CrossFit Katy

Ian Boyd

ATHLETE PROFILE: 
Name:  Ian Nicholas Henry Boyd

Hometown:  High River, Alberta, Canada

Age: 26
Occupation: Architecture Student/Architecture Intern
When did you first start CrossFitting?: Feb 27^th, 2012
When did you first start training at CrossFit Katy?:  Feb 27^th, 2012
What class do you generally attend (morning/afternoon)? Morning

Favorite WOD: 12 days of Christmas was pretty fun, but in general I like any Deadlift or OHS WODs
Least Favorite WOD: Large numbers of burpees L

Tell us about you sports & fitness background: In highschool I played basketball , but after that I didn’t do much. I tried a lot of different things afterwards; running, biking, tennis, roller blading, but nothing really stuck with me until I tried CrossFit

How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD... what was it, and how did it feel? A cousin of Emily’s was involved quite some time ago, and we heard about it from her. After a while Emily mentioned we should try it, and after everything I had heard I was a little apprehensive, but I am glad I let out that meek little “yes” when I did, because it changed my life.  My first WOD, funny how we always remember, was a rowing WOD. 2k row, rest, 2k row, rest, 500m. I had never even looked at a rowing machine before that day, and I found that I took on it quite naturally. That isn’t to say I found it easy, because I gained respect for a machine that I never thought possible, because it definitively kicked my ass. I was exhausted. My arms were wobbly, my legs were burning, and my back was aching. I was sore from that for a week, but I really think it shows how much we are capable of, and even when we are faced with a new challenge we have never yet encountered, we are able to overcome it in a glorious (well, kind of) fashion!

What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)?  Besides the obvious weight loss (Thanks Paleo!) and muscle gain, the biggest difference I found was in my ability to breath. I have mild asthma and when I first started CrossFit the 400m warm-up run would get me huffing and wheezy, but now I can run for miles without needing a break! Besides that, I have a lot more energy, and find my confidence has gone way up too (not that it needed the boost :P)! I find when I have a challenge in front of me, it is so easy to overcome it by saying “I do CrossFit, this is nothing!”

What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected?  I don’t think I expected the community that comes with CrossFit, and how that sense of community has enveloped my circle of friends. Case-in-point is when you are doing a rough WOD, everyone sees you at your worst; tired, sore, grumpy, sweaty, and dirty, and they love you for it! It just makes our get-togethers all that more exciting to see everyone when they are all clean and dressed up nicely!

Name one goal you have reached since joining CFK and one goal you want to achieve (example:  deadlift/squat/press ­­­___ pounds; do a pullup; do a WOD RX’d, etc.):  When I joined CFK everything bodyweight was a huge obstacle for me. Pullups, Pushups, lunges, squats, you name it. I had to modify most of the workouts just to be able to get through them, and even then it was a struggle.  So I think that my success with now being able to do decent numbers of pullups and pushups, and even now HSPU’s is a huge achievement for me, and one I am excited to improve on. But as far as a specific goal, I would have to say a muscle-up. Every time we are warming up and stretching out, I see those rings dangling, mocking, taunting me to grab them and give it a try. One day rings, one day!

 

Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFK moments: I think one of the moments that will stick with me the most seems very small, but it had a huge impact on how I did WOD’s from then on. It was a deadlift WOD, and we happen to be maxing out. My previous PR was something like 265, and I had already upped that to 285 this workout, but I decided to be brave and push it to 295. Right before I get started, Leah comes up to me, looks at my bar, and tells me to go put on 5 more pounds, to make it an even 300. Having struggled heavily with 285, I was a bit hesitant, but cheers from her and the others egged me on. I put it on, and got into position. I swear to this day I am sure it took me 6 or 7 minutes to pull that bar all the way up. It was probably more like 30 seconds, but I could feel every millimeter of my muscles tightening and fighting to get that bar up, but it did. It was then that I knew that I always had a little bit more to give, and with the right encouragement and guidance, we can achieve many things. Also: the dodgeball party was freakin’ awesome!

Any advice for people just getting started? I could give you the regular “stick with it” speech, but to be honest I think anyone with any determination at all will want to keep going. Instead I will preach about the importance of listening to your body and taking care of it. Eat Right. If it hurts, stop. And TAKE CARE OF YOUR HANDS! File those callouses down, moisturize, whatever, because if you keep on tearing and injuring them, you’re gonna have a bad time :P

 

 

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? Being in architecture school, I don’t get a lot of free time. I spend about 35 hours at school each week, and another 30-50 hours doing homework. Fortunately for me it is very enjoyable, and is not only an education, but a hobby and interest as well! I also love seeing movies, and going bowling (233 record *flex), but unfortunately I don’t get to go near as much as I like. I also do more architecting at work when I don’t have school, where I work with a great boss and enjoyable atmosphere. My dog, Rune (boxer) is awesome, and worthy of a mention here too. Also: reading, video games, TV, playing with my little (8 y.o.) brother are pretty interesting/fun to me.

