How did you start CrossFit?
One of my good friends joined CrossFit and I tagged along to "bring a friend day" for about a year or so. I loved the workouts, but I did not want to commit to that specific gym. At the time, the woman I was working out with, used to work with Drew and Brooks - so whenever I talked about joining CrossFit, she would rave about RCF and the coaches. With her persuasion,  I made the decision to join and not surprisingly, she was right - I was sold on RCF after the first class.

What is your favorite part about CrossFit?
How accomplished you feel knowing that you were able to push yourself to a new level alongside great people.

What motivates you to continue CrossFit?
Motivation comes on a few levels; 1. I LOVE to eat, so I HAVE to workout to balance my appetite. 2. Measurable results. Whether it be in accomplishing a PR, beating a previous time in a benchmark workout, or simply feeling good about yourself - it is easy to look back at where I started and compare to where I am now and, not only see, but feel improvement. 3. Working out within a community of people that push you harder than you would push yourself. 

What are your favorite movements and favorite WOD?
Favorite WODs: Crazy ones that push you; the long grind. Movements: wall balls, DU and squat cleans. 

What is your favorite CrossFit memory?
My favorite memory is more of a reflection of my overall experience. I remember when I first started CrossFit, after a workout I would recover rather quickly. One night once the workout was over, someone in the class looked at me and said (of course in the nicest way possible) "If you are recovering that quickly, you are not pushing yourself hard enough." I remember thinking, there is no possible way I could push myself harder, but thank you - well, was I wrong. Eventually, pushing myself to a new level made so much sense and I finally understood exactly the feeling they were trying to portray all that time ago. Reaching a level where you personally feel you are pushing yourself, while surrounded by people, who have become great friends, pushing themselves to their own level - I would consider that my favorite. 

What is the best advice you can give a fellow CrossFitter?
Coming from someone who has zero patience; my advice would be to have patience with yourself and confidence in your own ability. Not every movement will come as easy as you want it to, but if you are persistent and continue to challenge yourself, you will accomplish goals you never thought possible. Frustration is easy, overcoming frustration and getting out of your comfort zone is not, and that is what it takes to personally conquer CrossFit.

Tell us something about yourself (NOT fitness related) that others might not know.
I am a Registered Dietitian and work in school nutrition.

​How did you start CrossFit?
For as far back as I can remember, I have been a competitive person. I played soccer my whole life and always enjoyed running despite having two knee surgeries. When I was 25, I found a challenging gym in Shrewsbury that changed the way I worked out and made be a better athlete. After 4 years, I “gym shopped” but never found a comparative gym. I ended up at a strength and conditioning facility where everyone just worked out to say they worked out. I found myself digressing and knew I had to make a change. My friends always suggested CrossFit knowing it was competitive, but I was totally that person that thought I would get hurt even more. I didn't realize that each CrossFit was individually owned and programmed. Christa Rebidue was equally frustrated with the gym we were at and her sister Sabine suggested coming to the CrossFit open house in September. We went with minimal intentions of joining, but after seeing the amazing new facility, trainers and programs that were offered, we decided to give it a go. We started in November, and I think after the second workout I knew I would be a permeant member. 4 months later and I am just mad that I didn’t start sooner.
 
What is your favorite part about CrossFit?
The trainers/programming. They are motivating and know their stuff. I like how they’re big on form and would rather someone use less weight and do it right. They’re constantly asking about my injuries, and suggesting modifications. They truly want everyone to get a great workout and become better athletes. Also, the community. I was nervous coming into a huge gym where everyone was already long time members and friends. After hopping the classes, I think I am officially a 7amer! Everyone has been so welcoming and helpful. It’s nice to see everyone push each other. I feel like I have made huge improvements in a short amount of time and it’s definitely due to the trainers and the community.
 
What motivates you to continue CrossFit?
Wanting to get better. There is always something new to learn or something to get better at. I feel like if you want to get better at something, all you need to do is practice. Butterfly pull-ups and TTB are next on my list. 
 
What are your favorite movements and favorite WOD?
Hmm.. deadlifts, rowing and now the ski erg is high up on the list. Both machines you can train at and improve at pretty easily. WOD – really enjoying the Thursday conditioning pieces Brooks has been putting together. 
 
What is your favorite CrossFit memory?
Training for Crash B’s with everyone was a really good experience. Also, watching someone hit a PR or finally get a movement they’ve been working on is exciting and fun to watch.
 
What is the best advice you can give a fellow CrossFitter?
Unsure I can give out advice being 4 months in, but I would say work at your weakness. Don’t skip the classes where there are movements you aren’t great at. Also, listen to your body and do what you can. Everyone is at a different fitness level and the coaches cater to each and every person.
 
