are setting yourself up for success. Workout of the Day1. Strict Press 3×5 2. 5 rounds NOT FOR TIME: 1 resisted run 10 atomic sit ups* *For atomic sit ups, demonstrated in the video below, select a bumper plate that will challenge you for a set of 10. Start laying down with the plate behind/over your head at the bottom of a sit up. As you sit up, swing the plate between your feet, using the plate for momentum to propel you on to your feet to standing position. Then press the plate overhead to full extension before returning to the floor to starting position.
FRANDAY THE 13TH! Athlete Profile – Crystal Kadakia
| July 13, 2012 | Posted by LisSaunders under Uncategorized |
Crystal building those pipes. She’s developing great arm muscles since starting CrossFit! Athlete Profile – Crystal Kadakia Hometown: Austin, TX Age: 25 Occupation: Career Indulgence Coaching Company Owner, Training Manager at Procter and Gamble When did you first start CrossFitting?: April 2012 Favorite WOD/Least Favorite WOD: don’t know yet Three words to describe you: Driven, Straightforward, Always Growing Tell us about your sports & fitness background: I’ve always done fitness things that are more fun than fitness – indoor rock climbing, shooting around a basketball, canoeing/kayaking, hiking, salsa dancing. This is the first time I’m making a regular commitment to working out. How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD… what was it, and how did it feel? I contact Lis, on recommendation by my chiropractor, Dr. Cohen, as someone who could help me get back my strength and understood past medical issues. I’ve had a lot of wrist pain and fatigue – Lis was my personal trainer for the first 2 months and now I have switched to the group classes. My first WOD I can’t quite recall it, but I remember feeling like it was easy in the moment, but later I was definitely sore! That’s when I knew I’d found a good workout. What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)? My arms actually have muscle on them! My calves have grown as well. The other great benefit is that I feel like I have more energy and I’m more conscious about what I eat. What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? Liking the people I work out with – I didn’t realize what a community experience CrossFit is. Additionally, the nutrition advice I’ve gotten is really great and tailored to what I specifically need. Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFM moments: Doing The Wobble at the CFM grand opening party. That was great. Any advice for people just getting started? Don’t be afraid to say you need to modify a workout. Everyone at CrossFit is focused on getting what they need for themselves – you don’t have to compete with others and you can grow at your own pace. What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? Lots – entrepreneurship, coaching, learning new skills, reading, writing, all the stuff I had mentioned earlier in terms of the outdoors, billiards, music. HOOVERBALL is a GO for Sunday! Although Hooverb-All-Stars Lis, Carlos and Fred will all be in LA at the CrossFit Games, SUNDAY HOOVERBALL MUST GO ON! Our beloved Ninjon has stepped in as captain for the week. He’ll be there ready to play on Sunday at 10 am. Meet him at the Piedmont Park sand volleyball courts. Be there! Workout of the Day In honor of this weekend’s CrossFit Games AND our Fran Challenge, we’re doing a workout from this year’s CrossFit Open competition… Good luck! Open WOD 12.5 – 7 min AMRAP thruster/chest to bar pull up ladder Complete as many reps as possible in 7 minutes following the rep scheme below: 3 Thrusters 95/65 3 Chest-to-bar Pull ups 6 Thrusters 95/65 6 Chest-to-bar Pull ups 9 Thrusters 95/65 9 Chest-to-bar Pull ups 12 Thrusters 95/65 12 Chest-to-bar Pull ups 15 Thrusters 95/65 15 Chest-to-bar Pull ups 18 Thrusters 95/65 18 Chest-to-bar Pull ups 21 Thrusters 95/65 21 Chest to bar Pull-ups… This is a timed workout. If you complete the round of 21, go on to 24. If you complete 24, go on to 27, etc
TUES 7.10.12 Athlete Profile – JOHN DYER
| July 10, 2012 | Posted by LisSaunders under Uncategorized |
That’s Dyer in the front, right. Also pictured, James, Other Dan, Cochard, Steve and Lis. We were the fittest athletes at the event, by far… well, other than the Olympic swimmer, the paddle-boarders and the archery specialists. Athlete Profile – John Dyer AKA DYER Hometown: Fairfax, Virginia a/k/a Leadersville, USA Age:36 Occupation:Skull cracker When did you first start CrossFitting?: January 2011 Favorite WOD: Lizzie, Grace, Chippers with 20 reps or less per movement. Least Favorite WOD: Josh, Murph – anything long or that has overhead squats, burpees or a lot of running. Three words to describe you: Math whiz Tell us about your sports & fitness background: I’ll stick with stuff from this century. So, I did the isolated chest monday, back and biceps tuesday, etc stuff during law school, sort of – basically plateaued and hovered around the same amount of strength the whole time – NEVER squatted, deadlifted or did anything that would’ve actually made me stronger. Then, I picked up middle distance running (5K, 10K and couple half-marathons), you know, for the camaraderie of doing something with friends. That lasted from around 2003 to 2008 – no real results (I probably ran between 15 and 30 miles a week when I was actually training and my best 5K was only about 7 minutes better the first 5K I ran with no training at all). Another bad side effect was I got really weak – I could comfortably move my body 5 miles at a moderate pace, but I was a worthless pile of shit if I had to move anything that weighed more