1. In general, what is your background? Age, Occupation?
I am a 17-year-old senior at Woodgrove High School. I started lifting weights in my Junior year because I had to choose an elective, so I chose to take weightlifting. I needed some way to help me keep my concentration during the school day, and my older brother took weightlifting in his senior year a few years back and told me that it was a good way to clear your mind.
2. How did you get to know about Catoctin CrossFit and why did you start?
I first got to know about Catoctin from my Mom, I had been looking for a gym for a little bit when she came across Catoctin CrossFit. I started because I knew that I needed the commitment of a class-like structure, there was no way I was going to the gym for an hour to lift weights by myself.
3. What has Catoctin CrossFit changed about your life other than a new workout routine?
CrossFit has helped me with my weight loss journey the most. For the past 4 or so years I had been struggling with losing weight. Since I started going to CrossFit early August last year, I am on my way to losing 30 pounds and I can definitely say that I have more muscle than at any previous time in my life. Joining Catoctin helped introduce me to the joys of going to the gym that I had never really experienced before, most of what I thought people liked about going to the gym was looking at themselves while they lifted! That’s not what I found at Catoctin.
4. What motivates you and keeps you coming back to Catoctin every day?
I have found that other than continuing my weight loss journey, my Dad is a major factor to why I keep going every day, especially going on Mondays. I have been going with my Dad to Catoctin since we both started, and although we have not gone to every session together he is a big help in harassing me to not make up any excuses to not go. It is also good to give my old man some competition!
5. What advice would you give someone thinking about trying a class at Catoctin CrossFit?
Just go and try it, you’ll have fun and Good Luck!
When you first start, I think that it is important to just keep moving and not to get caught up in how much everyone else is lifting. Initially I found it overwhelming but the coaches help me find and execute movements safely at a weight and speed I was comfortable at, while still challenging. It is a good opportunity to experience a fun and welcoming environment where I am not alone in complaining about the Burpees, but most importantly, if my Dad can do it so can you!
6. What Goals have you set for yourself in 2021?
One goal that I have set for myself is to eventually be able to finish an AMRAP without having to take a long breather especially after a long row or run. Another goal that I have set for myself is to keep up CrossFit when I go to College. I hope that when I come back from College during winter break I’ll be able to lift more than when I left.
7. Favorite CrossFit moment so far?
My favorite CrossFit moment by far was the first time I rowed 30 cals under a minute. It opened my eyes to how much I had improved from where I started and how far I have yet to go.
8. Favorite and least favorite type or workout or movement?
My favorite movement would have to be bench-pressing whether it is with dumbbells or a barbell doesn’t really matter to me. Easily my least favorite workout would have to be any workout with Burpees in the middle of a long workout.
9. If you had to teach a class on one thing, what would it be and why?
If I had to teach a class on one thing it would be a class on relaxing. I would teach it because everyone needs to relax after waking up early on a weekend to go to CrossFit just to find that it is a 24 min AMRAP!
10. If you could be on a reality TV show, what would it be and why?
Although I don’t watch reality TV, if I have to be on one I would be an extra where I get to see myself in an episode or two, but I don’t have to put that much effort in.
