Featured Athlete - Fink
1. How long have you been doing CrossFit? If not with CFWP, how/where did you start?
I’ve been doing CrossFit for almost 2 years now. I started using an app at my home gym and saw immediate results just from the WODs, but I wanted to get the full benefit of the Olympic and gymnastic movements that I knew I needed coaching on.
2. What got you involved with CrossFit?
Physical fitness has been a long journey for me. About a year before I started CrossFit I completed a 2 year process of loosing almost 100lbs. After that I was committed to keeping it off and went to the gym regularly. I heard about CrossFit from a friend, but always thought it was for crazy people who wanted to puke after every workout…not for me! I was encouraged to watch the 2012 CrossFit games and was blown away! I saw fitness on a level I didn’t think was possible…but it looked obtainable…and fun!
3. What were your main concerns when you first started?
I don’t like being “bad” at things. I was concerned that I wasn’t going to know what to do, and people wouldn’t be supportive of my growth. That couldn’t have been farther from the truth. I quickly learned that it’s not about being “good” or “bad”, but rather about getting a little better everyday. Everyone at CFWP made that evidently clear, and continues to on a daily basis.
4. Why have you continued to do CrossFit?
Objects in motion tend to stay in motion, and I’ve never enjoyed being in motion as much as I do now. …oh and I still am “bad” at CrossFit…well at least getting a little better everyday :) Every fitness goal that I’ve set that I thought I never would be able to achieve, I have and surpassed because of CrossFit. I still have lots I’d like to achieve so I keep showing up.
5. What do you think about the CFWP community?
I love the lifestyle it encourages. No matter your level of involvement at the gym or the community, the lifestyle is one of progression, both physically, and mentally (sometimes emotionally…and of course socially!). I’ve been to other gyms where people think they’re better than you because of their skill level. At CFWP the most skilled athletes show their strength by helping those around them get stronger. Other than the workouts, the extracurricular stuff is amazing as well. Volleyball, Karaoke, BBQs, competitions, and of course Dirty Duncan (come to Pub on Pearl with us and you’ll learn)!
6. Have CrossFit and CFWP met the expectations you had before you started?
ABSOLUTELY. I couldn’t jump rope forwards let alone do a double under. I could barely do 5 pull-ups let alone fathom being able to do a muscle up. My overall level of fitness is no longer gauged by the number I see on the scale, or the numbers I put up in the gym, but how I feel day to day. While I might be sore from the WOD, I’ve never felt better in my life.
7. What is your favorite part about CrossFit/CFWP?
Fun! Never have I thought of workouts as being fun! Sure I liked to work out, but I genuinely love the WODs…even the one’s I hate. If you’ve never experience CrossFit that last sentence probably doesn’t make sense…if you have, and you’ve done Fran, then you know exactly what I’m talking about.
8. How has CrossFit impacted your life?
Confidence. I’ve done things in the gym that I literally was positive were impossible things for me to achieve. Having the ability to now do (some) of those things (front rack is still a work in progress), I’ve learned to not doubt myself as much. I’ve done several Tough Mudders, more 5Ks than I can think of…hell, I’ll even take my shirt of at the pool (that was a big deal for me!). I still don’t have that six pack, but I have dimples…they’re like the facial equivalent! But I no longer obsess over having six pack, or feel less confident because it has yet to be seen.
9. Favorite movement?
Dead Lift or Double Unders.
10. Least favorite movement?
Definitely Squat Snatch!
11. What advice would you give to anyone interested in starting crossfit or just beginning?
DON’T be intimidated! I doesn’t matter your level of fitness, everything about CrossFit is designed to meet you where you’re at, and help you raise the bar..both literally and figuratively. Find a good box, find good people and find good coaches.
12. What are some personal goals you are looking to achieve in the coming months?
Recently being able to finally Overhead Squat more than just a PVC pipe, I’d like to work on the restrictions I have in my mobility. It’s a constant limiter, and while I’ve seen vast improvements, most of my goals are set around mobility.
13. Do you have a special moment/memory from your time CrossFitting you’d like to share? (something you’re proud of accomplishing, were inspired by, etc).
This past year’s CrossFit open workouts. The games are what introduced me to CrossFit so it was awesome getting to do ALL of the workouts and even scoring for our gym in one (bring on those deadlifts 14.3). But my favorite moment comes from my LEAST favorite WOD. 14.5 is comprised of two movements that I “love”, burpees and thrusters. Because I my wrist mobility, this WOD was pretty painful and I thought I would do horribly. While I didn’t finish at the top, I actually did way better than I thought. I attribute this to the crowd of CFWPers circling around me as the finished. Instead of being disheartened by seeing the growing numbers finishing before me, I was encouraged by their support. That was a good moment!
14. Finally, if you could design a WOD for Ethan to do, what would it be?
Barbell Ladder/Chipper…thingy (I’m not good at the girl weight, I’ll let Ethan figure that out)
6 – S2OH 95#
10 – Double Unders (20 singles)
12 – Cleans 135#
20 – Ring Dips (Push Ups)
18 – Deadlifts 185#
30 – Double Unders (40 singles)
12 – Cleans 135#
20 – Push Ups (Push Ups)
6 – S2OH 95#
10 – Double Unders (20 singles)