Member of the Month

CrossFit Midtown is very excited to announce our October 2022 Member of the Month, Jon Grim! He has been a member since June 2021 and has hit huge PRs, made incredible friends, and is an avid open-gym goer! Read on to learn more about Jon and his CrossFit journey. Thank you for being such an outstanding member of the CFM community!

Name: Jonathan Grim
Nickname: Jon
Age: 34
Hometown: Canton, Ga

How did you get exposed to CrossFit?
I remember seeing clips of the CrossFit Games when I was in college (2012ish). The events looked nuts, and the athletes looked super human to me (let’s be honest, they both still do). I didn’t know where you went to get that kind of training, and in any event I was pretty happy with my focus on powerlifting at the time, so I didn’t investigate it much.

What brought you to CrossFit Midtown?
I’d hit a fitness and mental slump. I needed to shake up things and find some new challenges. When I thought about what kind of shape I wanted to be in, CrossFit seemed like it might be a good choice. I searched for local CrossFit gyms and chose CFM because it looked like an established gym with a good reputation.

What was your very first day at CrossFit Midtown like?
I was super nervous and didn’t really know what to expect. Coming in, I thought I was in decent shape, but that foundations test left me light-headed and gassed. Still, I was hooked from day one. The challenge and atmosphere was too exciting.

What kind of changes have you you experienced since starting CrossFit that were completely unexpected (ie. new friends, “family”, the community, more self confidence, etc)?

I’m a remote worker, so the gym is my chance to interact with others outside of a computer screen most days. That real life connection and the class experience has become really important to me, and has drastically helped improve my mental well being. We have great people at our gym, and I’m really thankful for everyone.

I’ve also got a renewed sense of confidence. Seeing that I’m capable of taking on hard physical challenges and getting life changing results has inspired me to try the same in other areas of my life. For instance, I’ve always had an interest in entrepreneurship and now I’m finally taking steps to make that a reality.

Tell us some of your recent accomplishments. What goals do you have for 2022!?
One of the things I’m most proud of is the progress I’m making with the Olympic lifts. I started going to the barbell class over the summer to get extra help, and David has been a great coach. My form on both the clean and snatch feels so much better, and I have tons more confidence walking up to the bar.

For the rest of 2022, I want to work on getting ready for the next open. My goal is to do the RX versions this time, and one area I know I consistently struggle with is my endurance, so I’m planning on working on that. Me and the rower are about to become good friends.

What does your frequently used emoji tab look like? (screen shot and send it!)

What is your favorite workout and if you could make up your own workout what would it be?

I’m a fan of EMOM and Tabata workouts. I like that regular cadence and the challenge of if you can match what you did last round, and I think the format is great when you need to create a workout while out travelling or just want to work on some skills. I’m also weirdly into wall walks and being upside down.

EMOM 5 Rounds
Minute 1: Wall Walks
Minute 2: Weighted lunges
Minute 3: Pull-ups
Minute 4: Row

What is your favorite dessert or “treat yourself” meal

Hot wings. J.R. Crickets 20 piece, hot, with extra blue cheese and fries. Tropicalia to drink.

Favorite CrossFit Midtown moment (doesn’t have to be during a class, just any favorite moment at CFM)?
I loved our scaled competition: CFM Rise Up. I partnered with Jason and got to know him that day (he’s awesome and an inspiration!). I started super nervous, hit some PRs in the second workout, and then completely fell apart at the end of the last workout and Jason saved my ass. The atmosphere all day was great, and it was so much fun watching everyone. 10/10.

Hobbies, Talents and or Interests? What does a day in the life of you look like outside of being a Crossfitter?

Travelling, eating, watching sports (mostly soccer), making software. I miss playing sports and want to play them more – if you play a sport and want an extra hit me up!

Advice for new CrossFitters

Keep coming back – just showing up is an achievement. Don’t worry about the score – you’re here to compete with yourself and that’s what matters. Good diet and good sleep are game changers.

