December Featured Athlete: Marnie Ahlmer

1. How did you find out about CrossFit?

My sister-in-law Jayme Thompson told me about it and so we thought we would give it a try together.  I knew right away that Crossfit was exactly what I was looking for.

2. What is your favorite Crossfit exercise or WOD?

I love anything with weights and I'm not thrilled with a lot of cardio, which means that I should do more cardio!  I like the filthy fifty and doing any WOD that includes the prowler, tires, or anything a little different.

3. How long have you been CrossFitting for?

Almost 4 1/2 years.

4. What do you do for a living?

I am a stay at home mom with four kids.

5. What are your hobbies?

I am pretty busy running after my kids with all of their activities but if I have free time I like to hike, golf and really any physical activity.  I like to spend time with family as well as shop.

6. What are your goals?

With Crossfit, my goals have changed since I started.  When I first began, I wanted to lose weight and make it through a WOD without having to modify it.  Now, I want to be stronger and keep pushing myself to be better.

7. Why do you CrossFit?

I Crossfit because I love it!!  I love the programming!  I don't have to think about my workout because I know that Brad has done that for me.  The WODs are challenging and I really like the all over strength that I have gained from Crossfitting.

8. Any advice for future CrossFitters?

Just come give it a try.  If you have one ounce of competitiveness, you'll love it!  It's challenging but you can modify at first and the trainers here are excellent!  I have learned that what you eat does make a big difference in how you feel and how you perform, so nutrition is just as important as the exercise.

November Featured Athletes: Stan and Marge Edwards

1. How did you find out about CrossFit?

STAN:

I remember Marge telling me about it and immediately calling Brad. I was looking for an outlet, a place where I could be in shape and meet people in Logan.

MARGE: 

I found out about Crossfit from Stan (well, I heard of it first and then Stan started before me). He came home with a whole new lexicon (WOD, PR, AMRAP, Paleo, Burpie, the “Zone”…). I saw Stan transform (physically and mentally) before my eyes and decided I’d better “drink the coconut water” too.

2. What is your favorite Crossfit exercise or WOD?

STAN:

The 300, I’d like it even better with an 800m run before and after!

MARGE: 

I like the overall programming at CVSC (minus the wall balls—yuck). In particular, the Saturday/Sunday WODs are fun because they last a bit longer (for me anyway). My favorite Crossift WOD is Helen.

3. How long have you been CrossFitting for?

STAN:

Since Fall 2009

MARGE: 

I’ve been going to CVSC for 4.5 years. I’ve progressed from hiding in the corner (only able to run and do sit-ups) to enjoying double-unders (really!) and linking a few pull-ups.

4. What do you do for a living?

STAN:

I’ve worked in the organic certification industry as an independent contractor the past 20 years. I am mainly an inspector of farms and processing plants. Part of that work is consulting for companies and training other inspectors. I’m currently back in school, half way to getting my Masters in Food Safety and Quality from USU.

MARGE: 

Speech-Language Pathologist

5. What are your hobbies?

STAN:

Anything outside but mostly skiing (cross country, back country, etc.), Mtn. biking and fly-fishing. Love to back pack and boat with the family too!

MARGE: 

Skiing in all of its forms, mountain biking, running in the mountains, backpacking, reading books in print (no ebooks!) and sleeping on my very comfortable bed.

6. What are your goals?

STAN:

I want to always be in shape and able to get out into the mountains (or the sea), have fun and be safe. I love exercise and camaraderie, so CVSC is a good place for me.

MARGE: 

Overall, I want to maintain my health, strength and endurance. Though, time permitting, I aspire to becoming a better weight lifter in form as well as increasing weight lifted. Also, just 1 muscle-up!

7. Why do you CrossFit?

STAN:

Because I’m now so into it, that I can’t miss more than a couple of days! I’ve been to gyms all over the place, and worked out at lots of hotels too. Getting exercise everyday while on the road makes a world of difference for my fitness, my performance at work and mood when I get home.

MARGE: 

Initially, I started at CVSC to be able to backcountry ski & mountain bike off the couch. My work schedule was such that I could only exercise on the weekends. Over time, my motivation to go to CVSC has evolved as a health, fitness and social necessity and I try to go 5 days a week. The CVSC community is a very unique and supportive community. Many days, I walk in, exhausted from work, and can motivate to challenge myself to work out among an amazing group of highly positive and motivated coaches and people.

8. Any advice for future CrossFitters?

STAN:

Your food choices impact not just your health but also the health of our society and the planet. Brad and Jamie are great coaches, you just have to show up and give it all ya got!

MARGE: 

No matter where you are in your life (depressed, over weight, 5+ kids, overworked) make time and join CVSC now! Tell yourself “I can do that” (doubles, 1 pull-up, 1 mile….) and make time. It will change your life in many positive ways and set you on the road to a healthy future!

