Featured Athlete - Summer 2015
Christy Herrmann
How did you hear about CrossFit and what made you try it?
I stumbled upon it a couple of years ago. I was working out at regular gym and needed a change of pace and scene. I started searching for Bootcamp classes and CrossFit came up in the search. I read a couple of articles and it seemed CrossFit was the mental and physical challenge I needed. I didn’t join immediately since the only Box in the area at the time was Uptown—too far and too expensive. About a year later a friend mentioned she joined a box in Chalmette. At the time I was pregnant so I kept it in the back of my mind (I was a bit jealous though—I wanted to try it immediately). During pregnancy I gained 74lbs. The first 40 lbs. came off easily but the rest I knew would require lots of work—so I joined. I completed my On-Board class and was hooked immediately.
What is it like to work out in a CrossFit affiliate box?
It’s structured, motivating, rewarding, approachable and addicting! It’s refreshing to walk into a space where workouts are planned and well thought out. You’re literally guided to your fitness goals. I like that each WOD includes a warm-up, a skill, a metcon and ends with mobility. Every movement is demonstrated, you feel comfortable asking questions and all workouts are posted the day before. You’re able to track your progress, chart your goals and gain input from the coaches. The coaches work with you to modify movements so everything is achievable. The first thing you’ll notice is that the coaching staff is as invested in YOU, as YOU are invested in yourself. For me Day 1 was tough—I realized how out of shape I was and was motivated by how amazingly strong the other athletes were. The coaches and athletes play a vital role in empowering and motivating you—for me that’s been key in achieving my goals. They help me push a little harder, run a little faster and lift a bit more. As you develop, your goals will change and you will challenge yourself in new and different ways. You’ll also experience physical and mental changes; you’ll tone up, trim down and start to notice a mental toughness that maybe you didn’t have before. There’s a unique quality in that we’re all dedicated to the same overall goal but in different ways. Being part of a box is being a family. We work hard, celebrate success, let off steam, goof-off and take quirky selfies. Above all, we support each other. It rocks!
What would you recommend to someone starting CrossFit?
Okay, I’ll lay it all out… Invest in your new hobby. Invest time—do your research and ask questions. Invest effort—give it all that you can + little more. Use the knowledge of your Coaches. Rack their brains, that’s why they’re there. Coaches have a ton of insight and will help you get over that hump and achieve a new goal. Focus on form and work to achieve perfect form. Work on your weaknesses and build on your strengths. Push yourself and know your limits—it’s a balance. HAVE FUN! Clean up your diet. Eating trash will affect your workout and energy levels. Motivate your fellow athletes—a dose of encouragement goes a long way. Celebrate everyone’s successes. Don’t forget to breath—muscles need oxygen and so does your brain. Changes do not happen overnight, be patient with your body and rest when you need to. Mobility—do it, it helps! Take care of your hands. Pace yourself: 1-step, 1-rep, 1-burpee at a time—you’ll get to the end. Track your progress. Chart new goals. Be fierce. Grunt, yell, burp, fart (you’d be surprised, it happens) whatever it takes to get that last rep in, do it. Take a “before I got these guns” picture. Be committed and hold yourself accountable. Use the Box as an outlet to kick anger, aggression, stress, anxiety or whatever ails you to the curb. Zone out, turn your mind off and just go!
What was your favorite Work Out of the Day so far? Your least favorite?
One fave? How about three! The partner WOD with partner carries (super challenging but fun too). This crazy Saturday “Butt Buster” workout Heather concocted. During the workout I literally thought my butt cheeks were going to fall off and run away. I hurt for days after, but I’m sure my butt grew an inch! Murph: It’s sobering, humbling and tough.
Least favorite: The mountain climber / box jump WOD. Box jumps weren’t bad—it was climbing that mountain that got me.
What is your favorite exercise? Your least favorite?
Favorites: Sumo deadlift high pull (did it get that right?), box jumps, deadlifts, Russian kettlebell swings, Med ball cleans and Med ball thrusters. Nahh, not so much: Wall walks, Toes-to-bar (kills my hands), Double unders and Overhead Squats.
What are your CrossFit goals for the future?
Overall I’d like to increase my strength and dedicate more time to mobility. Specifically I’d like to: Improve my Murph time, get one regular pull up and eventually a kipping pull up, build up to 65+lbs for overhead movements, perform dips without a band, string together 30+ double unders, and RX+ at my proficiencies.
Christy Herrmann
How did you hear about CrossFit and what made you try it?
