Athlete Spotlight: Meet Cassandra…
“I started Crossfit back in June 2013, mainly after a good friend I knew in Boston, who now lives in Ohio, sent a crazy movie of a lift, and though it would be a good way to combat the trend of losing muscle mass w/ age (over 40, thinking about these things now).
I started out about every other day (3x/week), then went to 4x/wk in the fall, now to 5. Soreness has gotten better, or maybe just used to moving anyway. As part of the paleo challenge, I also am trying to increase ambient movement during the rest of life, e.g., by jogging to/home from CrossFit in the morning, parking across campus instead of near my building at work, and taking a walk w/ family after dinner (so getting to 10-15,000 steps per day). I still like to get to a yoga or dance class on the weekend if possible. Incidentally, the observable change in performance in ballet & yoga are amazing to see. E.g., while everyone is out of breath after jump sequences in ballet, I’m jumping higher and completely fine. Those DUs are worth it.
Goals have been really fun and helpful, and the more specific/ measurable the better. I’ve tried to focus on skills or strength that will help long-term plus habits I want to form and keep. Things like mindful meals, or the paleo challenge, or more ambient movement, are additional lifestyle changes I appreciate and hope are really sustainable.
I appreciate the sense of community and encouragement as well as the small group coaching with corrections and alignment advice. As a former yoga teacher, I like understanding how movement works and the opportunity to be challenged and learn through movement.
Just a couple of more random observations: I’m pretty competitive and intense in life/work in general but have never really found that edge in physical activity, so that is interesting to explore.
And, probably the biggest benefit of CrossFit so far (aside from gains in fitness/strength) is busting my own self-imposed beliefs about my limits on a consistent basis.”
For those of you that haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Cassandra, she’s one of the most consistent athletes at the box. She brings intensity to each and every wod while still maintaining an unwaivering focus on form and technique. She’s goal oriented and most impressively, she RUNS to the gym for 5:30am class. Keep being your badass self, Cassandra!
WOD: OHS ; HPC / Ring Push-ups
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