September Featured Athlete: Keisa Lindley

1. How did you find out about CrossFit?

I had two friends that were doing crossfit in Smithfield and they both called me and said "you should try this you will love it!" I also worked with Kelsey Chlarson so I talked to her a lot about it and she encouraged me to try it.

2. What is your favorite Crossfit exercise or WOD?

I love Saturdays but the one thing I love about crossfit is that all the work outs are different and fun and I don't have to remember or decide what to do for the work out it's already planned for me!

3. How long have you been CrossFitting for?

I have been to coming to CVSC for 2 years. When I came for my newbie work out I felt like I had hit rock bottom with my health and fitness. I have always considered myself athletic and enjoyed exercising but I was in a bad viscous cycle of not feeling good, so not exercising, not eating healthy, so not feeling good, so not feeling good about myself etc. etc. etc. Since starting crossfit I have lost 40lbs, dropped 6 sizes and I feel AMAZING! I have ran my first half marathon, started hiking and over all feel happier and healthier than I have felt in years!

4. What do you do for a living?

I'm the secretary at Cedar Ridge Middle School.

5. What are your hobbies?

My hobbies have changed dramatically the last year. For 22 years I have enjoyed doing what ever my kids have been involved in and supporting them in their interests. But we became empty nesters in May. So my new hobbies are crossfit (of course), hiking, running, 4 wheeling. I have always enjoyed and still enjoy reading and watching most sporting events (although I have to say they are a lot more fun when your kids are playing)!

6. What are your goals?

My goals have changed too, it use to be all about losing weight and I got very discouraged when I didn't lose very much weight at first and Brad told me to throw away my scales (which was hard at the time since I lived in a house of wrestlers) but I really don't weigh very often any more,  I know how much I've lost because I went to the dr.  So my goals now are just to keeping coming to crossfit, live a healthier life style and eat better.

7. Why do you CrossFit?

I'm a better, happier person because of crossfit! The people! The workouts never get old, always different, challenging and most of the time fun! At least when your done.

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.

June Featured Athlete: Beth Fauth

 

1. How did you find out about CrossFit?

I had two wonderful friends (Raegan and Klair)  who were members of this crossfit and they spoke highly of it. They also look great (which is good marketing for the gym!).  It seemed like a good fit for the things I like in a workout.

2. What is your favorite Crossfit exercise or WOD?

I love the workouts where the intensity is high and the movements switch quickly.  I feel like I can do anything for 30 seconds, or for 10 reps, then come back to it over and over, as opposed to doing something 50 or 100 times in a row (which I will do, but not quite as enthusiastically). In fact I think that’s what keeps me coming back.  If every workout was 100 burpees and 200 wall balls I would have been out of here I long time ago. :)  I push myself a lot harder and enjoy it a lot more when I realize I actually accomplished a lot of movements, but  it switched often enough that I didn't have time to feel sorry for myself.

3. How long have you been CrossFitting for?

I started about 5 years ago, for a few months after my daughter was born. When I was pregnant with my second I was on exercise restriction for the duration of my pregnancy so I took time off and came back after my son was born.  So I guess I’ve been coming consistently for three and a half years.

4. What do you do for a living?

I’m a professor at Utah State University in the department of Family, Consumer, and Human Development. I teach classes in Aging and do research on dementia and reducing stress for family caregivers, and functional ability in older adults.

5. What are your hobbies?

I love to garden, cook, ski, travel, fish, and hike.

6. What are your goals?

In general my goals are about consistency.  When I come to crossfit often, I feel great and pants fit better.  When I try to do too much in a week, my husband is out of town and I can’t get a sitter at 6:00 am,  or otherwise “don’t have time” for workouts I fall behind.  So my goal is to keep this momentum going, even when life gets busy.  I also have a fantasy of someday being able to do double unders (3.5 years and a $25 jump rope hasn’t helped).

7. Why do you CrossFit?

There are MANY reasons this works for me.  The fact that I am working out in a group keeps me accountable and helps me push myself.  When I run by myself and there is a steep hill, I’m perfectly happy to walk (“walking is good for me!”) , but when I’m tired during a crossfit workout I keep going to avoid looking like an idiot.

I am terrible at things like step classes or Zumba.  Jami and Brad have never asked me to shake my bootie (although I would do it if they asked me to).

I have always been a jogger but even after completing a ½ marathon I still didn’t feel like running was the “thing” I was going to get into.

The time component is important to me – I love that I can feel more exhausted in 12 minutes at crossfit than after 60 minutes of other workouts.

I love this gym – I enjoy the people I work out with (sorry I’m so grumpy at 6:15am –  If you saw me later in the day you would see that I actually am a very happy person), and the coaches are amazing. They push me but I always feel safe.  I have never had an injury (unless you count being REALLY REALLY SORE as an injury).

