Member Spotlight
Why CrossFit? :
"I couldn't run anymore due to a knee injury. I've always lifted weights but kept hearing about Crossfit. After the first day of doing Crossfit, I was hooked. I also go back to the question you asked me about who/what inspires me. The people at Crossfit inspire me because while we are doing the WOD and giving it our all, that "all" can be pure hell if only for a few minutes and it never ceases to amaze me how every one of us in that very moment gets through it with guts, sweat, tears, each other and even dry heaving. It doesn't matter if you're a rookie or a veteran; it's painful and we survive it and come back for more. It's the human spirit and I love it!"
What inspires you?:
"I'm a sucker for any E60, 30 for 30, Olympic athlete, survivor stories. It could be an athlete, a homeless person, a POW, or a regular every day person, but if they are a survivor and have overcome and triumphed any kind of adversity, I find immense inspiration from them. Unbroken is one of my favorite books for this very reason."
Favorite WOD?:
"Murph for sure. Anything that is high cardio/high muscle endurance, I get really excited."
Favorite lift?:
"Before I had ever heard of Crossfit, I was obsessed with pull-ups. Ask Heidi Rees. We had some pull-up battles back in the day and arm wrestling and street foot racing (beverage were involved). Learning how to kip was an exciting day for me. I also like power cleans."
Favorite WOD Music?:
"Anything Eminem or Kid Rock (Ashley take note. I heard I get to pick the music)."
Interesting fact about you is...:
"I can play Foosball with the best of them."
Tami E.
If you haven't met Tami yet, she's part of the "Lunch Lady Crew" that crushes it at Noon on M, W, F. Did I mention she's a super badass who comes over to WOD during her work lunch hour? You've probably seen and taken notice of her numbers and times in Sugarwod. They don't lie, Tammy is a tremendous worker with an extremely high capacity. If you ever get the chance to make one of those Noon classes, prepare to get pushed. It takes a special kind of person to look forward to, and readily except the challenge of "Weight Vest Wednesday", but as you can see by the picture below, Tami's "got this". Keep up the great work Tami and we all look forward to seeing your continued gains.
Carla U.
Carla is a beast! We mean that in the upmost of complimentary terms. She is a true inspiration to everyone she meets. There have been quite a few of her peers in here come up to the staff and mention how amazing shis is and the things she can accomplish. Carla has a truly amazing story of resiliency and perserverience. Since she's become a member at CrossFit 630 we've seen her conqure and attack her fears. Those pesky box jumps, check... that timed mile, check... and those are just to name a few. Now after most WODs you can find her recruiting others into running a mile with her. When you see it, join in, one mile at a time. Thanks for being a great member of our community and we can't wait to help you conqure the next set of challenges.
Why CrossFit? :
"Crossfit motivates and challenges me, both mentally and physically. The grueling WODs and demanding lifts push me to work out in a way that I wouldn’t accomplish at any other gym or on my own. The Crossfit community is encouraging and supportive and makes me a stronger and better person. Every day at 630 I have fun. For me there is no other workout environment that offers all of these benefits."
What inspires you?:
"Seeing pictures of people with significant physical challenges successfully doing Crossfit workouts. I think to myself, if they can push past the pain and doubt, then I should stop complaining, believe in myself and just do it."
Favorite WOD?:
"Lumberjack 20. It includes many of my favorite movements and the run gives me time to refocus and visual the next step of the workout."
Favorite lift?:
"Back Squat"
Favorite WOD Music?:
"Titanium (David Guetta)"
Interesting fact about you is...:
"None that I am aware of…I enjoy cooking, gardening, the GB Packers and spending time with my daughter, Allison, who is turning 21 years old this month.."
Why CrossFit? :
"I joined Crossfit in Sept 2013 and it has improved my life. Crossfit is the break I need from work on a daily basis, it challenges me to get better everyday and it is something that we as a family do together. Overall, it makes me a better person."
What inspires you?:
"Most of the time after every WOD, I feel inspired to comeback and do better. Love the feeling of accomplishment, especially after a long WOD."
Favorite WOD?:
"Annie. Always do it when I am out of town. WODs with cleans are my favorite."
Favorite lift?:
"Clean & Jerk"
Favorite WOD Music?:
"Eye of the tiger…"
Interesting fact about you is...:
"I don’t think I have a hidden talent, other than played baseball in college for a Division I school. If I have to make a career change, I could become a scout or baseball coach."
Rafa V.