I stumbled upon it a couple of years ago. I was working out at regular gym and needed a change of pace and scene. I started searching for Bootcamp classes and CrossFit came up in the search. I read a couple of articles and it seemed CrossFit was the mental and physical challenge I needed. I didn’t join immediately since the only Box in the area at the time was Uptown—too far and too expensive. About a year later a friend mentioned she joined a box in Chalmette. At the time I was pregnant so I kept it in the back of my mind (I was a bit jealous though—I wanted to try it immediately). During pregnancy I gained 74lbs. The first 40 lbs. came off easily but the rest I knew would require lots of work—so I joined. I completed my On-Board class and was hooked immediately.
What is it like to work out in a CrossFit affiliate box?
It’s structured, motivating, rewarding, approachable and addicting! It’s refreshing to walk into a space where workouts are planned and well thought out. You’re literally guided to your fitness goals. I like that each WOD includes a warm-up, a skill, a metcon and ends with mobility. Every movement is demonstrated, you feel comfortable asking questions and all workouts are posted the day before. You’re able to track your progress, chart your goals and gain input from the coaches. The coaches work with you to modify movements so everything is achievable. The first thing you’ll notice is that the coaching staff is as invested in YOU, as YOU are invested in yourself. For me Day 1 was tough—I realized how out of shape I was and was motivated by how amazingly strong the other athletes were. The coaches and athletes play a vital role in empowering and motivating you—for me that’s been key in achieving my goals. They help me push a little harder, run a little faster and lift a bit more. As you develop, your goals will change and you will challenge yourself in new and different ways. You’ll also experience physical and mental changes; you’ll tone up, trim down and start to notice a mental toughness that maybe you didn’t have before. There’s a unique quality in that we’re all dedicated to the same overall goal but in different ways. Being part of a box is being a family. We work hard, celebrate success, let off steam, goof-off and take quirky selfies. Above all, we support each other. It rocks!
What would you recommend to someone starting CrossFit?
Okay, I’ll lay it all out… Invest in your new hobby. Invest time—do your research and ask questions. Invest effort—give it all that you can + little more. Use the knowledge of your Coaches. Rack their brains, that’s why they’re there. Coaches have a ton of insight and will help you get over that hump and achieve a new goal. Focus on form and work to achieve perfect form. Work on your weaknesses and build on your strengths. Push yourself and know your limits—it’s a balance. HAVE FUN! Clean up your diet. Eating trash will affect your workout and energy levels. Motivate your fellow athletes—a dose of encouragement goes a long way. Celebrate everyone’s successes. Don’t forget to breath—muscles need oxygen and so does your brain. Changes do not happen overnight, be patient with your body and rest when you need to. Mobility—do it, it helps! Take care of your hands. Pace yourself: 1-step, 1-rep, 1-burpee at a time—you’ll get to the end. Track your progress. Chart new goals. Be fierce. Grunt, yell, burp, fart (you’d be surprised, it happens) whatever it takes to get that last rep in, do it. Take a “before I got these guns” picture. Be committed and hold yourself accountable. Use the Box as an outlet to kick anger, aggression, stress, anxiety or whatever ails you to the curb. Zone out, turn your mind off and just go!
What was your favorite Work Out of the Day so far? Your least favorite?
One fave? How about three! The partner WOD with partner carries (super challenging but fun too). This crazy Saturday “Butt Buster” workout Heather concocted. During the workout I literally thought my butt cheeks were going to fall off and run away. I hurt for days after, but I’m sure my butt grew an inch! Murph: It’s sobering, humbling and tough.
Least favorite: The mountain climber / box jump WOD. Box jumps weren’t bad—it was climbing that mountain that got me.
What is your favorite exercise? Your least favorite?
Favorites: Sumo deadlift high pull (did it get that right?), box jumps, deadlifts, Russian kettlebell swings, Med ball cleans and Med ball thrusters. Nahh, not so much: Wall walks, Toes-to-bar (kills my hands), Double unders and Overhead Squats.
What are your CrossFit goals for the future?
Overall I’d like to increase my strength and dedicate more time to mobility. Specifically I’d like to: Improve my Murph time, get one regular pull up and eventually a kipping pull up, build up to 65+lbs for overhead movements, perform dips without a band, string together 30+ double unders, and RX+ at my proficiencies.
|
|
CrossFit helped Christy achieve her fitness goals and it can help you, too!
Congratulations to Christy on her selection as the CrossFit Chalmette Featured Athlete for Summer 2015! Your positive attitude, constant smile, and can-do attitude are contagious to all the members of the Box! We look forward to sharing the excitement with you when you reach your new CrossFit goals! Tom "T-Rex" Friloux Owner/Head Coach CrossFit Chalmette |