When the Boot Camp season ended in September, Jen moved “inside,” joining CrossFit.  She has continued to make tremendous gains!  Jen remains very motivated and is always eager to learn how to improve skills.  She is a coach’s dream… eager, yet willing to listen and trusting the process of practicing skills to ensure growth.  Practice, persistence, and patience pay off!  Jen is proof of this!

In order to get to know our “Spotlight Athlete,” Jen was asked the following questions:

What do you do for work?  I work at Rockland Trust (financial institution) in Human Resources as a Banking Officer managing the company payroll. I am celebrating 15 years of service this month.

What would you like us to know about you and your family?  I have been with my amazing husband since I was 17 years old, together for 20 years and married for 13. We have two children and two cats and as a family we love to go to amusements parks.

What is one thing that we may not know about you?  Prior to starting at Cynergy, I had never lifted a barbell.

How long have you been CrossFitting? Started with Boot Camp the Spring of 2018 and moved in to the box that September.

What time do you typically train? 5AM

What is your favorite lift and why? My favorite lift is the Power Clean. I like the flow of the movement.

What is your favorite WOD and why? I don’t have a particular WOD that stands out. Generally speaking, I prefer AMRAP vs. For Time or EMOM WODs. I like WODs with ascending/descending rep ladders and prefer more rounds with less reps per movement/round rather than less rounds with more reps per movement/round. You won’t find a WOD that includes box jumps or kettle bell swings anywhere near the top of the list of WODs I enjoy.

What are your current CF goals? I want to focus on gymnastics skills. More specifically handstand walks, stringing together kipping pull ups, and stringing together toes 2 bar without having to double pump my legs.

What are your current life goals? I have terrible eating habits and have always been that way. Watching what I eat and meal prepping is something I struggle to sustain. I tried intermittent fasting last summer and I have found success with that. I am not as strict with what I eat so I don’t fail so much there but I am getting better at being aware of what I eat. I want to continue to work on finding that right balance that works for me for the long haul.

What is your most memorable time as a CrossFitter? I have 3 moments that really stand out to me during my first year in the box: My first handstand. This came months after unsuccessfully trying one on my very first day in the box and landing in spectacular fashion on my head. My first rope climb (minus the point where I reached the top and my fear of heights kicked in and I froze at the top panicking about how I was actually going to get down). My first pull up during the Open 20.5. Caroline had to convince me my chin actually made it over the bar.

How has CF impacted your life outside of the box? CrossFit has helped me find better consistency and determination in my life. I have done things in the box that I never thought possible. I find that I am in a better mindset when I leave the box and the workouts put me in a good place for the rest of my day.

How would you best describe Cynergy to others? Cynergy is a great place to go if you are looking for a variety of guided workouts and a supportive group of people to share in your fitness journey.

How was the transition coming from Boot Camp to CrossFit? Was it something you were nervous about? If so, how did that change once you were “inside?”  Boot Camp was a brand new concept for me but it didn’t take long for me to realize that the structure was right for me. I wasn’t able to consistently stick with a fitness plan previously either due to lack of motivation when at home or lack of knowledge and boredom at a gym. Boot Camp gave me the motivation I needed as I wasn’t alone. I had a wonderful and knowledgeable coach who provided me with different workouts and instruction on how to complete them so I was never bored. When left to my own devices, I am not successful. So, when Boot Camp was ending for the season I had to consider my options. I was curious about moving into the box but also nervous. I considered doing ALF on Sundays but that wouldn’t be enough. So when Cindy offered a free week I decided to try. It helped that my best friend moved into the box with me so I wasn’t alone. I was nervous and very intimidated initially but I gradually gained confidence in the movements. Even now, I am still one of the last to finish a workout and am rarely able to complete a workout RX. It used to really bother me but I am really working on focusing on how I have improved on a movement or a repeat WOD rather than comparing myself to others. Using SugarWOD really helps me do this. And on those days that I am still the last to finish but used a weight 20 lbs heavier than before, I can be proud of that and know that I am improving. And it’s a great feeling.

Jen’s WOD
AMRAP 20:
3 Power Cleans (135/95)
6 Front Squats
9 Hand Stand Push Ups
12 DU’s or 24 SU’s

Congratulations again, Jen!  Keep up the great work!