CrossFit Midtown is very excited to announce our September Member of the Month, Raymond Tran! He has been a member for over a year and has made some major gains and PR’s, some awesome friends, a joy to have in class, a founding member of the CFM Striking course and has written an awesome article about CFM in the Atlanta Lawyer magazine! Read on to learn more about Raymond and his CrossFit journey. Thank you for being such an outstanding member of the CFM community!

Name: Raymond Tran
Nickname: “Ray”
Age: 29
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

How long have you been at CFM and what got you started?
12 months.

I used to have abs. Then law school happened (physical activity level dropped, bad eating habits creeped in). I am disciplined, but dropped my health from my priority list. By the time I took the bar exam, I had a lot more jiggle and a lot less energy than I used to, and resolved to prioritize my health and fitness. Immediately after the bar exam (I binge watched all 7 seasons of Game of Thrones in 4 days — but then immediately after that), I emailed CFM to get started.

What was your very first day at CrossFit Midtown like?
Full of “Why am I doing this to myself?”

Mike was leading me through foundations. I remember how enthusiastic he was when I applied his correction to a pushup and heard his “this is how this will change your life” explanation. If I was going to do this (CrossFit) to myself, I wanted to do it under the guidance of people who really cared about what they did and got excited about this type of progress.

Mike also suggested that I take at least 1 yoga class a week. I nodded politely, but in my mind thought: “I’m flexible enough…I did not sign up for no ‘ohm’ or ‘breath of fire’…”. I then accidentally stumbled into my first CFM Yoga class with Monica because I wanted to stretch after the Saturday class but had no polite way of saying “I’m just here to stretch”.

Best accidental stumble at CFM ever. Monica leads a quality, no-nonsense yoga class that has become a part of my weekly workout. I’ve also enjoyed it when the other yoga instructors subbed the Saturday recovery class. I would encourage anyone who is adverse to the “ohm” and “breath of fire” stuff to try out the CFM yoga classes — even if you can’t commit to them regularly, it will contribute to your movement/mobility/warmup toolbox.

Tell us some of your recent accomplishments. What goals do you have for 2019!?
CrossFit – in January I set a goal to pull my chest up to the bar (without a box) for workouts within three months. It took about 7 months…but now I no longer need to set up a BBAP station (provided I can scale to a kipping or half-rep). I also aimed to add a “4th day” at CFM – which was officially “accomplished” when CFM started the Knuckle-Up Club.

Not CrossFit – Professionally, I’m wrapping up my first full year of practice as an attorney (my hours are RX+++). Personally, I’m actually eating better and less stressed than I was as a law student, and am on track to save enough to purchase my first house.

What is one or two of your most frequently used GIFs?

What changes have you seen in your overall health and fitness level since starting CrossFit?
In addition to feeling stronger (i.e., carrying more grocery bags across greater distances), I feel more energetic (contrary to what I would expect after a workout). I am also making small changes to my daily habits that are paying off: since I mostly do AM classes, I have to have enough sleep; I need to eat right to have the energy to complete a workout and to recover; I say no to junk calories that I just spent a tough morning burning. I’m hoping to put greater focus on building better eating habits (especially since I wasn’t able to participate in the nutrition challenge). I’ve “lost” some flexibility, but the increase in control from a stronger core has increased my range of motion.

What kind of changes have you experienced since starting CrossFit that were completely unexpected (ie. new friends, “family”, the community, more self confidence, etc)?
I did not expect to actually like CrossFit. I signed up because it was an efficient way to fit exercise with a demanding schedule. But actually enjoying it really crept up on me. It is now a physical manifestation of how I frame the rest of my day (e.g., “If you can finish these box jumps, you can close that deal.”). I’m also thrilled that we started a striking class (the Knuckle Up Club), which I enter into my calendar as “Cheap Therapy”.

Adding to the fun factor: I have a habit of imagining what people’s lives are like outside of my interaction with them. I do a lot of imagining of what our members’ storyline would be if CFM was its own reality show…especially the people I kind of never spoken to or formally met, but just “always see at the gym” because my only insight into their life is the WOD and QOD. This is totally TMI, but now you know what I’m thinking whenever I’m blankly staring you or giggling to myself.

