August 2013 Athletes Of The Month – The Wallaces

1.Were you active prior to Cross Fit?

Jen: I was always active before crossfit. I played softball and always worked out at the gym doing all the things Steve loves like elliptical, spinning classes, ab machines, etc.

Michael: I have always been pretty active, playing basketball and soccer trough college.  As I've gotten older, though, my activity level had decreased.  Leading up to my joining crossFit, I was going to the gym 2-4 times a week.

2. When did you first start doing Cross Fit?

Jen: I started crossfit when vitality opened. I actually came in when they were still doing construction and talked to Steve.

Michael: I started in late January 2013…about six months ago.


3. What were your thoughts after your first workout?

Jen: After my first workout I thought I was going to die. I said to myself, “dang, I thought I was in shape.”

Michael: That I was out of my league.  It was a tougher workout than I ever expected.  I struggled to complete basic Foundations movements.  It was extremely humbling…and motivating.
          
4. What do you enjoy the most about Cross Fit?

Jen: The thing I enjoy the most is the since of accomplishment you get when you learn a new skill or get a new pr on a lift. There is always something to work toward and it never gets boring. It is like a big family here and we have made so many great friends.

Michael: First off, having something so fun and challenging to share with my best friend…my wife.  It is such a great thing for us to share and it has strengthen our marriage even more without a doubt.
Next, it's the people…the people…the people.  Jen and I have made so many friends at Vitality.  And we keep making new ones.  It is an amazing environment to get fit in.

5. What were your goals when you first started?

Jen: My first goal after survival was pull-ups.

Michael: I came in wanting to lose some weight and gain back some definition.  In six months I've lost about 20 pounds and I've added muscle mass.  It's been awesome.

What are they now?


Jen: Currently I would like to improve on my squat snatch and toes to bar.

Michael: Now, my next two goals are to get a muscle up (rings and bar) and to run the mile in under six minutes.

6. What is your favorite Cross Fit movement?

Jen: My favorite move is probably the squat clean

Michael: HSPUs…which I had never done before I started at Vitality.                                                              

7. What is your least favorite movement?

Jen: I hate farmers walk!

Michael: Heavy kettle bell swings.  I can get through them now, but I seeing them on the board.

8. What kind of nutrition plan do you follow and has that changed since you started Cross Fit?
       

Jen: I do not follow a strict diet. I just try to eat healthy and make good choices.

Michael: I'm just eating more responsibly…a lot healthier.  I'm drinking mostly water now and I'm eating lots of healthy proteins.  I'm simply trying to watch what I eat more.

9. Talk about your results from doing Cross Fit?

Jen:  I have not seen a huge change in weight, but I am so much stronger and leaner since starting crossfit. There is no doubt that crossfit is the reason I lost my pregnancy weight from the twins in two weeks.

Michael: As I mentioned above…I've list 20 lbs. so far.  In in the best shape I've been in in the last 15 years.  And CrossFit is driving me to get in ever better shape.  I love it!!!