Chris Broussard

ATHLETE PROFILE:

Name:  Chris Broussard 

Hometown: Willis, Tx 

Age: 36
Occupation: Subsea Project Engineer
When did you first start CrossFitting?: January, 2012
When did you first start training at CrossFit Katy?: January, 2012
What class do you generally attend (morning/afternoon)? 5:30am

Favorite WOD: I tend to like the WOD’s with the less common movements such as HSPU’s or Turkish Getups.  I kinda like CINDY also.
Least Favorite WOD:  Any WOD that is all running or all rowing

Tell us about your sports & fitness background: As a kid I played sports, mainly baseball and basketball.  I also grew up on a small ranch so I got plenty of exercise as one of my dad’s “ranch hands”.  In high school I played Varsity Tennis.  Once I got into college I continued to play tennis when I could but I also started lifting weights.  I also became a certified lifeguard and water safety instructor, so I swam quite a bit.  I managed to put on a little muscle in college (enough to get the attention of my future wife) but I could barely run a mile.

How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD... what was it, and how did it feel?  Like a lot of guys, I first became aware of CrossFit after the movie 300 came out.  I researched it and thought it looked like a lot of fun.  A few years later, I finally bit the bullet and joined CrossFit Katy.

Actually my first WOD is not what sticks in my mind; it was my second WOD that really made the impression.  It was 10 Rounds of 3 Pull Ups & 3 Ring Dips followed by 100 push press and 1,000m row.  Of course, I could not kip yet, so the pull ups were extra fun and I had to use a band for the first time.  I thought I could do a ring dip until Leah proved otherwise so I had to use a band for those as well.  I think for the push press I had to use less weight then most of the women in the class which was not embarrassing at all.  I had also never sat on a rower before, so you can do the math on that one too.  Needless to say, my entire body hurt for 2 weeks after that, but I saw what everybody else was able to do that day and I said “Yep…that’s what I want to be able to do!”

What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)?  Before CrossFit, my workouts consisted of the typical bench press and curls.  As a result, my lower body, especially my posterior chain (thank you Chad!) was disproportionately weak.  Today, my squats and dead lifts have improved tremendously.  In fact, my overall strength has increased and I have actually gained weight due to muscle increase.  My waistline is more defined and I’m not as squishy as I used to be.

What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected?  One of the biggest things that has changed in my life is that I have learned the value of challenging yourself both physically and mentally.  If you never reach for things beyond your grasp, you will never grow and CrossFit has taught me to be better at doing that.

Name one goal you have reached since joining CFK and one goal you want to achieve (example:  deadlift/squat/press ­­­___ pounds; do a pull up; do a WOD RX’d, etc.):  I’ve achieved many goals since starting CrossFit, such as double unders but my proudest achievement is getting a muscle up…those things are just cool.

One goal that I would like to achieve is to break the 400lb mark on my Dead lift (and walk on my hands ‘cause that looks like fun)

Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFK moments:  Without a doubt, my favorite CrossFit moments are seeing people cheer for the person who is about to finish last during a WOD, which is sometimes me.  I love how your effort and “don’t quit” attitude are what matters most, not your FRAN time.

Any advice for people just getting started?  Yes…Don’t Quit!  The way I see it, life is not supposed to be easy and neither is CrossFit.  If you fight through it though, you WILL improve and you WILL amaze yourself.

Also, don’t let your own pride get in your way.  Focus on your form and technique first and then worry about how many plates are on the bar.

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?  I love the outdoors, especially fishing or riding my motorcycle.  I like playing bad golf and going to the gun range.  I LOVE Aggie Football.  Most importantly, I love sharing those experiences with my wife and daughter.

Kim Broussard

ATHLETE PROFILE:

Name:  Kim Broussard

Hometown: Houston, TX

Age: 35
Occupation: Certified FertilityCare Practitioner/Stay at home mom
When did you first start CrossFitting?: January 2012
When did you first start training at CrossFit Katy?: January 2012
What class do you generally attend (morning/afternoon)? Mornings-Love my 8:30 girls!