Initially, I thought CFM would be a great place to get away from other lawyers (it’s not). The AM crew can form its own law firm…and one of my regular Saturday CFM workout buddies recently joined my firm. So Ryan Newbrough, if you’re reading this…work is no reason to stop working out. And to Cary Burke – we have a fantastic paternity leave policy should you ever look to lateral.

Favorite WOD
I really liked the Antman-Spiderman WOD. And that one WOD that one Sunday where we built a “wall” out of the boxes to jump over.

Damon also did a “panic” drill (not sure what it was actually called — but it’s the one that he says might cause an anxiety attack) that was a fun calorie burner.

What is 1 or 2 of your best or favorite memories at CFM?
The reaction of the 6 AM class to my response to the QOD (by Travis) asking about a “near death experience” (you had to be there). And in this same vein, almost all of Kara Noone’s “Noone” answers to QOD.

You can go to any concert of any artist (dead or alive) which one would you go to?
Musical: So I don’t like attending music performances where the crowd sings along with the artist (I paid to hear the artist sing) — but also am that guy who sings along as if I was the artist (even if I don’t know the song…I just start making up lyrics and noise)…which is a long way of saying I don’t usually have a good time at concerts.

Non-musical: I wish I had a chance to watch Joan Rivers perform live.

Hobbies, Talents and or Interests? What does a day in the life of Raymond look like outside of being a stud crossfitter?
My life revolves mostly around my work and my dog (a 4 year old Shiba Inu), so if I’m not in the office (or at the gym), I’m probably at the park or some dog friendly trail I found on google.

I also do this thing where I like trying out foods for the purpose of sharing it with others. I’ll go out of my way to try “whipped honey with espresso beans” to see if i like it, and if I do, I have to share it with people. If I “discover” a restaurant, I don’t want you to just go check it out — I want to take you there, order my favorite things, and share them with you. This makes me a fun friend.

I also plan trip-itineraries for people/companies on the side. Prior to transitioning to a legal career, I worked in consulting overseas and worked on projects that took me to some interesting places. If you ever need to know someone who knows someone in places like Anse Source d’Argent, Port Mathurin, Port Louis, or Coloane — I’m your guy.

Advice for new CrossFitters
Show up. What gets me to the gym is the knowledge that I was going to start my day achieving something most people aren’t able to do. Every second finish a WOD earlier, each time I lift a little bit heavier, and each time I have to face a movement I want to avoid (lately…running), I leave the gym knowing that I showed up on behalf of myself, to make myself a little bit better. The fact that every other member in class with me is also there with a similar goal keeps me accountable and motivated.

CrossFit Midtown is very excited to announce our May Member of the Month, Anne-Marie! She has been a member since 2014, has made some major gains including growing a tiny human, some awesome friends, a joy to have in class, and has been an active person in the CFM community! Read on to learn more about Anne-Marie and her CrossFit journey. Thank you for being such an outstanding member of the CFM community!

Name: Anne-Marie Burke
Nickname: Anne, AM, Annie
Age: 33
Hometown: Marietta, GA

How did you get exposed to CrossFit?
My earliest exposure was an article I read in my mid 20’s about CrossFit and Rhabdo. Safe to say I wasn’t chomping at the bit when Cary Burke asked me to join him when we first started dating.

What brought you to CrossFit Midtown:
In 2014, Cary and I had a what we fondly refer to as “our winter of content.” We put Nutella on Milano cookies and drank craft beers every night. On March 30th he proposed, on April 1st he said “it’s time to work out now”, on April 2nd he signed me up at CFM.

What was your very first day at CrossFit Midtown like?
To be honest, it’s a blur. I recall it was a full class in the old location and there was no such thing as foundations yet. I stood frozen in the front of the class holding a training barbell as I tried to wrap my head around a squat clean. “So you want me to pick up this metal bar very quickly and “squat” down to the ground with it…and not fall? Okay….halp!” My training as a runner wanted to show off and run all the way home. But I didn’t and I remember beaming as we drove home because I might have done 1 air squat properly.

