How I was introduced to CrossFit: I tried a few months at a regular gym to get in shape for my Army tests, but it made me hate working out and I didn’t see any results. I was told to check out Crossfit, so I did some research, decided to try Bear Canyon out March 2020, and I have never looked back.
If I never had to do this one exercise ever again, It would be awesome: Wallballs hands down
If I had to makeup my own WOD, it would be: EMOM with Back Squats, Weighted Ab Mat Sit Ups, Split Jerks, and Box Dips
Tell us a little about yourself (family, job, hobbies, etc): I moved from Illinois the summer of 2019 because of my dad’s job and I started at Albuquerque Academy in August of 2019 as a junior, meaning that I am a current senior. I have a younger sister in 8th grade and two older brothers, one a senior at Ole Miss and the other a junior at Notre Dame. I spend my free time working at Los Poblanos farm, and I love riding my bike and hiking. If I’m not spending time outside, I’m probably watching Netflix with my friends and/or dog whose name is Rockne (after the ND football coach). I’m a try-hard when it comes to school so I also spend a lot of time studying and doing homework. I am currently in the process of applying to 17 colleges which has left me mentally exhausted. I have already started to hear from a few colleges which has given me that bit of encouragement to keep going. This year has been pretty crazy but Bear Canyon has given me stability and community in the times I needed it most, and I always can look forward to the afternoon WODs.
My proudest accomplishment is : That would probably have to be getting West Point nominations from both New Mexico senators. It’s already an honor to receive one, but to be one of ten candidates selected from the whole state is really exciting. Without a nomination, I wouldn’t be able to apply to West Point and I am really thankful to know that the senators believe that I would make a good cadet.
What has been your biggest accomplishment at Bear Canyon?: As a CrossFit fetus, I have experienced all of my Crossfit firsts and PRs in less than a year. I have experienced so much growth this year and have had countless proud moments. Besides being athlete of the month, my greatest accomplishments have probably been my 200lb back squat PR, the Bugaboo workout that I RXed, or the 9/11 memorial workout. I know I just listed 4 but I am incredibly proud of all my achievements at the gym and am really grateful for everyone who did these workouts with me and encouraged me along the way.
My favorite cheat/ indulgence- meal/food is: Chicken and waffles!!!
What is your favorite music to workout to?: Either very intense rap/trap (so I can’t hear myself dying) or like Hannah Montana/Britney Spears (so I can sing along through the pain)
What I love about Bear Canyon Crossfit: Bear Canyon is an amazing place with amazing coaches and members. As a Crossfit newbie, I met dozens of people who were passionate about Crossfit and were enthusiastic about making sure it felt welcoming and encouraging. I have broken past so many initial physical and mental barriers, defying my preconceptions about fitness. I used to see exercise as a chore, but now I often find myself so excited about my afternoon class, that I can salvage any bad day in anticipation of class. I have met so many friends through BCCF too and they make every WOD feel like a party 🙂
What would you tell a friend who wanted to try CrossFit?: DO IT!!! I was really intimidated at first and I only knew about the stereotypes for Crossfitters being scary meatheads. As all of my favorite coaches say, “Everything is scalable”. It doesn’t matter if you run marathons or you have never worked out in your life. Crossfit is for everyone and even if you are on the fence about trying it out, DO IT. It’s so much more than a gym.
How has BCCF helped you during the Covid?: Whether we were online or in-person, I always felt supported and heard. Self-care is so important when living at home all day, and exercise is important, not just physically but also mentally. Crossfit is my favorite outlet and I know that I always leave the gym happier and more pumped than when I arrived.