I also love the focus on healthy food. Crossfit has changed the way I think about food, and the way I cook.  I love food, especially sharing meals with friends, and if I’m not exercising enough or being smart about food especially when I’m socializing a lot, I gain weight.  About 12 years ago I wanted to lose 10 pounds and tried  weight watchers, and even though it worked, I was hungry and unsatisfied that a healthy meal meant fake food (fake fat free cheese seems to be a staple in many WW recipes). I have never done a full blown Paleo diet, but I adopt a lot of the core principles and I have done several challenges through the gym and they work.  And the food tastes great.

8. Any advice for future CrossFitters?

You need to stick with it for 3 months before you decide if you want to stay… I was so sore in the beginning and I was tempted to take some advil and quit coming. After 3 months I really saw the results and I wasn’t sore every single time I went. Also, for people that think it will be too hard, or who hate group workouts, I would say that it is a great program for any level of fitness.  Even though you are working out in a group, no one cares if you finish first or last – everyone is just focused on their own workout.  It’s a really supportive environment.

May Featured Athlete: Bonnie Summers

1. How did you find out about CrossFit?

I found out about Crossfit from my two nieces who had been going.  (Ashley and Jenny)  Ash's sister Wendy was a trainer and so strong!

2. What is your favorite Crossfit exercise or WOD?

My favorite WOD was not Filthy Fifty!  At first I didn't love any WOD but within a few months I was glad to be working hard and getting stronger.  I enjoyed Murph and I also enjoyed learning double unders.  Wall Balls are still low on my list.

3. How long have you been CrossFitting for?

I have been Crossfitting since July 2009--the longest that I have stayed with any one workout!

4. What do you do for a living?

I am a rancher and a mom.  Not necessarily in that order--except during calving season.

5. What are your hobbies?

My hobbies are riding horses, and spending time with my family, quilting, cross-stitching, running, reading, and cooking.

6. What are your goals?

My goals are to be better and stronger every day in every aspect of my life.

7. Why do you CrossFit?

I Crossfit so I can be strong enough to keep up with my kids, my hired man, and continue to enjoy my ranch life!

8. Any advice for future CrossFitters?

My advice for future Crossfitters is to start and then keep working!  Don't be discouraged.  The workout is not the enemy, your bad habits- both eating and fitness- are and you will be better for any effort, so why not make it your best effort!  Enjoy the ride,  you are worth it

April Featured Athlete: Shan Smith

1. How did you find out about Crossfit?

Through Taylor Richards-Lindsay, a friend of mine and previous trainer at CVSC.

2. What is your favorite Crossfit exercise or WOD?

I love anything with pull-ups and doubles. And used to be burpees before I got pregnant, now those take FOR-EV-ER!

3. How long have you been Crossfitting for?

5 years.

4. What do you do for a living?

I recently quit my job as a mental health therapist at the end of 2013 to stay home full time with my daughter, Claire, and soon to be baby boy, who has yet to be named:) I also volunteer at a crisis pregnancy center in Logan (Center for Pregnancy Choices) and am blessed to get to know some amazing women (and men) in our community and share resources.

5. What are your hobbies?

I enjoy biking and skiing, gives me a little something extra to do for each season. I also enjoy reading, baking and experimenting with new cooking recipes.

6. What are your goals?

My goals seem to change since I've started CrossFit. Like most people, I started out with the goal to lose weight and get into shape. As I started weight lifting I had goals that centered around my 1 RM on different lifts. But like many, work and family take precedence and my goals have changed, especially since I've quit working, Currently its to keep healthy during pregnancy and to show my daughter the benefits and fun to working out and being active.

7. Why do you Crossfit?

There are two major reasons I CrossFit: 1.) The people at CVSC. It is such an awesome community and I've made such amazing friends. This is why I keep coming back day after day, month after month, year after year. 2.) Continuation of being in shape. I like how being active and healthy feels. I like the feeling of knowing I can complete these workouts and learn new skills and get better at my weaknesses. I grew up on a farm and am not afraid of physical labor, but I am and have been for years, in the best shape of my life.

8. Any advice for future CrossFitters?

The advice I have, the soreness you get when you're new doesn't go away for good, but it gets better. You start to enjoy it and its a little reminder you've worked your hardest and you're continuing on this journey of getting healthy, so don't quit. AND ask questions. The terminology is confusing and no one knows it at the beginning.

I'm honored to be chosen for the athlete profile and give a HUGE thanks to you and the other trainers for teaching me more than just what it takes to get in shape. Add to that discipline, dedication, having a great time and meeting remarkable people along the way.

March Featured Athlete: Kristie Smith

1. How did you find out about Crossfit?

I found out about CrossFit from my good friend Sannette Webb. Her and her husband had just started and were loving it!

