"Before you begin, the journey toward your fitness goals can seem as daunting as climbing over a mountain. But I think Leah and I agree that we have to take it one step at a time to get there. The scariest part is the decision to start. We can't tell you how you should do this, so instead we'd like to share with you how we got started and why we chose the path we are on."
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| LRS |
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| LMS |
Tell us a bit about your early athletic career. What sports did you play as a kid?
*It should be noted that my mother can still whoop my behind on the tennis court. I'm hoping when she's 80 I'll finally have my chance.
How did you end up at the box you attend?
LRS~ I heard about Crossfit because my of the amazing results my pastor's wife had gotten after joining her local box Crossfit Legacy. I was a bit concerned with the price, so when a Groupon became available, I jumped on it so I could see for myself what all the hype was about. On the first visit I knew this was something different! I knew it was so much more, but wasn't ready to fully commit at that time. In October of 2011 I was jolted into reality when I realized my 30th birthday was only 6 months away and I didn't like how I looked or felt. I decided to try Crossfit again because I enjoyed the atmosphere, camaraderie, and intense work outs.
LMS- In February of 2011, I moved from Las Vegas to Portland, Maine. This was my third solo, cross-country move, and by now I've pretty much gotten the routine down. 1) Find an apartment. 2) Find a gym. 3) Make friends. I opted for Crossfit because it served two purposes; athletic and social. Thankfully I met two amazing women in my Foundations class, Allyson and Michelle, who have grown to be inspirations to me. They are far more dedicated and courageous than I, and I'm so proud of where this experience has taken them both.
What do you feel is the most important thing when deciding to join a gym?
LRS~ I think this boils down to one question. Are you currently getting the results you want to see in your body? Within a month I was able to say YES, I'm getting the training and results I had been missing. YES! I'm committed to this for my health, for my life, for me. YES! I have more energy, coordination, strength, and enjoyment in my life.
What are the pro's and con's between a conventional gym and a Crossfit box?
LMS-Crossfit is very focused on form and safety. Without a dedicated personal trainer at a conventional gym, I don't believe one would receive the attention to his or her form. More importantly, a conventional gym doesn't come with a whole community who is invested in your growth, celebrating your milestones, and cheering you on right through the finish line. Cons? If I'm honest I'll say that it doesn't always provide the aerobic/cardio training that is part of a well-rounded exercise regimen.
Does "community" play a role at your box?
LRS~ It's ABSOLUTELY about the people! I may not be able to list out each person who has contributed to my experience, but here's a little sampling of what I get to look forward to. The friendly competition (Ally), the encouragement (Heidi/Kathy), the mom (Michelle), the inspiration (Sharon), the helping hand (Lauren), the funny jokes (Wayne) and the funnier dance moves (Nick)! The personality (Ninjas), the eagerness (Dana) the support (Kris, Wilson, Travis and all of TBD...) and of course my coach (Brian). Seriously I could not find a better group of people to be around while getting my butt kicked. Thanks guys!
What is important to you when considering a trainer?
LRS~ Honestly at the end of the day I think your trainer is the most important consideration because they single-handedly have the power to make or break you. Finding the right trainer can remind you of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Trial and error till you find the one that is "Just Right". There are some really awesome trainers out there and I can't say enough good things about all of them. However each person is going to need to be trained by someone who fits their style.
My trainers suite me because they are encouraging and fun but also know how and when to push me. They are diligent about correcting and improving technique while also being my biggest cheerleader. Another huge reason is the experience and knowledge of my coaches. Each one has a proven track record of quality instruction but also strength of mind, body and character. The owner of Legacy, has a TON of experience with a degree in Sport Science and Athletic training, 10 years of experience prior to Crossfit as a Certified athletic trainer. He's a Certified Olympic Lifting Instructor and opened one of the first Crossfit gyms in Ohio.
LMS-Crossfit is very focused on form and safety. Without a dedicated personal trainer at a conventional gym, I don't believe one would receive the attention to his or her form. More importantly, a conventional gym doesn't come with a whole community who is invested in your growth, celebrating your milestones, and cheering you on right through the finish line. Cons? If I'm honest I'll say that it doesn't always provide the aerobic/cardio training that is part of a well-rounded exercise regimen.
Does "community" play a role at your box?
What is important to you when considering a trainer?
My trainers suite me because they are encouraging and fun but also know how and when to push me. They are diligent about correcting and improving technique while also being my biggest cheerleader. Another huge reason is the experience and knowledge of my coaches. Each one has a proven track record of quality instruction but also strength of mind, body and character. The owner of Legacy, has a TON of experience with a degree in Sport Science and Athletic training, 10 years of experience prior to Crossfit as a Certified athletic trainer. He's a Certified Olympic Lifting Instructor and opened one of the first Crossfit gyms in Ohio.
How does your typical training week shape up?
LMS-In a perfect world, I would like to Crossfit 3 days a week, run 2 days a week, and go to yoga once a week. I'll be honest, I haven't been as diligent lately as I'd like to be. In addition to working full time, I am also enrolled in graduate classes at the Boston Architectural College where the courseload varies with each class. Sometimes there just aren't enough hours in the day. I would give almost anything to spring awake at 6am with energy to workout...unfortunately I have never been that successful at this. I welcome ANY suggestions to form a new habit of this kind!
LMS-In a perfect world, I would like to Crossfit 3 days a week, run 2 days a week, and go to yoga once a week. I'll be honest, I haven't been as diligent lately as I'd like to be. In addition to working full time, I am also enrolled in graduate classes at the Boston Architectural College where the courseload varies with each class. Sometimes there just aren't enough hours in the day. I would give almost anything to spring awake at 6am with energy to workout...unfortunately I have never been that successful at this. I welcome ANY suggestions to form a new habit of this kind!
What are your strengths as a Crossfitter?
LMS-In this case I would have to say that my strength is my lack of fear. I'm not afraid to attempt a new PR, to hoist more weight overhead than perhaps I should be comfortable with, to fall off a box in an attempt at a new max height jump, or generally to get hurt and bruised.
Who or what in your life would you say is the biggest catalyst in your fitness goals?
LRS~ At the moment that would be my impending 30th Birthday! I've got OCD when it comes to goal setting so when I set out to be the fittest I could be by May 2012 I had to revolutionize the way I lived my life. Of course I can thank the ladies in my family for fighting for their health right along side me as well as TBD... for challenging me daily.
LMS-My father, who passed away 7 years ago, supplied me with a nearly endless stream of wisdom-one-liners. The one that has stuck with me above all others is this: decide what you want, then decide what you're willing to give up for it. I am beyond grateful for this lesson in hard work and dedication, and for never believing that the things I want the most will come without sacrifice.
Who or what in your life would you say is the biggest catalyst in your fitness goals?
LMS-My father, who passed away 7 years ago, supplied me with a nearly endless stream of wisdom-one-liners. The one that has stuck with me above all others is this: decide what you want, then decide what you're willing to give up for it. I am beyond grateful for this lesson in hard work and dedication, and for never believing that the things I want the most will come without sacrifice.
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