Tell us something about yourself (NOT fitness related) that others might not know.
I meal prep for people on the side (this is not a plug!)

​How did you start CrossFit?
We are a very active family and have a saying “No friends on powder days.” Normally, that wasn’t a problem as I keep up with everyone. A few winters ago, snowboarding in some epic Colorado powder, I found myself with no friends - I could not get myself out of the deep powder I had fallen into. I also was completely lost in the back country because those...... lovely family members left me, and laughed when I found them over 2 hours later. There was a backpacking incident as well, but I’ll save that story for another time.
 
A friend of mine has had amazing results through her box in Westboro, even working out during cancer treatments. If she could kick cancer’s butt, I could kick my family’s butt. Rens Hayes (IV, not his baby VII)and Alan Connell, sons-in-laws of my friends, also seemed to be kicking butt. They convinced me to give it a try.
 
What is your favorite part about CrossFit?
That my 9 am’ers do not kick my butt when I heckle them. Which leads me into the camaraderie - I mean, my family HAS to put up with me, but you guys don’t. So thanks for that.  And the coaches are amazing, but you know that.
 
What motivates you to continue CrossFit?
I’ve never felt better and the sense of accomplishment I get after every class.
 
What are your favorite movements and favorite WOD?
Box jumps! Oh, and air squats. And maybe goblet squats. Things with squats.
 
What is your favorite CrossFit memory?
Becoming Athlete of the Month!
 
What is the best advice you can give a fellow CrossFitter?
Don’t forget to wear a tank top on Tuesdays. Also, have fun! 
 
Tell us something about yourself (NOT fitness related) that others might not know.
I have skied for 50 years and snowboarded for over 25 years. Also, I may be related to Eminem.

I started at CFR 4 years ago (almost to the day). Prior to 1997, I always thought I was pretty fit. I played, coached, and refereed soccer and enjoyed the occasional hike and bike ride. The thought of going to a gym seemed so unnecessary and unappealing. I always felt fit. In 2014, I was about to begin to understand that my previous feeling of being fit was a delusional state of mind.

A few months into 2013 I had come to accept that I had become too obese to continue playing. I was aware that the added weight and lack of other exercise was contributing to the frequent injury to my ankles and knees. I vowed I would not return unless I lost 40 pounds. I was beginning to wonder if I'd be able to walk without pain in my retirement years.

So what brought me to CFR? For two years, my wife Janet and son Nate, both Crossfitters (at Sobo, now Pennant), had been bugging me to join their box. I visited their box in Southborough and didn’t like the smell of the air from off-gassing of the rubber mats covering the floor nor lying on them. In January of 2014, Nate suggested we plan on doing a Spartan Race together. Only problem, we all knew I would have to get in much better shape to live through the ordeal and I only had 6 months. He suggested we check out CrossFit Resilience making me aware that it was only 800 meters away from my house. We met Drew and toured the facility. I liked the variety and abundance of equipment, the type flooring material used, and the apparent care taken to clean and maintain the box. I decided to give the Elements a try; after a few classes with Dan and Brooks, I was hooked.

By the time the Spartan Race arrived I felt reasonably ready, though I was pretty disappointed that after 6 months of CrossFit, had resulted in me losing only about 12 pounds. But we all finished the race, jumping the burning logs together.

I managed to trim a few more pounds by the end of the year. Then along came the 2015 Paleo Challenge! It was the Dananators vs. the other half of the participants. This was a life-changing event for me. I now had a team-based, competitive reason, to develop more disciplined eating habits and to win a few bucks too. With this challenge, I took the opportunity to weigh and track my caloric intake and set a goal to lose 2 pounds per week. Within 14 months after starting with CFR, I had dropped a total of 50 pounds, and had become more fit than I had been in 40 years. As I promised my soccer teammates, I returned to play at the start of the 2015 season, now being able to run circles around them.

I’ve come to realize my primary CrossFit goal is to focus more on maintaining my strength, fitness, and resilience the best I can for as long as I can, rather than trying for another PR. My favorite work-out activities are deadlifts, hang power cleans, back squats, and sit-ups. When I started, I was barely able to do one sit-up. Now it's one of the few movements of a WOD where I feel like I'm getting a rest.

The only advice I can offer CrossFitters (particularly newbies and senior citizens): don't be hesitant to scale the work-out to the level that best suits your goals each day. It's more important to just keep moving.