2. What is your favorite Crossfit exercise or WOD?

My favorite WOD would be "Kelly." I've always enjoyed the ones that include running. I also look forward to the "Memorial Day" WOD each year. It's just a good, hard, and long work out.  The "Fiflthy 50 " is always a great one too. That's a sensitive subject around our house though. I was very pregnant and beating my husband during that WOD when he walked out in the middle and has never come back!

3. How long have you been Crossfitting for?

I have been doing CrossFit since May of 2008.

4. What do you do for a living?

I am a stay at home Mom with 5 very active and involved children.

5. What are your hobbies?

My hobbies are running, scrapbooking, vacationing with my family and anything else that involves my kids.

6. What are your goals?

My goals are to keep coming everyday and continue to eating healthy.

7. Why do you Crossfit?

I CrossFit because I like the way it makes me feel. I believe I have more energy, patience with my family, and I'm a happier person due to Crossfit. I've always been active and exercised, but I've never seen the results I've seen with CrossFit.

8. Any advice for future CrossFitters?

My advice would be give it try! I call it a love/hate relationship, but I definitely have more love for it! CrossFit is not for everyone, but you'll never know until you try!

February Featured Athlete: Klair Fullmer

1. How did you find out about Crossfit?

Lorie talked me into trying it out. It was one of her better ideas.

2. What is your favorite Crossfit exercise or WOD?

I really enjoy doubles. Hopefully I’ll be back to doing them again soon. My favorite WOD is Annie, Filthy Fifty, or anything with a shit-ton of movements that equals hundreds of reps.

3. How long have you been Crossfitting for?

5 years

4. What do you do for a living?

I work for Wasatch Property Management in Human Resources.

5. What are your hobbies?

Read. Garden. Travel. Bear Lake.

6. What are your goals?

Get back to regular workouts and not modified/progression. I would really like to do burpees and doubles again, but not running.

7. Why do you Crossfit?

It’s an instant pick-me-up. Whether or not I want to do the WOD, I’m always glad I did when I finish. Even if it has push-ups in it.

8. Any advice for future CrossFitters?

It’s not a competition. We are all here for the same reason and the only person you should be proving anything to is yourself. Count every rep, do the movements correctly, finish, show up again.

January Featured Athlete: Tanya Winslow

1. How did you find out about Crossfit?

I first heard about CrossFit from my friend Deena. BT rolled into Logan and started some "new" exercise program. I had no idea what to expect. We started at the rec center improvising with their equipment . I thought he was crazy. Do what? I had never lifted weights before.

2. What is your favorite Crossfit exercise or WOD?

Anything difficult. But always love when running is involved! Probably any type of " chipper " . I may not be the fastest, but I will ALWAYS finish!

3. How long have you been Crossfitting for?

I have been training with BT since day 1..for almost 6 years! And hopefully for 60 more .

4. What do you do for a living?

I am a cosmetologist and have a salon in my home.

5. What are your hobbies?

My hobbies are crossfitting of course, running and sewing . Ok, a little shopping :)

6. What are your goals?

One goal I have set is to run 50 marathons by my 50th birthday. I have completed 33 marathons, so 5 years with only 17 to go!

7. Why do you Crossfit?

Why wouldn't I CrossFit? That is the question! CrossFit has changed my life in so many ways. It is now a lifestyle/religion.

8. Any advice for future CrossFitters?

My advice to anyone starting, would be diet . As a runner you can run off a "crappy" diet, but not if you want to survive at CrossFit. Also patience, listen to your trainers, they truly care about you.  I love all of them and my CVSC family!

December Featured Athlete: Richard Spillman

1. How did you find out about Crossfit?

Several of my children had gotten into it and eventually coaxed me into giving it a try.

2. What is your favorite Crossfit exercise or WOD?

Running and thrusters.  Maybe I don’t like them so much as I really like that I can do them.  I am 60 years old and before going to Crossfit I had pretty much accepted certain things as inevitable.  Running, squats and weight training were some activities that I was beginning to accept that I would never do again.  Every time I do those exercises I think of that and I feel like I have a whole new lease on an active life.

3. How long have you been Crossfitting for?

About 3 years.  When I started Brad quickly gained my confidence.  I could feel that he was there to help me.  I never felt pressured to do more.  In fact, he would often suggest that I do fewer reps or use less weights.  I began dreaming of the day when I would do the WOD without modification.  It took about 6 months before I finally accomplished that goal.  Sometimes I can start thinking that I am not really any stronger but then I remember that I do the standard WOD now almost every day.  I finish dead last 99% of the time but that doesn’t matter to me at all.  That’s not why I’m there.

4. What do you do for a living?

I started a software company in the late 70s called Spillman Technologies.  Actually, it started as my senior project at USU.  We moved it to SLC in 2005.  We build, sell and support software to law enforcement agencies.  We have over 1,200 agencies across the US and we employ about 250 people.  I have been partially retired for the last 5 years.