What kind of changes have you you experienced since starting CrossFit that were completely unexpected?
Oh my goodness, so many! Working out is now a calming and centering force in my life rather than a chore for weight control. I cannot believe I wake up at 5:30 to work out at 6 am but it’s the highlight of my day. Doesn’t hurt that the morning crew is 🔥. It’s a marvelous feeling having the hardest part of my day over by 7 am. In terms of CFM overall, the most surprising benefit is that I’m constantly around people who inspire, support, and challenge me.

Tell us some of your recent accomplishments. What goals do you have for 2019!?
Well we’re having a baby in October! So I’d like to:
1) Maintain my overall wellness to be the best mom I can be to this little one. Staying consistent at CFM is a big part of that.
2) Avoid an Episiotomy
3) Get my first muscle up (ha, jk)

What does your frequently used emoji tab look like?

What is your favorite workout and if you could make up your own workout what would it be?
I love Murph. It combines my favorite movements: running, pull-ups, and push ups. I think if we added some ab work, it would be a perfect work out.

What is your favorite cheat food/meal?
Just one?!? I think my go-to is a buffalo chicken sandwich with tots and ranch. I generally can’t resist chocolate cake and ice cream these days either…

Favorite CrossFit Midtown moment
Besides every CFM Holiday party…

1) I Rx’d a partner WOD with Sarah McColley about 9 months to a year after starting and remember feeling like “whoa I just did something I never thought I was capable of.”
2) This last year, I PR’d my power snatch at Graveyard Games with my partner, Elana, in the last 30 seconds of the event. I’ll never forget everyone cheering as I hit it after failing a couple of times.

Hobbies, Talents and or Interests Outside of CrossFit:
You can generally find me reading a book, talking with people on how to connect their finances with their values, or blogging for some publications in my graduate school program.

Advice for new CrossFitters
1) Seek out help from the coaches. They’re all technically sound. Every time I’ve asked for help I’ve kicked myself for not doing it sooner.

2) If you’re afraid you’ll look stupid doing a movement, that’s probably what you need to work on the most. We did a pistol workout last week and I fell on 95% of them (and I was only going to a 12″ target). But those 5% I did properly were informative and, even, thrilling.

CrossFit Midtown is very excited to announce our January Member of the Month, Hailey Plemons! Hailey has been a member for a little over 1 year, has seen dem gains, made some awesome friends, and competed at Graveyard Games 2018! Read on to learn more about Hailey and her CrossFit journey. Thank you for being such an outstanding member of the CFM community!

Name: Hailey Plemons
Nickname: My friends and family call me Hails
Age: 24
Hometown: Columbus, Georgia

How did you get exposed to CrossFit?
After years of soccer, I knew I performed best in a team environment, so I was looking for a gym that offered group classes. I reached out to a family friend that was nine years deep in Crossfit and she recommended I give it a shot.

What brought you to CrossFit Midtown:
The same family friend looked at the programming in the gyms around Atlanta and she really liked what CFM offered.

What was your very first day at CrossFit Midtown like?
I remember getting through the warm-up and Mike saying, “Okay so for the workout we will do..” and panicking internally because I was pretty tired from the warm up. I liked CFM pretty instantly.

What kind of changes have you you experienced since starting CrossFit that were completely unexpected?
One of my favorite changes has been my perspective. Before I joined CFM, I would have to spend most of my day convincing myself to workout or run. Now I wake up and one of the first things I do is check the blog to see what I get to do that day. Another unexpected plus has been all the incredible people I’ve met along the way.

Tell us some of your recent accomplishments. What goals do you have for 2019!?
I’ve started to venture out of my comfort zone when it comes to choosing weights for the workouts. AKA Pietsch sees what weight I choose and tells me to try again. But I appreciate that he believes in me (after the workout is over) 🙂
My goals for 2019 are to master DU, TTB, and kipping pull ups

5 Rope Climbs 15 Burpees over Erg 25 Cal Row For Time.
Who wins? You or your sister ;)?
I read this to her and she said, “Don’t lie to them Hails, it’s definitely me.” In which case, we can settle this at the gym.

