Prerak D.
Age: 24
Hometown:
Mumbai, India
How long have you been crossfitting?
For about 8 months now.
Athletic Background:
Just a little soccer in high school, but other than that not a great athletic background.
What brought you to try CrossFit?
Back in 2016, just after I came to the US for my Master’s, I heard my elder brother talking about joining CrossFit ( he is back in India ). I didn’t think I had the dedication and commitment in me at the time, but in 2017 after trying HIIT for a month, I fell in love with HIIT/Crossfit, even though I would be insanely sore everyday.
Seeing my brother after a year, it was almost difficult to recognize him. (thanks to CrossFit).
After coming to East Dundee, seeing a lot of my coworkers coming to CFE, I was like ‘ If not now, then when ? ‘
And, I just never looked back!
What were your thoughts after your first WOD?
“Did I really just do that ? Damn. I loved it!!!
Even if I join, how am I going to keep up with all the other things?
But, I loved it! I at least want to give it a try and be consistent!
What are your training/fitness goals?
Right now, it’s just getting better each day, but eventually I want to be able to do all of the movements. Specially the ones with Double Unders and/or pull-ups.
Eventually, I want to be able to compete and complete an obstacle race event!
How has your motivation changed since you started CrossFit?
I used to be REALLY scared of training with weights, but after joining CrossFit Enclave, I have started loving weights! Everyday I come in, I am eager to learn what can I do more to get better at the movements!
I regularly watch CrossFit videos, and I won’t lie, it feels REALLY good to hear a coach say, “ Prerak! Those look much better! Good Job” . It only makes come more regularly and get even better!
It changed from trying to fit CrossFit in my schedule, to scheduling everything around CrossFit. My friends just had to get used to it, haha!
What results have you seen from CrossFit, inside and outside the gym?
Inside: I have learnt to pace my energy throughout the workout! I am still learning everyday, but I would say I got a hang of it!
Outside: CrossFit has helped hone my mindset to embrace challenging situations! Every time I am overwhelmed, I tell myself “ I survived the WOD, I got this!” - Mindset makes all the difference.
What is your favorite CrossFit WOD and/or movement?
Squats of any kind, but if I had to choose one, Back Squats! Freaking love them! I feel good, confident when I am doing them!
What is your least favorite Crossfit WOD and/or movement?
Tough choice between Burpees and Thrusters, but I would say thrusters. I have kind of started to like Burpees, especially the Bar Facing ones, but it’s still long way for Burpees!
What is your favorite thing about CrossFit?
Back in school, I would get bored at the gym, doing the same things everyday, you’ll never be bored in CrossFit. That’s the beauty of it! It’s a different WOD everyday and it is scalable to any fitness level. It was an important factor in me trying CrossFit.
You’ll also make great friends! I love my 5:30 pm crew, we all support each other, we all are happy when everyone completes the workout!
What is your favorite CrossFit moment/achievement?
Performing better at 19.1 CrossFit Open Workout than what I expected! I had bought a lot of CrossFit gear and was excited to take it to the next level, but honestly, it was not the fancy gear, but the people cheering me on throughout the entire workout, that helped me get through it!
Tell us something no one knows about you:
I used to be a part of my high school orchestra, but I have been out of it for too long! I am trying to get back into it!
Any advice for people just getting started with CrossFit?
If you’re a just beginning CrossFit, proper rest, nutrition, mindset and consistency is key. You’ll be sore, but soon, you’ll start loving the soreness. It doesn’t matter, what weights you start with or how athletic you are. As long as you listen to the Coach, you’ll keep making progress!
It’s going to suck initially, but it will eventually grow on you!
And, just because you MAYBE able to lift heavy weights (with bad form), does not mean you should! Work on form, it’s VERY important. I have learned this the hard way!
What is one piece of CrossFit equipment you swear by?
The Barbell. I can’t believe I am saying this, but yes Barbell. The Barbell movement is my favorite part of any WOD and I am always excited and I start planning,how I am going to go about it, when I see the WOD as soon as it is posted!
Do you have a favorite elite CrossFit Athlete (or other professional athlete) you follow or admire? Who & why?
Male Athlete: Rich Froning, because of his mindset and work ethic. Absolutely INSANE!!! No wonder he won 4 Crossfit Games in a row! It was never done before, and he did it, I love it when someone does the impossible!
Female Athlete: Katrin Davidsdottir, just like me she likes to learn from the best and her story is just inspirational!
That’s the beauty of it…
“Everyday I come in, I am eager to learn what can I do to get better at the movements.”