Name: Jessica C.

Age: 30

Hometown: Carpentersville, IL

How long have you been crossfitting? Almost 5 years

Athletic Background:

I really didn't have any athletic background coming into this. I ran a few times a week and went to XSport but I wouldn't say I was athletic by any means.

What brought you to try CrossFit?

I had really wanted to try it for years actually, but didn't want to do it alone. I finally convinced my brother (James) to try it. OF COURSE, he caught on much quicker than I did.

What were your thoughts after your first WOD?

I was really excited… I had become so bored with running and was frustrated with trying to program my own workouts. For the first time I was super excited about fitness. I do remember shaking as I finished my last rep during that workout though… that was intimidating.

What are your training/fitness goals?

Honestly, I just want to be the best version of myself. I'm not a competitive athlete and I never will be, but I would love to master all of the strict skills and foundational movements of CrossFit.

How has your motivation changed since you started CrossFit? What motivates you now and keeps you coming back?

I got really lazy with it right before Kyle (my husband) joined. I had a lot of setbacks with a previous back injury and then a knee injury and had let that get in my head. Once Kyle joined, I realized I needed to step it up. I will say that when I first started I was motivated to get any and every PR possible with little regard to form or foundation. That has changed a lot… I am much more focused on building my strict strength and practicing good form. PRs don't mean anything if you hurt yourself chasing them.

What results have you seen from CrossFit, inside and outside the gym?

I feel stronger, faster, and have a much better sense of overall wellness. In order to achieve my goals in the gym I have made efforts to dial in my nutrition, learn about recovery and just take better care of myself. It has helped it so many areas of my life.

What is your favorite CrossFit WOD and/or movement?

I really like Annie, Helen and Cindy. OHS (overhead squats) and squat cleans are fun.

What is your least favorite Crossfit WOD and/or movement?

DT. Anything that requires cycling a heavy barbell.

What is your favorite thing about CrossFit?

The people. I genuinely enjoy starting each day off with the morning crew!

What is your favorite CrossFit moment/achievement?

I've been working on strict pull ups and ring dips for about 6 months now… the work and consistency I put in on those is something I'm proud of.

Tell us something no one knows about you: I love dogs.

Any advice for people just getting started with CrossFit?

Ask for help. Go to open gym. Take the time to learn proper form. It's a marathon, not a sprint.

What movement do you predict we will see in 19.2?