Favorite WOD: Any WOD with deadlifts or rowing instead of running
Least Favorite WOD: Fran or any WOD with pull-ups

Tell us about you sports & fitness background: I was always involved in sports growing up.  In high school I began competitive year round swimming which lead into 2 years of collegiate swimming at UNC-Wilmington.  I have always enjoyed the competitive side of sports.  After getting married and having my daughter, I struggled with finding something that I loved doing.  I enjoyed group fitness classes but was never able to reach my weight/health goals and never kept my motivation.

How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD... what was it, and how did it feel? My husband, Chris, convinced me to go with him to try out a Crossfit class.  I was pretty nervous the first day.  I don’t remember what the WOD was that day, but I do remember loving it and realizing that I wasn’t in as good of shape as I thought I was.  We were signed up to try out some other CrossFit Gyms, but signed up at CrossFit Katy and never went anywhere else!

What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)?  I have struggled with weight my entire life and have tried many different diets.  I would usually loose weight but never kept it off.  I have lost 20 lbs and dropped 2 clothing sizes since I started, but best of all, I have kept it off!  I also finally have muscle definition that I never had.  Also, adopting the Paleo lifestyle has been tremendously helpful in helping me feel better.  I didn’t know it was possible to actually feel as good as l do now. 

What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? I have finally found something that I love as much as I did when I was swimming.  I love challenging myself everyday in the gym and sharing it with my husband.  I have found a strength within myself I didn’t know was there.  I have met some of the strongest women at CrossFit Katy and I love how we push each other to be better in the gym and better wives and moms outside the gym!

Name one goal you have reached since joining CFK and one goal you want to achieve (example:  deadlift/squat/press ­­­___ pounds; do a pullup; do a WOD RX’d, etc.):  I can finally do double unders and am able to do a lot of the WODs Rx’d now!  I would like to be able to do unassisted pull-ups and ring dips. 

Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFK moments: One of my favorite moments was competing at the Bayou City Crawfish Megafest with my husband.  We have never done anything like that before and it was really fun to push each other and cheer each other on!

Any advice for people just getting started? Don’t expect everyday to be your best.  Don’t ever give up and stay positive.  Cheer each other on, keep it fun and always enjoy yourself!

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?  I love travelling, cooking and going to the beach.  I enjoy spending time with my family.  I love my job and love that it enables me to stay at home.  I have been blessed with an amazing husband and daughter!

 

 

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Claire Fiedler

ATHLETE PROFILE:

 
Name:  Claire Fiedler               

Hometown: Pearland, TX

Age: 24

Occupation: Assistant Buyer at Academy Sports + Outdoors

When did you first start CrossFitting?: August 2010

When did you first start training at CrossFit Katy?: April 2011

What class do you generally attend (morning/afternoon)? 5:30pm

Favorite WOD: Anything with overhead squats or high endurance WODs.

Least Favorite WOD: Anything with rowing.

Tell us about you sports & fitness background: I played basketball and ran cross country in high school and played different intramural sports throughout college.

How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD... what was it, and how did it feel?  My dad had seen different WODs posted on YouTube and became interested in trying it. He had a lot of the equipment at his home gym already so we began working out together. “Helen” was my first WOD (with modified pullups, of course). I was so winded during the runs and the kettle bell was completely new to me so it definitely took me way out of my comfort zone!

What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)?  

I have definitely slimmed down since starting CrossFit. I have definition and muscles where I’ve never had them before! More importantly, I’m more in tune with what my body needs in order to perform and more aware of how much of a difference a healthy diet can make during a WOD. Although I’ve slimmed down, I’ve gained weight as well but I know that it is healthy weight and try not to focus on the number on the scale rather than how my performance is improving.

What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected?

Well first off, I never thought that working out would be an exciting part of my day that I look forward to! But that’s what CrossFit does for me now- if I’ve had a bad day or just not feeling that great, I always feel better after finishing a WOD.

It has also given me confidence that I never thought I could have. CrossFit always tests you physically and mentally and it is something that carries over into any other obstacle I might come across outside of the gym. It’s a great feeling when a situation challenges me and I think back to just how many days at CFK I didn’t think I’d be able to finish a WOD or lift a certain weight – I think to myself ‘if I can get past that, I can definitely get past this!’

Name one goal you have reached since joining CFK and one goal you want to achieve (example:  deadlift/squat/press ­­­___ pounds; do a pullup; do a WOD RX’d, etc.):  I was really excited when I was able to do double unders in a WOD for the first time. A goal I would like to reach is to be able to do the heavy weight WODs RX every time. There are still several lifts that I struggle with during heavy WODs so building my strength is a big goal of mine!

Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFK moments:
This past July we did a WOD that was 10 RFT- 10 Squat Hang Cleans, 10 Push Press with a 35 minute time cap. I absolutely did not think I could get through 100 of each of these movements with the prescribed weight but Neal and Mike insisted that I do it anyway. Somehow I managed to finish the WOD (barely) and from that day on, my attitude about what I was capable of has completely changed. The coaching team here has so much confidence in everyone and they truly want everyone to succeed!

 

Any advice for people just getting started?
Just stick with it and know that everything takes time, practice, and patience. It makes the payoff so much more rewarding! 

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?

I enjoy hanging out with my friends and boyfriend, spending time at the lake with my family (we are raising our own honey bees there!), and doing crafts (when I have time).

 

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February 2nd

Rich Nath

 

ATHLETE PROFILE:

 
Name:  Rich Nath

Hometown: New Eagle, PA (15 miles south of Pittsburgh)

Age: 35
Occupation: Professional Trainer
When did you first start CrossFitting?: March 30, 2012
When did you first start training at CrossFit Katy?: Same date
What class do you generally attend (morning/afternoon)? Afternoons

Favorite WOD: Anything with rowing, push presses, or strict presses.
Least Favorite WOD: Anything with toe-to-bars or jump rope.

Tell us about you sports & fitness background: I swam in high school and played several intramural sports in college.  Between then (2000) and March of this year, I worked out off and on, played a few seasons of flag football and coed softball, and played recreational racquetball for about a year. 

How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD... what was it, and how did it feel?  A family member had done CrossFit in the past, and I saw the results in terms of health and fitness.  I looked up CrossFit in Katy on the web, and CrossFit Katy’s website came up.  I thought it was something that I’d like to at least try, so I signed up.  My first class was 20 Turkish Getups, followed by 5 rounds – 400m Run and 20 Goblet squats, and planks for a cool down.  It took me for what seemed like forever to get done with the Turkish Getups.  Then we started the conditioning workout.  I was so out of shape.  I remember Neal telling me to try and finish 3 rounds, and that’s all I could do.  I was beat, and then we had planks.  I was sharing a mat with John Hughes, and he told me not to quit and shared with me his results up to that point.  I wasn’t going to quit, but what he said helped to keep me motivated and stay with what I had just started.  It was a really hard hour, and it felt like it for a few days afterward.

What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)?  After the holidays last year I started to realize I was gaining too much weight, and my workouts at a “regular” gym weren’t helping.  I had a checkup with my doctor and his first words were, “I see you’re gaining some weight.”  I said, “I know, CrossFit starts tomorrow.”  I was having other issues like low quality of sleep, snoring, and fatigue.  The answer, everyone said, was diet and exercise.  So along with CrossFit I cut the sweets, pop (soda for those from the south), and junk food.  I started to eat more fruits and vegetables and watched my portions.  With all this, I lost 45 pounds and 4 inches off my waist in 8 months.  I get better sleep in less time.  I don’t snore, which my wife loves, and I’m not nearly as tired as I used to be.  With my workouts, I can pretty much finish all of them (jump rope still kills me, though).  I can run short and long distances without feeling like I’m going keel over after the first 200m.  I feel 10 years younger.

What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? I didn’t think that I’d enjoy the workouts as much as I do.  I tried CrossFit because I needed a different type of motivation.  I needed to feel like I was part of a team and needed to get to practice.  That’s how it has been, and I look forward to going rather than dreading it.  Everyone says it’s like a family, and it is.  I’ve made new friends and have never felt out of place or like I didn’t belong.  Everyone is so supportive, and that means a lot when you’re tired and you don’t think you can go another rep.  But when you hear that cheering, it gets you past the “I can’t” and to the finish. 

Name one goal you have reached since joining CFK and one goal you want to achieve (example:  deadlift/squat/press ­­­___ pounds; do a pullup; do a WOD RX’d, etc.):  When I started in the spring, I just wanted to finish the workouts.  I met that within a few weeks.  From there, my goal was to improve each time and that’s the challenge every workout.  My next overall goal, though, is to get to the point where I can routinely perform workouts RX’d.

 

Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFK moments: I was about two months into my training when we had a 50-40-30-20-10 slamball/sit up workout with a 400m run after each set.  My goal that day was to finish under 40 minutes.  As I finished the last set of sit ups, I looked at the clock and knew it would be close.  Without me saying anything, John Hughes said, “Come on, I’ll run with you.”  Mind you, he had already finished his entire workout.  He pushed me that last 400m; kept telling me to keep up.  I was trying to, but around the 150m mark, I was starting to fade.  He saw that and slowed the pace a little.  He said, “We’ll keep this pace until the last 60m, then we sprint.”  That’s what we did, and I finished in just over 37 minutes.  That’s what CrossFit is all about.  Helping each other achieve our goals.  I will always remember that and have tried my best to return the favor to others when the opportunity presents itself.