5. What are your hobbies?

My hobby has always been building my business.  That was what I really loved and consumed most of my time.  It continues to be my hobby now but I also love spending time with my 7 children and 17 grandchildren.  I love to travel with my wife and family.  My favorite place to go in the world is Disneyland.  Crossfit has even made Disneyland a LOT more enjoyable.

6. What are your goals?

My goals, with regard to fitness, are I want to live to be 80 years old and I want to be able to keep up with my grandkids.  My father died of a heart attack when he was 55.  Three years ago I was overweight and I was starting to accept that I couldn’t do things anymore.  I just thought I was getting old and couldn’t do anything about it.  A single flight of stairs became a big obstacle that I would avoid if at all possible.  Finally I had enough and knew I needed to make some big changes.  I started going to Crossfit and I went on a diet.  A year later I had lost 50 pounds (they’re still lost) and I could run around Disneyland all day with my grandkids.  That felt so good!  As I said, I had accepted the fact that I would never run again.  I used to run some.  I had a tradition with my children to run the Main Street Mile at the beginning of the Hyrum City parade on the 4^th of July.  I haven’t done it for many years.  This year I ran it with several of my grandkids.  It was tough but I never felt so good!

I have a bucket list that I have been working on for a long time.  I have raced the Baja 1000, I have stood on the beach of Normandy, I have seen a tornado, I have passed through the Panama Canal, I have been to all 50 states, I have been north of the Arctic Circle.  Some things still on my list: see the Great Wall of China, see a solar eclipse, learn to speak Spanish and go into outer space.

7. Why do you Crossfit?

Because there are so many ways that your life is improved when you are fit.  There are so many more things that you can do and enjoy.  In fact, I don’t think I lost any weight from the exercising at Crossfit.  I didn’t Crossfit to lose weight; I lost weight so I could Crossfit better.  I hate getting up in the morning and going to Crossfit but that only lasts until I get to the box.  From then until the next morning I enjoy a great sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.  We’re talking about quality of life here.  It doesn’t just happen.  I love that I just have to show up.  I don’t have to plan the WOD and it is NEVER boring.

8. Any advice for future CrossFitters?

Build up your courage and walk in the door.  That’s the hardest part.  Talk to Brad.  You will quickly sense that he’s there to help you.  Look around and you will realize that the people there are not all hard core muscle-bound specimens.  There are also just regular people who are trying to improve their quality of life – just like you.  Commit yourself to at least a month.  You will likely feel some soreness or aches and pains – be careful but work through them.  Come with a friend.  Always remember that no matter how hard it is the return is the best investment you will ever make.

November Featured Athlete: Sandra Ferrari

1. How did you find out about Crossfit?

I had heard about Crossfit over the last few years from several sources but what got me really interested was my friend Jen Levy. When I saw her after not having seen her for 6  months, I made an appointment for the newbie Saturday class the same week and never looked back!

2. What is your favorite Crossfit exercise or WOD?

I enjoy doing band pullups and knees to elbows. My favorite WOD was the Quad Killer at the Old Main Hill. It was super tough but so much fun!

3. How long have you been Crossfitting for?

I have now been Crossfiting for 18 months and have never once been bored or thought of not coming back. It also helps that CVSC is such a neat community of people. I absolutely love it!

4. What do you do for a living?

I am a software developer who sits at the computer 8 to 10 hours a day. I am a proud “Nooner” and that break to Crossfit in the middle of the day is perfect for me physically and mentally. There’s nothing that works better for giving your mind a break than only thinking about the next burpee!

5. What are your hobbies?

I like to read and enjoy foreign movies. I mostly enjoy spending time with my two awesome daughters.

6. What are your goals?

My goal is to get stronger every day. I would like to be able to do more than one dead hung pull up in a row!

7. Why do you Crossfit?

I have been fairly active throughout my life but I have to say that I have never felt this good. It is never boring because WODs are always different.  It is empowering to see how little by little one makes so much progress. This empowerment translates into all facets of your life.

8. Any advice for future CrossFitters?

My advice to future Crossfiters would be to try it and hang in there! The WODs are tough but you feel so good after you are done, you will only want to come back for more!

October Featured Athlete: Brady West

1. How did you find out about Crossfit? I first heard about Crossfit from one of my co-workers. Her kids own the gym up in Preston. So I started looking into it and we decided to give it a try.

2. What is your favorite Crossfit exercise or WOD? Anything with power cleans and deadlifts. Or anything that takes the breath out of ya.

3. How long have you been Crossfitting for? We have been Crossfitting for just over a year.

4. What do you do for a living? I am an Insurance Agent for the Logan Insurance Agency.

5. What are your hobbies? I love playing golf and softball.

6. What are your goals? Currently my main focus is on starting my own business. I would really like to get my mile and 5k times down. I also want to increase my upper body strength.