What is your favorite workout and if you could make up your own workout what would it be?
I enjoy anything with the barbell. Overhead squats are my favorite, so Nancy.
If I had to make one up it would probably have some overhead squats, rope climbs, and burpees. I don’t like burpees at all but they make you suffer a little and it feels good after.

Favorite CrossFit Midtown moment
There was a class where Carey Bald approached me and said, “You’re stronger than you think you are. You’re going to partner with me today and we’re going to see what you’re made of.” She probably doesn’t realize how much this meant to me, but it was pretty huge for my confidence. Carey has since moved to Miami, but her voice is always haunting me telling me to go heavier.

Hobbies, Talents and or Interests Outside of CrossFit:
Traveling, playing soccer, hiking, hanging out with friends and my dog.

Advice for new CrossFitters
If you’re anything like me, you’ll be terrified walking in the first few times. Just keep going back until you love it. The rewards outweigh all the costs.

CrossFit Midtown is very excited to announce our August Member of the Month, Chris Brasher! Brasher has been a member for a year this month! He comes in and works, hustles and kills WODs and lifts. Read on to learn more about Brasher and his CrossFit journey. Thank you for being such an outstanding member of the CFM community!

Name: Chris Brasher
Nickname: Brasher, The Brash
Age: 37
Hometown: Smiths Station, Alabama!

How did you get exposed to CrossFit? A guy I used to work with, Koon. He was as a collegiate level baseball player, quite an athlete. Stopped showing up for lunchtime basketball during the week, saw him one day and asked why. Told me where he had been going, invited me for a Friday Hero Wod, “Carse”. The rest was history..

“Carse”
21-18-15-12-9-6-3 Reps for Time
Squat Clean (95/65 lb)
Double-Unders
Deadlift (185/135 lb)
Box Jump (24/20 in)
Start each round with a 50 meter Bear crawl

What brought you to CrossFit Midtown? The company I work for opened an office in Midtown and asked me to move. I was hoping there would be a CrossFit box nearby, so of course you know my excitement when I saw you across the street on google maps!

What was your very first day at CrossFit Midtown like? Pure pain and misery. I let out my Spartan battle cry and was only on like the 18 rep round. Seeing spots all the way through, almost passed out.

What changes have you seen in your overall health and fitness level since starting CrossFit? I don’t get tired as easily anymore, especially when it comes to lifting. Was always more of a runner, never been very strong but now the strongest I’ve ever been, can lift things I once not thought possible. More muscle, Crossfit added 20# to me but my BMI has stayed about the same. I am heavier but can still run long distances at a decent speed without getting too tired. Have a lot more energy, more drive.

What kind of changes have you you experienced since starting CrossFit that were completely unexpected (ie. new friends, “family”, the community, more self confidence, etc)? I have connected with so many people that have the same interests. Before, felt like I was all alone on an island when I first started getting into fitness. Gym was always kinda boring to me. CrossFit feels like I was the lost sheep that finally found his fold, like this is the way it was supposed to be all along. Feel like I can take on anything now.

Favorite WOD: “Nukes”
8 mins to run a mile, max 315# deadlift with remaining time, immediately into
10 mins to run a mile, max 225# cleans with remaining time, immediately into
12 mins to run a mile, max 135# ohs with remaining time

Least favorite WOD: Anything with pistol squats

Favorite CrossFit Midtown moment (doesn’t have to be during a class, just any favorite moment at CFM): Everyone meeting down at the park to do “Murph” together in May was a cool experience. The whole box showing up, suffering together for a good cause, everyone staring at us in disbelieve, amazement..really felt like family that day, then hanging out for brunch afterwards. The Lurong pool party a close 2nd.

Hobbies, Talents and or Interests Outside of CrossFit: To be clear, never have categorized myself as a “Crossfitter”. Have always said I am a runner, who likes to crossfit on the side.. 😉 I love to run. I like to play football Besides sports, I enjoy strategy and RPG type games.

Advice for new CrossFitters: Never give up. I meant every word when I said I can do things I once thought impossible. Just be patient, don’t rush the process, don’t rush your body. If you give it what it needs to repair, nutrition and rest, it will pay you rich dividends in the end. No other feeling like achieving a new lift PR or gymnastic move after months or years of work.