Rafa and his wife Liz joined CrossFit 630 only a few months back when they moved here from New Mexico. They've made a great impact already. Rafa was chosen by the coaches and his peers for this honor because of a few things; his tremendous drive, his kind nature and his willingness to throw himself into our community from the begining. Not only is Rafa a beast, he wants to get better. You'll often times see him after class doing video work to catch any little thing he can do to improve. As coaches, we appreciate those things and it's something that others notice and will ultimatley help them push themselves. Rafa, we are lucky to have you and Liz as a part of our community! Keep up the hard work!!!
Deana M.
Deana is the epitome of what makes our gym a great place. She was voted on by her peers and coaches because of her always high effort, but more importantly, her passion to cheer on others. You can hear Deana all over the gym beacuse she's usually encouraging her fellow athletes in a LOUD New Yorker flair. She crushes workouts, but more importantly, she's all about getting better and attacking her weaknesses. Thanks for being supportive of everyone Deana. Keep it up!
Why CrossFit? :
"I've always gone to the gym and lifted weights but I was bored with what felt like the same old routine over and over. As soon as I tried CrossFit I fell in love with it. I love coming in and pushing myself each day doing things that I would never have done on my own in a gym. I also love the comradery that CrossFit provides I love that there always someone there to cheer you on and push you!"
What inspires you?:
"I get inspired by seeing the progress that I make or even others make. Even if it's just beating myself by a few min in a workout or lifting a few more pounds then last time. It pushes me to come in and try to do my best every time!"
Favorite WOD?:
"Diane..... Because it's two of my favorite things handstand push-ups and deadlifts."
Favorite lift?:
"Deadlift"
Favorite WOD Music?:
"Not Afraid - Eminem"
Interesting fact about you is...:
"I have a great sense of direction... Or maybe it's just that I will never admit to being lost!"
Why CrossFit? :
For me, Crossfit is synonymous with mental toughness. It isn’t about getting an incredible dose of inspiration or courage. It’s about building the daily habits that allow you to stick to a schedule and overcome challenges and distractions over and over and over again. Mentally tough people don’t have to be more courageous, more talented, or more intelligent — just more consistent. Mentally tough people develop systems that help them focus on the important stuff regardless of how many obstacles life puts in front of them. It’s their habits that form the foundation of their mental beliefs and ultimately set them apart. It is learning how to be comfortable being uncomfortable. Overcoming that voice in our head that is trying to convince us to rest or even quit.
What inspires you?:
When I think of inspiration I think of those that have gone before us, and our responsibility to positively influence the people around us. Furthermore, we must remember what has been sacrificed to bring us to where we are right now. In the words of Ronald Regan, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” I believe that it is our responsibility to set the standard for our children to emulate and living a healthy lifestyle i.e. physical fitness, nutrition, and continuing education are great contributing factors.
Favorite WOD?:
“MURPH” 1 Mile Run, 100 Pull-Ups, 200 Push-Ups, 300 Air Squats, 1 Mile Run (all with the weight vest/body armor on)
Favorite lift?:
Back Squat: Either Percentage Lifts or EMOM’s
Favorite WOD Music?:
“Get Psycho” by Disturbed and “Darkhorse” by Katy Perry
Interesting fact about you is...:
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Artistic (Sketching)
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Creative Writing
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Public Speaking
Michael G.
Mike has been a vital part of making CrossFit 630 what it is today. It's his infectious attitute for getting better, attacking his weaknesses and doing it all with an encouraging attitude. What struck me as I was tabulating the votes for this nomination, was the fact that on multiple write-ins by his peers, they mentioned his encouraging nature, and his smile. We all know this stuff is hard, and for Michael to push through, be a great influence on others and do it all with a smile on his face, that says something about him as a person. He is an intigral part of our community. Congrats Mike and the radio is all yours.
Haley C.
Haley was chosen by her peers as well as the coaching staff as our very first Member of the Month. She definitely earned this one. Not only for the dedication to train for and complete her very first marathon, but the ability to nail a TON of PRs along the way. She's the sneaky beast for sure. Keep up the great work Haley and we all look forward to your continued success inside and outside of the gym.
Why CrossFit? :
"My boyfriend (Jason) introduced me to the concept of Crossfit and I started as a way to gain strength and prep me for my first marathon."
What inspires you?:
"Achieving new goals is what inspires me. I love being able to do things."
Favorite WOD?:
"I can't really think of a favorite workout, but I like anything with box jumps or kb swings."
Favorite lift?:
"Push jerk is my favorite lift."
Favorite WOD Music?:
"Favorite music to listen to: anything by AC/DC or the foo fighters"
Interesting fact about you is...:
"I think most people now know I play the harmonica. I've been playing chicago style blues for 14 years."