7. Why do you Crossfit? I first started Crossfit to lose weight. Down 70lbs!!! But now I do it to challenge myself and to improve my overall fitness. Crossfit has made it so I can do more things in my life. Before Crossfit I never would have signed up for the runs that Jodi and I have done. I couldn't even run 200 Meters without feeling like I was going to die. When I first started Crossfit I would look at the whiteboard and question whether or not I would even be able to finish the workout. Now when I look at the whiteboard I know it might suck but I know I will be able to push through. I love the workouts that kick the crap out of you and make you feel like you might pass out. They make you feel like really accomplished something that day.

8. Any advice for future CrossFitters? Take it one WOD at a time. You might not fully notice the results immediately but they are there. Listen to the trainers and talk to them about any concerns or injuries you may have. They will help you work through anything. All the trainers at CVSC know what you need to improve yourself. They are awesome. Set reasonable goals and try to exceed them. Make the most out of the time you have here. I am going to miss this place.

CVSC Committed Athlete Brandi Funk

Occupation: I’m a domestic goddess who feels like an ordinary house wife.

Type of training before CrossFit:

I pretty much didn’t have any kind of training before CVSC. It is one of the hardest and intimidating things I have ever done. It takes guts to walk in for the first time. Actually it takes guts every time I walk in. It is also one of the most rewarding thing you could do for yourself. It is teaching me how to be strong and healthy for myself and my family. I have found inner strength I did not know I had in me. All of the trainers have been very supportive and helpful. You guys are awesome!

Favorite Workouts:

I don’t really have a favorite workout. I just like to feel myself improving a little each time I do the workout. I have also learned it’s a life style change. You can workout all day but if you eat junk and don’t feed your body what it needs it won’t Work! Protein is my new best friend.

Any hobbies you have outside the gym?

Out side of the gym I enjoy reading, working outside with my hubby in the yard, and watching MMA with my husband on Saturday nights. I love to laugh and find humor when sometimes things seem impossible to laugh at.

Something about you that not too many people at CVSC know?

I wish I had some cool thing that people don’t know about me like I rode a bull for 8 seconds or I hiked a really big mountain but the truth is I like the simple things in life. My husband and my four kids are my best work in life.

Any words of advice for newer members at CVSC?

Get out of your comfort zone and don’t hold back.You can do hard things!

CVSC Committed Athlete – Jodi Bailey

Occupation: Director of Internal Audits at USU.

Type of training before CrossFit:

Prior to Crossfit, I was spending, at a minimum, an hour and a half every day with a combination of lifting and cardio machines. My first WOD was a 20 minute AMRAP. I remember thinking“WHAT? Only 20 minutes, no problem”……..and then I died at the 10 minute mark.

Favorite Workouts?

ANYTHING Tabata!  I can wrap my brain around going all out for 20 seconds.

I love Fight Gone Bad“ish” too.

Any hobbies you have outside of the gym?

Camping, jetskiing, biking, hiking, gardening….anything outdoors when the weather is warm.

Something about me that people at CVSC don’t know..

I was a chubby kid. I even had a cousin who used to call me ButterBall because I was a chub. I have to fight my genetic predisposition toward chubbiness and balance my love of chocolate – it’s a daily battle ;-P

Any words of advice for newer members at CVSC?

I have tried every other form of fitness conditioning there is – from aerobic classes, kickboxing, body sculpting (whatever that is??), you name it, I’ve tried it. I have never gotten the results that I have with CVSC! You have to do your part though. Proper nutrition is key to attaining and maintaining serious results.

Any other comments?

I love that I don’t have to figure out what I’m going to work on today (legs, back and bis, shoulders, etc). It’s all planned and programmed for me and the coaches keeping me up to par when I am slacking and my form is failing. Each day is new, different and challenging!

My absolute favorite thing about CVSC is the sense of community. I have lifelong friends from all walks of life that I would not have gotten the opportunity to know without the CVSC community.

Thanks again for all you do BT!

CVSC Committed Athlete – Jeremy Moon

Occupation: Associate Broker / Realtor at Parker Real Estate Services in Logan

Type of training before CrossFit:

If you don’t count the 4 year membership to Planet Fitness that never saw me set foot in their building a single time, it would have to be the 8 or 9 basketball games I played every winter which generally ended with some sort of injury. During golf season I played a lot of golf which took a fair amount of energy to get in and out of the cart…

Favorite Workouts?

This is an interesting question as it has changed over time.  I used to be really intimidated by the workouts and had a certain amount of anxiety over what I would see on the board in the morning.  Since Brad changed the programming last year, I have seen myself change mentally and physically.  I now feel a little like the planet fitness guy because I usually enjoy any WOD that requires picking things up and putting them down.  I also enjoy rowing and double unders and now look forward to the daily challenge that every workout presents.

Any hobbies you have outside of the gym?

I like spending time with my family and watching my kids grow up.  I enjoy golf most of the time.  Although it doesn’t happen often enough, I love being on an atv in the mountains somewhere.  I have a photography and graphic design business on the side and enjoy being behind a camera shooting people or places.

