CrossFit Midtown is very excited to announce our December 2017 Member of the Month, Elana Clautice! After attending two Bring-a-Friend days, Elana signed up for foundations and the rest is history! Read on to learn more about Elana and her CrossFit journey. Thank you for being such an outstanding member of the CFM community
Name: Elana Clautice
Nickname: My family calls me Elana-Complaina. Apparently, I was a whiny child. I’d like to think I’ve outgrown this name (really hoping this doesn’t catch on at the gym).
Age: 29
Hometown: Alpharetta, GA
How did you get exposed to CrossFit?
Pat. He convinced me to attend two different Friends and Family classes before I found the courage to sign up for Foundations. The first Friends and Family class I went to REALLY showcased how out of shape I was. It took almost a year before I went back for the second one.
What brought you to CrossFit Midtown?
Again, Pat. He basically lived there so I decided if I wanted to hang out with him more I should probably join, too.
What was your very first day at CrossFit Midtown like?
My first official class was a Saturday WOD. It was a long one and had at least 5 different movements in it. I was super nervous and was certain I wouldn’t be able to finish. And, after I finished, everyone said if I could do that, I’d be just fine.
What changes have you seen in your overall health and fitness level since starting CrossFit?
My endurance is significantly better. I can do things I never thought possible. The change in my fitness level has also encouraged me to make changes with my nutrition and I’m now a lot more cognizant of what I eat and how I fuel my body. It’s been very gratifying to see what I am capable of, and it’s both humbling and exciting to know how much more progress there is to make. Now, if I can just find the courage to start lifting heavier! {insert scared face emoji}
What kind of changes have you experienced since starting CrossFit that were completely unexpected?
I think the most unexpected change is how much of a priority fitness has become for me. I used to start and stop different fitness programs and “diets” all the time. I couldn’t find the right balance and for whatever reason, it just wasn’t clicking for me. Enter Crossfit. It’s the right formula of structure, fun, community, challenge, and accountability that I needed. I recently started a new job that has completely changed my schedule and routine. Before Crossfit, that would have been enough to throw everything off for me. Now, I still make it a priority to get to the gym. It takes more planning but I don’t mind it one bit. And, on top of all of that, I’m inspired everyday by the progress and capabilities of other members. I’m grateful for the friendships I’ve made and the support and encouragement we provide each other. The relationships are what makes coming to the gym at 7pm on a Thursday after a long day at work worth it. For me, exercise and going to the gym used to be a chore; now, it’s often the best part of my day.
Favorite WOD:
I really like long WODs with a lot of different movements (the more the merrier).
Least favorite WOD:
Mentally, “Fortitude” was bru-tal (30 minute EMOM- odd minutes,15 cal row and, even minutes, 15 burpees). It’s the only workout I’ve wanted to quit. I was legitimately concerned that it was never going to end.
Favorite CrossFit Midtown moment:
I’m going to cheat and do two: I wasn’t even a member yet; I think I had signed up for Foundations at this point, but I went with Pat to the first Friday Night Lights to watch him do 17.1 at the gym. I helped myself to a beer and took it all in. I was hooked. It was so incredible to watch everyone and to see the amount of people that showed up to support them. I kept thinking, “I wonder if I’ll be able to do that next year.” Second favorite moment was the feeling of finishing my first Crossfit Competition at The Graveyard Games. That was pretty cool. (Shout out to Carey Bald for being the world’s greatest partner)
Hobbies, Talents and or Interests Outside of CrossFit:
My fur children. Being outdoors on a beautiful day. Exploring the city with Pat. Sour beers. Comedy clubs. Cleaning (I can really make things shine). Mindless television. Online shopping but never buying anything. Reading crime/mystery novels.
Advice for new CrossFitters:
You are more capable than you think you are. Be patient and challenge yourself. You won’t regret it.