than 25 lbs. Then, I started doing a bootcamp/fitness camp in August 2008. That gave me a good base, but lacked real strength training. So, I was fitter and could do more, but hit a plateau on getting stronger. How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD… what was it, and how did it feel? I first got exposed to CrossFit by my cousin. He is an absolute badass in the gym and in life. I respect the shit out of the guy and I figured if CrossFit was good enough for him, it’s good enough for me. First WOD was Helen (3 rounds – 400 meter run, 21 kettlebell swings @ 53lbs, 12 pullups). I scaled to a 35 lb kettlebell and got pulled out of the WOD after 2 rounds. It felt terrible…absolute, complete exhaustion. On the plus side, I realized how much room I had to improve and was excited to get after it. What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)? Wow…..it’s hard to say what hasn’t improved. Some measured improvements – deadlift +130 lbs., squat +90lbs, clean +105lbs, clean and jerk +80 lbs, max pullups +20 reps. Best functional life example is this: in 2010 I had to move a queensized bed into the upstairs of my house by carrying it up a 10′ ladder and putting in the roof (long story, I’ll explain in person if anybody cares to know). I had to get a friend to help me lift it up and move it up onto the roof. Fast forward to 2012 and I had to do the same thing again. Only this time I had no help and was able to do it by myself. No chance in hell I could’ve done that alone two years ago. What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? The mental aspect of keeping things in perspective and the mental break that the gym provides was not something I expected. No matter what else is going on, I always find solace in the gym. I love how it forces me to focus on my health by so clearly rewarding or punishing me for working hard or not working hard. What I did at work or at home doesn’t matter anymore when it’s time to make a lift or complete a workout. I, and I alone, am in control of this part of my life…drives my wife nuts. Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFM moments: Lifting my bodyweight ground to overhead for the first time – huge goal of mine and a great feeling. Finishing Murph with the weight vest. First muscle up was a big deal (now I just gotta get consistent with ‘em). Completely bombing in the Open last year during one of the workouts and hearing the encouragement from my gym mates as I struggled. Doing a competition last year with my cousin, Cochard, Sam and Lis. The mattress thing. Any advice for people just getting started? Have fun with this stuff. Care about your performance, but not so much about that you stop having fun; nobody here is going to the Olympics, but get excited when you finish something you didn’t think you could do or when hit a PR on anything and get excited when somebody else in the gym hits a PR. Record everything; in 3 months, 6 months, a year from now, it will be a lot of fun to look back on how far you’ve come. Make mental notes of impressive stuff you see other members doing; I guarantee that you’ll start surpassing those things and it’s fun to remember how 6 months ago you were super-impressed by what you just did. Ask questions; everybody loves to be asked questions, it makes them feel like they’re awesome and you get some knowledge out of it – win, win. Pick a rival; find somebody who’s just a little faster/stronger than you or right at your level and try to beat them. Participate in the community events as much as you can; you’ll feel more comfortable in the gym and will perform better, you’ll be less likely to stop coming because you’ll want to see your new friends, you’ll have a lot more fun. Don’t look Vabs in the eye when he’s about to go for a big clean and jerk. What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? I don’t really have any hobbies between CF, my kid and my job. I don’t have much free time. But, I know a secret code on the standup arcade game Galaga that will make the enemy ships stop shooting at you. I like U.S. Presidential history – favorites are George Washington and Teddy Roosevelt. What did you eat today? Coffee, eggs, bacon, protein powder, whole milk, coffee (trust me, it needs to be listed twice). Glad you didn’t ask about yesterday. Do you follow the paleo or primal lifestyle? What is your nutrition philosophy? No. I drink a lot of whole milk and I only eat paleo meals if it’s easy. Breakfast is easy. If I go to the store and do the cooking it’s easy and I do it, but I will usually include more sweet potatoes than is probably recommended. My nutrition philosophy is to get as much protein as I can (I shoot for 150 to 190 grams per day), to keep the carbs and fats as quality as I can, but not making myself crazy about it. I do notice that I perform better when I’ve eaten cleaner. I’m light years better than I was, but still have plenty of room to improve. So, yeah, you will catch me with a bacon cheese burger or a glass of scotch from time to time. 31 Heroes is Saturday, August 4thCrossFit Midtown is hosting this fundraising WOD and DYER wants you to participate. Yes, it’s DYER DAY on the blog. See his message below: I just signed up for the 31 Heroes Event on the CFM group. If you’re looking for some way to honor those who have sacrificed in order to provide the freedom we celebrated last week, registering for this event would be a good place to start. I did this last year and it was great experience all around. For those who don’t know anything about it, here’s some info that I would want to know (most of this you can find on the link shown to the right in