Something about me that people at CVSC don’t know..

I’m a  fan of Josh Groban’s music and if Brad would just give it a chance I know I would PR something that day…I would even sing along for everyone else to enjoy…

Any words of advice for newer members at CVSC?

Trust the programming. Trust your trainer. Don’t worry so much about your time and focus on doing things the right way. And put down the bag of cheetos.

Any other comments?

One of the great things about CVSC is the all-inclusive atmosphere.  It doesn’t matter what stage in your training you are, you feel welcome and encouraged.  For the past 2 years that I have been at CVSC, I have only ever attended the 8:15 classes.  The people there are like family and their encouragement helps me to work harder and continue to improve. Also, big thanks to Brad,Jami and the other trainers…you do an outstanding job!

CVSC Committed Athlete - Kelly Kopp

Occupation: Professor at USU in the Plants, Soils & Climate Department, basically I’m a science nerd.  

Type of training before CrossFit:

 I was a competitive swimmer in junior high and high school.  Once I got to college, I didn’t do much for a couple of years and then decided that running/cardio would be my thing.  Ugh.  I also did an occasional (wimpy) weight workout and played a few intramural sports.  Later I got more serious about running, did a marathon, and continued training at longer distances.  After a major running injury in 2004, I switched to triathlon.  Finally, Amy Croft started talking to me about trying CF.  She bugged me about it for a few months until I finally agreed to give it a try.  My first WOD was a (seriously) modified Tabata and I was stunned by how hard it was!  I will always owe Amy a great debt of gratitude for getting me started.

Favorite Workouts?

 I like burpees!!  Any WOD with burpees is fine by me.  Also the Filthy Fifty.  Clean and jerks also make me feel really tough, and I like that.

Any hobbies you have outside of the gym?

Anyone who’s seen my bruises, scrapes and sprains during the summer months knows I like to mountain bike.  I also ski and REALLY LOVE to backpack.  I try to take 1 or 2 week long trips and several weekend backpack trips each summer.  I love the idea of having everything I need to survive on my back.  I also travel a lot for work and like to drop in to CF boxes wherever I happen to be.  The most exotic CF I’ve visited so far was in Santiago, Chilé.  It’s a good story.  Ask me sometime!

Something about me that people at CVSC don’t know..

I was once a balloon handler in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Any words of advice for newer members at CVSC?

I always tell new folks that when I started, I could not even jump on the smallest box.  It also took me months to get pull-ups and double unders.  But it definitely gets better and you will be amazed at how YOU can change by sticking with it.  Notice that I didn’t say how your BODY can change.  While it’s true that physical changes definitely come with CF, the mental/emotional changes are equally amazing.  All that mountain biking and skiing I mentioned above?  Yeah, I wouldn’t have even tried any of that if I didn’t have the additional confidence that I’ve developed at CVSC.  I’ve also come to understand (and accept) that every workout is not going to produce a PR.  In fact, at times, I feel like I’m absolutely going backward!  But like so many things in life, our work at the box comes in waves.  There are ups and there are downs, but I’ve started paying more attention to what’s happening underneath all that.  My base level of fitness has never been better and it stays that way, even when I can’t work out for a while.  So stick with it!

 Also, about food….my eating has gone through the same evolution as my physical fitness at CVSC.  I started out dabbling with Zone and then added some Paleo ideas and have now landed at a dietary place that really works for me.  I’m not super strict Paleo, but it’s basically how I eat.  My point is that it takes some time to figure out what’s going to fuel your workouts and your life in the best way.  Paleo is a great place to start, IMHO.

Any other comments?

I’d also like to say a few words to the longer-term members of CVSC.  I’ve been around the box for about 3 ½ years now and I’ve had injuries, illnesses, work travel, and all sorts of other complications in my life during that time. I’ve also had the pleasure of talking with many of you about how you’re feeling about your fitness, your workouts, your eating, etc, and I have learned so much!  Sometimes I am motivated to get to the box just because I know I’ll get to see people I like so much!

 Another thing….my daughter Emma has been going to Youth Fit off and on for a long time, and I am happy that she exercises and is developing her physical skills.  But I am also happy that she gets to see CVSC’s strong, tough women (of ALL shapes and sizes) working hard, sweating and generally kicking butt.  You are all great role models!  Thank you!!

 And my (really) last word…..it’s impossible to fully express the gratitude that I feel toward Brad and all the CVSC crew for what they do.  Not only for myself, but for our community.  You guys are the BEST!  

CVSC Committed Athlete - Jeff Simper

Occupation: I work for Icon Health & Fitness where I am a Senior Buyer purchasing a wide variety of exercise equipment mainly from China and other Asian countries.