 

Any advice for people just getting started?
DON’T QUIT.  It’s going to be hard at first and it will hurt.  But stick with it.  Give 100% each time and you will achieve your goals.  Many of us in the gym are living examples of that.

 

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? I’m active in my church (I’m an ordained teacher in The Church of Jesus Christ) and love spending time with my wife.  I also enjoy keeping up with my favorite sports teams: Penn State football and all the Pittsburgh pro teams.

Audrey Schlorholtz

ATHLETE PROFILE:

Name:  Audrey Schlorholtz

Hometown: Mandeville, Louisiana

Age: 31
Occupation: stay-at-home mom
When did you first start CrossFitting?: September 2011 @ CrossFit Katy
When did you first start training at CrossFit Katy?: September 2011
What class do you generally attend (morning/afternoon)? morning 8:30 or 9:30, Saturdays

Favorite WOD: Saturday team/partner workouts
Least Favorite WOD: anything involving excessive running or burpees

Tell us about you sports & fitness background:

I enjoyed classical ballet training for 8+ years prior to college, but have since had no real exercise regime other running/cardio in spurts the past 6 years since having 2 children

How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD... what was it, and how did it feel?

Truthfully I had no idea what CrossFit was or what the workouts involved.  My son was finally starting preschool and for the first time I'd have a chance to work-out on a regular basis and my friend said she was going to give CrossFit a try so I decided to join her at a class last September.  I have never lifted weights a single day in my life, had no idea what a kettlebell was, and didn't know burpees even existed, so to say I was in for the surprise of my life would be an understatement!  I have vague memories of my first workout, which included 3 rounds of an 800 meter run (not to mention it was probably 95 degrees that day), 30 DB snatch and 50 russian twists, which of course was modified to 2 rounds for me.  I was so spent that all I could do was sit around the house doing nothing for the remainder of the day.  My husband (and I) wondered what I had gotten myself into!

What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)?

I have seen a huge improvement in my endurance and lifting capabilities (last fall my deadlift was 100 pounds and this fall I recently did 205 pounds for a 1 rep max!).  I now have muscles in places I have never had muscles before in my entire life (especially abdomen and upper arms) and have a more overall toned appearance.  While I haven't seen a significant weight loss my clothes fit better, so I know I have actually turned some fat into muscle!

What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected?

Working out has actually become one of my priorities these days!  Before I only worked out if it was convenient and now I make sure I get my 3 work-outs in a week, no matter what!  I would like to one day move up to 4 classes a week, but also realize at this stage in life with 2 small kids that isn't likely to happen until they are both in school full time, as being a Mom comes first.  I love that CrossFit instills a sense of pride in completing hard, challenging workouts, that are never the same, and that CrossFit Katy has an amazing community full of fun, supportive people!  Even if I don't really want to go work out on a given day, I make myself go, and for that effort I am always rewarded physically and mentally!

Name one goal you have reached since joining CFK and one goal you want to achieve (example:  deadlift/squat/press ­­­___ pounds; do a pullup; do a WOD RX’d, etc.): 

Without realizing it, I have been setting little personal goals along the way.  First was to actually complete all of the rounds of the workout, then I moved on to completing parts of the workouts on a prescribed level and I finally just achieved my first total prescribed workout on 10/1/12!  That's not to say I can do all workouts on a prescribed level  - far from that on some of those heavy weight days - but I have come a long way and am proud of the fact that I no longer have to go ask Leah what weights I need for every workout!  I can either do the prescribed or I have a good sense of what is a challenging weight to select.  I am hoping to one day do a pull-up without a band?!?!?  That's probably going to take another year!

 

Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFK moments:

As simple as it sounds, finally figuring out how to clean the bar and do it well was a huge accomplishment for me.  It was all mental and once I got past it I was able to increase the amount of weight I could clean and thus greatly enhance my workouts.

Any advice for people just getting started?
Hands down my favorite part about CrossFit is that you never know what the WOD is going to be and it's never the same!  That's why gyms and running never worked for me - it was always the same thing and there was never any motivation to reach the next level.  Yes, the workout is going to kick your butt, but you feel that much better about it when's it's done.  I have yet to finish a workout and think to myself, "that was easy!"  HA! 

 

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?

I enjoy a plethora of hobbies including crafting, sewing/embroidering, photography,  cake decorating and party planning.  I love reading, cheering my kids on at soccer, swimming and gymnastics, vacations with the family and hiking national parks with my husband.

