ATHLETE PROFILE
Name: Michelle Caldwell
Hometown: Katy, TX
Age: 30
Occupation: Global Service Desk Manager & Program/Project Manager
When did you first start CrossFitting? September 2017
When did you first start training at CrossFit Katy? September 2017
What class do you generally attend (morning/afternoon)? 5am
Favorite WOD: I do not have a favorite WOD. They all destroy me!
Least Favorite WOD: Baby WODs, Team & Partner WODs — they destroy me the most.
Tell us about you sports & fitness background:
I was fairly active before college and becoming a desk jockey. I did both Modern & Ballet. I was a sprinter assigned to run last segment in relays. I did kickboxing for giggles and played flag football with my buddies.
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 introduced me to CrossFit in 2009 when he picked it up. I deemed it ‘Not My Thing.’ However, I gave it a try last year to get myself back to a healthy condition. The only thing I can remember about my first WOD was that it included snatches…it was bad. I had never lifted a barbell over my head before that and the move is so technical that I could not figure out how to even move my body appropriately. I was shocked though that I could actually hold something that weighed more than my cat above my head!
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)?
When I started, I had a resting heart rate of 82 bpm; it’s now around 68 bpm. My blood pressure was 140/80 and now it’s 120/78. I weighed 165 lbs. and today I weighed in at 137 lbs. I could not lift myself even a centimeter when trying to do a pull-up a year ago. This morning I did two strict pull-ups unassisted, no problem. I am seeing muscles I haven’t seen in almost a decade, and I’m seeing muscles I didn’t even knew existed, like the Teres…what is that?? The hubby says I look more muscular and my proportions have definitely changed; and that I’m happier.
What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected?
I sleep better! I didn’t realize how foggy my brain was getting and now it’s much clearer and active during the day. I am sure that is because the hardest part of my day takes place at 5am. I physically move so much better and every day things, like opening the pickle jar and carrying a 50lb bag of horse feed, are super easy. Overall, I just feel better.
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.):
Well I did not really set any goals because I did not know if I was going to stick with CrossFit. I just wanted to get healthy and I am definitely on my way there. I guess a goal I am working towards is doing all the WODs at RX’d. Currently, all I do at RX’d is the running distance and that in itself was a huge obstacle to overcome. Each time I go into a class I alter at least one thing to make it harder than the day before, such as an increase in weight or moving up in the skill progression, so I am continually getting stronger and faster.
Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFK moments:
We were doing back squats one morning and I was not paying attention to how much weight was on the bar. I accidently back squatted 200lbs (PR). I have not been able to do it since but it’s a pretty good moment for me.
Of course, the feeling of relief and not being dead after every WOD is always a favorite moment for me too!
Any advice for people just getting started?
Keep at it! Every little improvement no matter how small is something to be super proud of! Do NOT discount those small steps forward. Be sure to take care of yourself, especially when starting out. Drink lots of water and listen to your body! Recovery is important!
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?
I like to read A LOT. I take my Kindle everywhere. I also like playing video games with the hubby…we have to be on the same team because I am so competitive. I enjoy being outside and love to garden. I also LOVE TO EAT! Food is my favorite 😊
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