July Featured Athlete: Cat Kang

1. How did you find out about CrossFit?

I started looking for a gym after I started reading that exercise, in particular weight bearing exercise, was an excellent way of staving off osteoporosis and dementia.  I was on my own and i wanted to do what i could to maximize the chances that i'd grow old strong and self-reliant.  I started at a gym where you do your own thing.  I went regularly for 6 months but i really didn't know what i was doing.  So, I started asking around and Jozanne, a mom of Manning's friends, told me about it.

2. What is your favorite Crossfit exercise or WOD?

My favorite wod?  I can't think of any.  But that's what I love.  The variety.  I come in and with trepidation and excitement both, I check out the board and it's almost always like opening up a gift.

3. How long have you been CrossFitting for?

I'm embarrassed to say but I think like 6 years now.  Embarrassed because I still refuse to whip myself doing double unders, still struggle to get my chin over the bar twice in a row.  But on the other hand it's a testament to how amazing this gym has been for a middle-aged lady who never knew anything about exercise her whole life to return week after week.  I remember how excited I was when I finally could do 1 toe push up.  I hadn't even been trying, had been doing knee ones.  Now, wherever I go, I ask people to show me how many toe push ups they can do without stopping.  My 90- year-old Dad got to the floor, for instance, and did more than I thought he would do.

4. What do you do for a living?

I'm a clinical psychologist.

5. What are your hobbies?

Hobbies? Being a mom.   My work.  Cooking.  Eating.  I get into memoirs, historical fiction.  I love traveling to pastoral parts of Asia.  I love checking out restaurants when I travel.  And of course, crossfit.

6. What are your goals?

At crossfit my goal is always to finish.  That may not sound ambitious but I'm always totally spent after a wod and changes in my body have happened anyway.  For instance, one day it dawned on me that arthritis that had bothered me for years didn't anymore.    Also, i was changing in front of the mirror one day and jumped because I didn't recognize my body!

7. Why do you CrossFit?

It began with staving off old people's diseases.  It still is. But now it's a family affair with Dave and Manning and the wonderful wonderful people here I've met through the years.

8. Any advice for future CrossFitters?

Stick it out.  You won't regret it.  It's a great overall investment in your life.  Really.