Miles Scott

ATHLETE PROFILE: 

 
Name:  Miles Scott

Hometown: Katy

Age: 53
Occupation:  Police Officer
When did you first start CrossFitting?: March 2011
When did you first start training at CrossFit Katy?: March 2011
What class do you generally attend (morning/afternoon)?  Afternoon 

Favorite WOD:  Murph
Least Favorite WOD: Any lift that requires me to lift above my shoulders

Tell us about you sports & fitness background: In most of my young adult life I ran 2-3 miles pretty regularly and I thought I was in pretty good shape.  But, then in 2001 I had to have an Angioplasty (with a stent place in my LAD) and I mistakenly thought I shouldn’t overly exert myself when I exercised.

How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD... what was it, and how did it feel?  Mike (the trainer and my son) had been involved with Crossfit for a while and I could tell he was really into it.  Mike told me I should come try it and I did with my other sons Kevin and Kyle with their girlfriends Shanna and Meagan.

What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)? I’ve lost approximately 30 lbs, I’m off cholesterol medicine (I have been on it since my late twenties), and I am no longer pre-diabetic.  Before I started Crossfit I felt sluggish with no energy.

What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected?
When I first started it took everything I could manage just finish!  I was afraid to push myself (I remember during one of my workouts I was out of breath, so I sort of jokingly asking Leah if they had a defibrillator, and she let me know she was a nurse).  I kept plugging along, in time I felt comfortable pushing myself, and not waiting for the other shoe to drop.  When I started going 4 times a week my improvement accelerated and instead of always being in last I started to actually be competitive!!

Name one goal you have reached since joining CFK and one goal you want to achieve (example:  deadlift/squat/press ­­­___ pounds; do a pull-up; do a WOD RX’d, etc.):  I don’t know that I have actually reached any goals, but my cardio has vastly improved.  I am even starting to get the kips for the pull ups.  I am now at the point where I really want to improve my lifts and those dreaded double unders (which is really tough for us old guys)! 

Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFK moments: My favorite thing about Crossfit is we are like a team or a family.  My favorite moments are watching my children compete individual and as part of Crossfit Katy.

Any advice for people just getting started? I pretty much decide my fate was already determined because of my family history.  Both grand fathers died of heart attacks before I was old enough to know them.  My father had two open heart surgeries, lived with congestive heart failure, and finally died at 65 of a heart attack.  As I mentioned I had a stent put in at 42 (94% occlusion of my LAD), so I pretty much figured why bother?!  My son Mike encouraged me to try CrossFit and I thought I would give it a try.  My first month was Brutal!!  I would tell everyone (especially us older individuals) that it will be a shock to your body, but if you start slowly and keep going you will very amazed how your body can change!  I work out usually 4 days a week, and “Yes”, my body still aches most days (my wife has to hear me constantly whine). However, my wife will also tell you that “CrossFit” has been a life changer, and I now look forward to a long life with my wife, children, and grandchildren. I can now even visualize being around to see my great grandchildren which before CrossFit I could have never imagined.  I guess I should give Mike a big and a Thank you, “Thanks Mikey!!!”
 

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? I love spending time with my beautiful wife and best friend Teresa “Tami” Scott. We enjoy going to movies, traveling, concerts, and spending time with our children and grand children. 

Aaron Grutter

  
Name:  Aaron Grutter

Hometown: Plymouth, Michigan

Age: 23
Occupation: Project Specialist
When did you first start CrossFitting?: September 28, 2011
When did you first start training at CrossFit Katy?: September 28, 2011
What class do you generally attend (morning/afternoon)? Evening

Favorite WOD: Fight Gone Bad
Least Favorite WOD: Anything including toe-to-bars

Tell us about you sports & fitness background:

Growing up I tried every sport I could, but focused on basketball and soccer throughout high school. I never did any serious weight training before CrossFit and my fitness began a steady decline once I entered college.

How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD... what was it, and how did it feel?

I had heard about CrossFit from some of the most in shape people I knew but didn’t have a good idea of what it really was. After watching the 2011 CrossFit Games, I had to give it a try.

My first WOD was High Wire: 5x5 deadlift with 10 tall box jumps after each set of deadlifts. Well, I didn’t come close to finishing and I felt terrible, but that just made me more excited about CrossFit! If I couldn’t even finish a scaled workout, imagine how much stronger CrossFit could make me.

What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)?

Just looking at a scale you might not see much of a difference, but I’ve experienced huge changes since starting CrossFit. Shirts have gone from being tight around the stomach to tight around the shoulders and I have to use drawstrings to hold up pants I could barely fit into before. To me, the lack of weight loss, combined with the change in size/fit is a good indication that CrossFit is replacing fat with a lot of muscle.