Type of training before CrossFit:

I spent too much time jogging or walking on an incline trainer seeing little result and dreading everytime I thought of my next workout….. Blah… I believe one should not run unless something dangerous is chasing you but I have yet to convince BT. I’ll continue to work on that though. 

Favorite Workouts?

The better question would be which workouts do I despise. HaHa…. Actually I really don’t have a favorite workout. I think the reason why I enjoy crossfit so much is because I like the variation. Giving me something different everyday would be my favorite!!

Any hobbies you have outside of the gym?

As long as I’m outdoors and most likely smiling. I enjoy camping, fishing, hiking and hunting with family & friends. Not much better than standing atop a 12,000 foot peak overlooking god’s creation after an exhausting hike with your camp on your back. I enjoy shooting guns, a good mountain bike ride and swinging the golf clubs as long as there is someone in the fairway to aim at. (Don’t be alarmed you are safe there) Most of all I enjoy spending my time with my wonderful son Colten!

Something about me that people at CVSC don’t know..

Well this is a big shocker especially for most that come to the 12:00 class so make sure you’re sitting down before you read this………. Deep down I truly do like and respect Jami and I have a hunch that she as well likes me. Ha Ha Ha!!!! I really like to smile and laugh so if I’m giving you a hard time don’t take offense as its all in fun.

Any words of advice for newer members at CVSC?

First off, have fun with it!!!! We all have different but similar goals. It’s much easier to meet and achieve your goals enjoying it along the way. You will not find better people to work hard and suceed with. Open up and introduce yourself to someone new as I truly feel like it is a big family. BT has a quote on the board that says “you can’t outwork a sh*tty diet”. It took me three years to finally understand this when at times I really thought I did. Ask questions and get this under control and you will be surprised at how fast you can see change. Work hard and push yourself! When your mind says stop your body can still take more.

Any other comments?

I would really like to thank BT, Jami, and all the trainers for giving so much to help us improve and succeed in meeting our goals. You guys truly are the best!!

CVSC Committed Athlete - Jerry Jardine

Occupation: Well I didn’t make it as an NFL, NBA, or major league baseball player, but, I still wanted to get paid for teaching/coaching, and playing sports, so I became a Phys Ed teacher at Mount Logan Middle school. That’s what I have been doing for the last 27 years.  Hopefully I still have a few good years left in me.

Type of training before CrossFit:

Before Crossfit, my workouts consisted of pretty much cardio only. For a lot of years I would just run 1-3 miles per day. Kelsey (my daughter) was going to crossfit and told me about the workouts they were doing. I was skeptical at first cause I didn’t believe she could possibly be doing what she was telling me. I decided to try it out and I was amazed at what the athletes at crossfit were able to accomplish. I have been going to crossfit for almost 3 years now, and even though I can’t even begin to compete with Kelsey, I feel a sense of accomplishment each day I make it through one of the Wods.

Favorite Workouts?

My favorite workouts are Cindy and probably the filthy fifty.

Any hobbies you have outside of the gym?

Outside of CVSC I love spending time with my family. I enjoy being outdoors in the mountains riding my mule/horses, especially during the hunting season.

Any words of advice for newer members at CVSC?

For those of you that are new to CVSC you are in the right place. I have been around a lot of different strength and conditioning programs over the years and you won’t find any better overall fitness program than the one here at CVSC. Stick with it, endure the pain and suffering at the begining, and the results will come. Listen to Brad and his staff. They know their stuff.

Any other comments?

Thanks goes out to our 6:15 am class. You motivate and inspire me each day and keep me going. You are awesome. Keep up the good work

CVSC Committed Athlete - Jen Luman

Occupation:

I work for a local health insurance agent selling and servicing company benefit packages and personal health insurance plans.

Type of training before CrossFit:

Does watching The Family Guy on the elliptical at Planet Fitness count?

Favorite Workouts?

I enjoy most workouts that involve lifting weight and most others that don’t involve running..

Any hobbies you have outside of the gym?

I work a lot! So, in my spare time I am usually just looking for a way to relax. Last year I decided to learn to play golf. It wasn’t as easy as I thought and definitely not a good way to relax, but I’m excited to try again this Spring.

Something about you that not too many people at CVSC know?

I love DIY projects. I am always looking for a new idea. They don’t always go as planned, but that’s part of the fun. And, because you can learn a ton from people who have tried things, I’m always interested in what others are doing and happy to share my successes and failures. My biggest failure: faux concrete countertops. Do not try this one at home!

Any words of advice for newer members at CVSC?

Show up, work hard, and remember to take days off when your body tells you it’s time so that you don’t get sick or injured. Measure your success by the goals you achieve or the way your clothes fit, not the number on the scale.

Any other comments?

The 4 (almost) years I have spent at CVSC have been amazing. I’ve worked harder than I ever knew I could, gotten stronger than I ever imagined and have had a great time along the way. I’ve made friends that I know I will have in my life for a long time. I appreciate everyone’s dedication and support.