Hey Friends!
It’s that time! We get to highlight one of our awesome members again – Yessssss!
This month we wanted to pick someone for their exceptional positivity, consistency and willingness to attack every workout, lift and goal with the same smile we’re all used to seeing now. This person makes it in to train consistently, despite having a very inconsistent schedule and numerous commitments outside the gym – We’re super lucky to have them. Our CrossFitter of the month is…
Katie! Thanks so much for being awesome – keep crushing extreme in your awesome shoes 😉
Name: Katie Condratto
Age: 30
Occupation: Emergency Services Dispatcher
What was your exercise experience prior to crossfit?
I used to work out at the YMCA on my own but found I wasn’t really seeing any results nor was I really putting in any actual effort. I stopped going after a while and my lifestyle became quite sedentary and I ended up gaining a lot of weight. I ended up joining a local kickboxing club and continued to do that for four years. The atmosphere was fun, it was a great stress reliever and it helped me get back into shape. However when I started a new job at the beginning of 2013, my hectic schedule didn’t allow me to attend as often and eventually I stopped going. I started working out on my own afterwards but it wasn’t enough to keep me in shape and I fell off the bandwagon again.
How long have you been doing crossfit and why do you choose to crossfit?
I’ve been doing crossfit for almost two years now and I haven’t looked back! I was interested in joining for about two years before I finally signed up. A friend of mine told me about it when we both signed up for our first Tough Mudder back in 2012. When I looked up “What is Crossfit?” on YouTube and saw the videos, I knew I had to try it! I chose to keep going with it because it’s like nothing I’ve ever done before. It’s by far the most challenging and rewarding type of workout and that’s what keeps me coming back every day! But the real reason I keep coming back is because I love my nanos and custom oly shoes so it gives me an excuse to wear them! haha
What is your favorite part about crossfit?
I love everything about Crossfit! I’ve never met such an awesome group of people who encourage each other through every step of the way. It definitely helps hearing a “Keep going, you’re at the homestretch, you’re almost there” during a difficult workout (I’m getting flashbacks of Lumberjack 20 & Murph right now!). I also love that the workouts are different and challenging each time as it keeps me interested in coming back. Another favourite part of crossfit is finally reaching one of your goals. It’s always fun working towards getting that first strict pull up or unbroken toes to bar because you know all the hard work that was put in prior to leading up to it.
What are the accomplishments you are proud of? (Crossfit or non crossfit related)
I think I’d have to say I’m proud my attitude towards crossfit has completely changed from when I first signed up in May 2014 to now. When Adam was going through my fundamentals with me, my first exercise had me doing a 400m run with a medicine ball. I didn’t realize how out of shape I was and I was very close to ditching the ball, running to my car and never coming back. I also had this defeatist attitude and wasn’t willing to try anything that I deemed too difficult. For the longest time, I avoided anything that intimidated me such as snatches, toes to bar, rope climbs and double unders. I decided to stick with crossfit because as difficult as it was, I was seeing progress, I was getting back in shape and I loved the community. Fast forward to now and I welcome anything difficult with open arms!! The harder the workout, the more excited I am to show up and conquer it! I also love embracing any of my weaknesses and working on them to continuously improve myself, which is something I would never do when I first started. Crossfit teaches you to get out of your comfort zone and embrace your fears. I’m so happy I never gave up on that medicine ball run on my first day 🙂
Favorite workout or lift?
I don’t have a particular favourite lift. I love all of them as there’s always room for improvement since they’re so technical. As for my favourite workout, I’d have to say any WOD where you have to mentally and physically prepare yourself for what’s ahead is always fun to complete. The reward of completing a difficult WOD with like-minded people and getting a high five at the end is a great feeling!
Anything else you would like to share please feel free
I’d just like to say a BIG THANKS to everyone I’ve ever encountered at the gym who has encouraged me along the way. I was very intimidated when I first joined but that feeling quickly subsided when I got to know everyone and realize how awesome the community is at crossfit. I know a lot of people see me as a social person but I’m actually quite shy. So joining the gym was a huge boundary that I was able to overcome. The people are a huge factor on how my attitude has done a complete 180 in the past two years. Without your awesome support, I’d still be in my comfort zone unable to do even half of what I’m capable of doing now. I’d also be unwilling to try anything new or even attempt a hero WOD. Thanks to Adam and Kristin for opening such an amazing and positive gym, thanks to the afternoon and evening crew for being awesome partners to work out with and being patient when I’m always delaying the WOD to go to the bathroom and thanks to the morning crew for working out with me on the weekends for those more difficult WODS. And lastly, thanks to the coaches who’ve helped me throughout the way and never stopped encouraging me to run faster, lift heavier (with proper form!) and complete that last round like a boss! Everyone is much appreciated 🙂