What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected?

I never thought I would enjoy CrossFit so much that it could become the highlight of my day or that I would have to force myself to take rest days… it’s the exact opposite of every other workout experience I’ve had. Also, when I started CrossFit I was just looking for a way to get back in shape, but I also found an open, welcoming, encouraging and supportive community.

Name one goal you have reached since joining CFK and one goal you want to achieve (example:  deadlift/squat/press ­­­___ pounds; do a pullup; do a WOD RX’d, etc.): 

A goal I have reached would be: Deadlifting 400 lbs.

 

A goal I want to reach: Deadlifting 410 lbs….. To be perfectly honest I have goals across pretty much everything we do, and when I reach one that just means it’s time to raise the bar a little higher.

 

Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFK moments:
but there are so many… If I had to pick one, it would probably be the second CrossFit Open workout. The workout was a snatch ladder and during warm-up I was unable to get the second weight. Seth Thomas saw the issues I was having, stopped his warm-up and worked on my snatch with me until I was able to get the required weight, and then got it thirteen more times during the workout.

Any advice for people just getting started?
Be prepared to struggle, it’s the fight to finish a workout that makes CrossFit so rewarding! Don’t expect it to get too much easier as you go along either; if CrossFit is getting easier you probably aren’t pushing yourself hard enough. Don’t worry though; there are plenty of people who are willing to encourage/push you when you don’t.

 

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?

I love to ski, skydive, scuba dive, go whitewater rafting and rock climbing whenever I have the opportunity, but after all the time I spend at work and CrossFit, you’re more likely to find me reading or trying to figure out why Texans think football is a better sport than basketball.

 

Michelle Marion

ATHLETE PROFILE:

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2012

   

Name: Michelle Marion    

Hometown: Houston, Tx

Age: 26
Occupation: Kindergarten Teacher
When did you first start CrossFitting?: May 2010
When did you first start training at CrossFit Katy?: May 2010
What class do you generally attend (morning/afternoon)? Afternoon, 6:30 class

Favorite WOD: Rowing workouts!
Least Favorite WOD: Fran – Thrusters ewww

Tell us about you sports & fitness background:
I always used to tell people that I didn’t have lungs but rather gills, because I loved water sports (land sports and I did not get along very well).  I started swimming when I was 4.  I absolutely loved swimming, and it grew into a very competitive sport for me.  In high school I started playing water polo and continued that through college.  Water polo was a great way of combining my favorite activity, swimming, and releasing aggression!  After college, I worked out at every gym in the area, but never really felt like I was satisfied with my workouts until I visited Crossfit Katy!  I am still waiting to do a swim WOD!!!!
How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD... what was it, and how did it feel?

I was introduced to Crossfit by one of my best friends husbands, Bobby Feiertag.  We were eating lunch one day and he convinced me to go.  I kept asking him what the workout was, but he told me he would have to kill me because it is “Crossfit law” that you cannot know the workout ahead of time.  I don’t remember my first WOD, I tend to mentally block things out if not do not like them!   I do remember not being able to move for a while after the workout though.  I remember saying that I wasn’t going to lift heavy or do anything to make myself bigger, and now I absolutely LOVE lifting heavy (unless its thrusters!) and making myself stronger.  I also said that if my hands ever tore I would quit, well my hands are still torn up and I have no intentions of quitting!
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)?
I haven’t changed much if I look at the scale or look at my clothing sizes, BUT if I look at before and after pictures and look at the definition I can see huge changes.  I remember my first competition in Beaumont, I did a huge happy dance for cleaning 95 lbs.  I look back at those pictures and I am so proud of the growth I have made!  There are many days when I get frustrated with myself, but as Leah told me, “you have to have perspective!”  You can’t expect gains every time, what matters is that you keep trying and working and know that each day you ARE getting better and stronger!

What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected?
I have made some amazing friends at Crossfit.  I feel like the people at Crossfit Katy are my family (except when I have to do burpees because it was left a mess)  I love the fact that you are not just a bar code at Crossfit Katy but rather a friend!  There are many times when I have been down on myself for a lift or a workout, and without a doubt there is someone that will bring me right back up!  I am so blessed to have found a second family here!

Not to mention the fact that I found my better half at Crossfit Katy, Ryan Evans!  I never thought that a workout would bring me to my future husband, and I am eternally grateful for that! 

