Congratulations to Crystal for being our November Athlete of the Month!  Fun fact: Crystal’s dad was last month’s athlete of the month.  Here are a few questions we asked her:

1. How did you get started with CrossFit?

I was inspired to join CrossFit by my mother.  She had done Crossfit for many years and during that time had gotten my father, brother and sister-in-law to join. As a result I sat through countless conversations revolving around WOD’s, burpees and Paleo that I succumbed to the pressure and finally decided to try it out. I am so happy I did.  Prior to joining I ran and worked out in my basement but was feeling bored with the monotony.  After joining CrossFit I cannot imagine going back to that style of working out.  I look forward to going to classes and love the variety and challenge that is offered in the workouts.

2. What is your proudest accomplishment inside the gym?

I am proud of the better (not perfect:) form I have gained with many of the lifts. I feel overall stronger and it feels gratifying to be able to finish the WOD’s.

3. If you could give a piece of advice to anyone who was interested in starting CrossFit, what would it be?

To walk through the door and try it out! Initially, I was nervous and a bit overwhelmed by the exercises,  many of which I had never heard the name of.  Looking back now, there was no reason to have felt that way.  The coaches and Crossfit Firewall members have consistently  offered help and encouragement to give a person of any fitness level a sense of belonging.

4 Why do you love CrossFit? What’s your favorite part about it?

Hands down my favorite part of CrossFit is the incredibly supportive community that has come along with being a member. It has made me feel closer to this town and I am  so happy I have joined.  

5. How has CrossFit improved your everyday life outside the gym?

Being a parent of three small children it is hard to find the time  and energy to prioritize your health.  CrossFit has given my husband and I an exercise program  that we really enjoy and the variety of class times has allowed us to work around our schedules so we both can go.

6. Which is your favorite class to go to and why?

This is too hard to ask.. but the weekend classes are probably my favorite.  I love the energy in the weekend classes and it is nice to work out with my husband, even though he never wants to be my partner 🙂  

7.What was your favorite food you had at Thanksgiving (dinner or dessert)?

My mother-in-law’s sweet potatoes.  They are both dinner and dessert.  She smothers mashed sweet potatoes with butter, brown sugar and pecans, it is amazing.

8. If you could take your family on vacation anywhere in the world, where would it be?

While I know my children are desperate to go to Disney I would love to take a summer and  travel across the country in an RV.  There are so many places in the West I would love to see and I especially want to spend time in some of the national parks in the SouthWest.