the website sidebar…and you can register there): What is this?: An event to raise funds for organizations that support the military and military families in honor of the 30 solders and 1 military dog who were killed in action in the Chinook helicopter crash that happened on August 6, 2011. Where does the money go? 1/3 to the families of the 30 soldiers we are honoring, 1/3 to the Snowball Express, and 1/3 to the Travis Manion Foundation. I believe that 100% of the money goes to these three places (i.e. – no skimming). Cost: $37 ($31 for the event, $6 for shipping your tshirt – you suck up the shipping cost to make sure all of the registration money goes where it should and not to a shipping company; this is good). Don’t know for sure, but you may be able to do it for just $31 if you opt not to get a tshirt. Where will the workout take place? CFM – It’s your home gym. So, no worries about getting familiar with or finding a new strange location. When will the workout take place? August 4th. It’s a Saturday. Best day of the week to get in for a workout and a beer with your friends afterwards. What’s the WOD? 31-minute AMRAP (as many reps as possible) partner workout. 8 thrusters (155/105), 6 rope climbs (15ft), 11 box jumps (30/24); 1 partner works on doing these reps while the other runs 400 meters carrying a 45lb(men)/25lb(women) plate; switch when the running partner returns. Switch back and forth for 31 minutes. Score is the total number of reps by you and your partner combined. Can you scale it? Definitely, I’m sure Lis can help you figure out the appropriate ways to scale this one. This is a hard workout to do Rx. Don’t not sign up just because you might need to scale it. Do you need a partner? Yes and no. You’re supposed to have a partner to do the workout. But, don’t not sign up just because you don’t know anybody who would want to do it right now. Just sign up. The partner thing will work itself out. Or better yet, find a somebody and make them sign up with you and plan to do it together. If anybody is left without a partner on the day of the workout, Cochard will do the workout twice. Will this be fun? Yes! The camaraderie will be outstanding and, with Lis’ blessing, I’m going to bring a cooler full of beer etc. to the box for finishers to enjoy after the workout. Editor’s note: Blessing granted I don’t have a partner yet. So, if anybody wants to do it and partner up with me, sign up and let me know. Willing to do it Rx or scaled – your preference. Looking forward to working with you all on the 4th! Workout of the Day1. Gymnastics skill work – Handstands – 10 minutes 2. DIANE: 21-15-9 Deadlifts 225/155 Handstand Push Ups (HSPU)* *HSPU modifications: negatives, strict press, pike 3. Cash Out: 100 barbell roll outs; foam roll glutes & low back
WED 6.27.12: Athlete Profile – VABS
| June 27, 2012 | Posted by LisSaunders under Uncategorized |
Welcome to Dale, Jared, John H, Lucinda, Mary Anne, Scott D and Tiffany! Paleo NightThanks to everyone who joined us for Paleo Night last night at Urban Pl8. Our party of 14 enjoyed a delicious dinner: Summer heirloom tomato salad with avocado, red onion, green olives, basil, and garlic vinaigrette, Puerto Rican beef stuffed roasted red bell pepper with basil oil, grilled hangar steak with grilled asparagus, tomatoes, and Vidalia onion with sweet pepper relish, and Paleo chocolate pudding. Paleo night is held the last Tuesday of every month, so mark your calendars now to join the CFM crew for the next one on July 31st! July 4th Holiday ScheduleCFM will be closed on Wednesday, July 4th. The 6 and 7 am classes will also be cancelled on Thursday, July 5th. All other classes next week will be held as regularly scheduled. We’ll post a no-equipment-needed WOD on Tuesday in case you wish to get moving on your own on the 4th. Athlete Profile – Drew Vabulas AKA VABSHometown: I call Atlanta home now. Age: 30 Occupation: Jack of all trades at IBIS Inc. When did you first start CrossFitting? 2010 with Sealfit Favorite WOD: Grace Least Favorite WOD: Anything with bodyweight Three words to describe you: Loyal, Outgoing, Competitive Tell us about your sports & fitness background: I played college and pro baseball, college football, and I am now a professional kickballer. How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD… what was it, and how did it feel? First WOD was 500 air squats for time with SealFit. Freaked me out, couldn’t workout for 3 days after. What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)? I have seen a lot of changes. I was in the best shape of my life up until surgery. And now I am seeing more size being put on (muscle). What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? Meeting some great friends, really understanding how to feed yourself and what you put in your body really effects your attitude, your looks, and how you feel. Please share with us any favorite CrossFit/CFM moments: Any competition, when people get behind you (even who you are competing against) to see you succeed. Any advice for people just getting started? Stick with it and listen. Form is everything. What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? Work, work, work. What did you eat today? So far I have had 16 oz of chicken, an orange, and some lettuce. Do you follow the paleo or primal lifestyle? What is your nutrition philosophy? PALEO! On the band wagon! Bro sesh! L-R: Dan, Vabs, Matt Workout of the Day10 minutes handstand skill practice 3 Rounds, NOT FOR TIME: 20 kettlebell walking lunges 20 ring rows or supine ring pull ups 20 plyo push ups CASH OUT: 100 hollow rocks
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