Name one goal you have reached since joining CFK and one goal you want to achieve (example:  deadlift/squat/press ­­­___ pounds; do a pullup; do a WOD RX’d, etc.): 

A goal I have reached would be: pull-ups, I have worked so hard to get them and I finally have them, even though it may look like I am flailing, they work! 

A goal I want to reach: getting a muscle up 

Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFK moments:
My favorite Crossfit moment would be 12/6/211 when Ryan and I got engaged!  I absolutely hated that workout and I strongly disliked the lunges after, but I wouldn’t change a thing!  It was absolutely perfect! 

 

One more, I LOVED judging the Bring the Heat competition last year and I have full intentions, if I am asked, to do it again this year!  I love pushing people past their limit, getting in their face and yelling!  I normally do it at the gym too!  While I enjoy working out and I wanted to do the workouts with them, it was really fun to be on the other side and support someone else.

Any advice for people just getting started?
Keep fighting and working!  The pain is 100% worth it!  If it ever gets easy then you need to push yourself even harder!  Don’t hesitate to ask people around you for help and support, that is what family is for! 

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?

I love working with kids!  Teaching is my passion right now, and I hope to continue that passion through counseling in the future!  I enjoy spending time at home with Ryan and our sweet dogs, especially on the couch with ice on whatever is aching!  I am also a HUGE crafter!  I enjoy making different items for the house or other people! 

John Hughes

ATHLETE PROFILE:

Before                                                 Now

  


 
Name:  John Hughes

Hometown: New Brunswick, Canada

Age: 57
Occupation: Subsea Engineering Manager
When did you first start CrossFitting?: June 2011
When did you first start training at CrossFit Katy?: June 2011
What class do you generally attend (morning/afternoon)?  Evening and Saturday

Favorite WOD: I like variety, everyday is a new day, not knowing what the Team is going to challenge us with is great. 
Least Favorite WOD:  Anything involving Overhead Squats, I really struggle with overhead squats, so when Neal puts those up on the board, I know I am in for a painful workout.

Tell us about you sports & fitness background:

 I have always been involved with sports, even as an adult after college, I played recreational ice hockey, rugby, softball, soccer, you name it, I played it.  Living in Alberta (near the Rocky Mountains) I skied a lot, (both downhill and telemark) and well as serious back packing/camping in the summer up in the mountains. 

How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD... what was it, and how did it feel?  

Our friends (Chet and Kayleen Nelson) who were Crossfit converts encouraged us to attend.  My wife and I came out to a Thursday evening introductory session, Neal was easy on us, but I was totally exhausted after the session.  I do not remember what it was, I sure there were KB swings, probably squats, situps etc.  I am sure Neal and the coaches wondered about this old fat guy who kept coming and was not making much progress for those first few months??

What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)?

In combination with a quasi-paleo diet, I lost 30 lbs in the first 6 months, 4 inches off the waist, off hypertension meds and performance numbers slowly are improving each month.

What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected?  

I did not seriously think that I could recover from several years of letting my physical conditioning get really bad.  The scaling nature of the Crossfit WOD’s is a great tool to take people like myself that are badly out of shape and slowly bring them along to actually be healthy and fit again.  My wife says I do not snore anymore, I can climb 4 or 5 flights of stairs in a building or parkade without coughing up a lung, I feel better, and it is great!!

Name one goal you have reached since joining CFK and one goal you want to achieve (example:  deadlift/squat/press ­­­___ pounds; do a pullup; do a WOD RX’d, etc.): 

I am now doing moderately ugly kipping pull-ups, huge achievement for me.

The most awesome goal of all would be to be able to do a hand stand pushup, not sure I will ever get there, I think Father Time may have something to say about that.

Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFK moments:

The first time I did Angie, I was working on my last few pushups, last one in the class, doing knee pushup, I had used up all my plank pushups, I was totally exhausted.  Ryan got down on the floor beside me as I struggled through those last 4 or 5 pushups, I was in bad shape!!!  He cheered me on to finish, it was outstanding!!  Those moments make us all want to do the same for others that are getting into the Crossfit routines.

Any advice for people just getting started?

Those that find it really hard, do not give up, many of us had to fight our way through many exhausting workouts and continue to do so.  The feeling of accomplishment as you finish any WOD and go home knowing you made progress is great.

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?  

I have been a youth ice hockey coach for 20+ years, I have 3 sons, Joel 28, Andrew 25 and Cory 22 and I coached them all through youth hockey.  I continued coaching after my boys graduated, and recently coached a team of Houston boys in the National AA championship in Cleveland where we won the Bronze medal.

Currently, in addition to working out, I am taking flying lessons with a plan to get my Private Pilots license.  With work, Crossfit and flying, I am kept very busy.