“Resilience” is the perfect description of what our box represents. Indeed, I may often feel battered and bruised, but am thankful for our coaches who are always flexible and helping me to never feel broken. Resilience is the perfect name for our box.

​How did you start CrossFit?
I used to go to take Kettlebell, Spin and Boot Camp classes at Workout World in Waltham I was ready for a change and another member told me about a Crossfit opening nearby.  So I gave it a shot and loved it.
 
What is your favorite part about CrossFit?
I love how the workouts are always different and challenging.  I also like how everyone “suffers” through the workouts together.  This is what brings us all together. In those moments that I feel like quitting I look over and see how others are pushing themselves and this motivates me to push myself even more.
 
What motivates you to continue CrossFit?
The fact that at 8 & 1/2 months pregnant I was able to lift more than Corey  :)
 
What are your favorite movements and favorite WOD?
My favorite movements involve kettlebells & burpees. For Olympic lifts I like power cleans and overhead squats. Favorite WODs:  any partner WOD because they always makes be push harder.  Adding my least favorite here as well: I hate running!
 
What is your favorite CrossFit memory?
PR'ing Fran just after returning from my first pregnancy.  It felt great.
 
What is the best advice you can give a fellow CrossFitter?
My advice would be to add those extra 1lb,  2 1/2lb or 5lb plates to the barbell. I guarantee that you can do it!
 
Tell us something about yourself (NOT fitness related) that others might not know.
I am a certified Spin instructor.. just never had the time to teach.

​How did you start CrossFit?
A little over a year ago, I had a conversation with friends about needing a "fitness change". They have been CrossFitters for years and love it. They kept telling me to try it. With anything new, I was a little skeptical (actually, a lot skeptical) about their claims that I would love it, but I decided to give it a shot. So, I did. It was one of the best decisions I have made!
 
What is your favorite part about CrossFit?
My favorite part of CrossFit is the challenge every day. The things I do now are things I would have never even attempted before - never mind think I could accomplish. I surprise myself almost every day. The community is also one-of-a-kind. It is a great feeling to know we are all in it together, cheering each other on. 
 
What motivates you to continue CrossFit?
One of the biggest motivating factor for me is that each day I see an improvement; no matter how small it may be. I also see the positive impression I am leaving on my kids. Playing "gym" is a daily occurrence in our house. It's a healthy and balanced lifestyle I am hoping will continue to stick for them.
 
What are your favorite movements and favorite WOD?
Anything with a squat would be a favorite movement. Any WOD that pushes me (which is all of them) are good ones! 
 
What is your favorite CrossFit memory?
I have two favorite CrossFit memories. My first is when made my first rope climb. I remember reaching the top and thinking, "Man, I wish I could tell my middle school self that someday this would happen!" My second is competing in the Dynamic Duo Competition a couple of weeks ago. It was a really fun experience.
 
What is the best advice you can give a fellow CrossFitter?
You can do more than you think you can do. Take the risk - it's worth it. 
 
Tell us something about yourself (NOT fitness related) that others might not know.
One of my favorite stores is the Christmas Store in Disney World because it combines my two favorite things: Disney World and Christmas!

​How did you start CrossFit?
I started in January, 2017 after consistently hearing a co-worker rave about his fantastic experience at his box. I have always been a regular at traditional gyms (Gold’s etc.) working out on my own, running, or following random fitness programs. But the structure and variety my co-worker talked about was what drew me in. After switching to a Paleo diet for a few months, including awesome dinners at Red Rock, I decided to join RCF in January 2017. Before joining, I thought the diet would be the hard part… boy was I wrong…
 
What is your favorite part about CrossFit?
Leaving the box after every workout.  LOL.
 
What motivates you to continue CrossFit?
Trying to keep up with Anna Ivanov and John Giordano (who is older than me) who kick my ass every time.
 
What are your favorite movements and favorite WOD?
Favorite movement…burpees!  No seriously.  Burpees were the first movement that I felt I was actually good at.  Friends and coaches early on told me I was good/fast at those and hearing that was really good encouragement. Favorite WOD…well, I try to quickly forget about them after I get through them J but I the WODs that have new or rarely used movements and exercises in them are my favorites.  We all do a lot of squats, presses, deadlifts, etc. but when things like rope climbs, HSPUs, and parallettes are involved, those are “fun” for me.  Plus the partner WODs…those are great and provide good comradery and motivation.
 
What is your favorite CrossFit memory?
The WOD after the Ashland Trail Race this past Spring.  After most of us ran the 5k through the woods, being there on the beach doing those WODs was just awesome!  We were rock stars!
 
What is the best advice you can give a fellow CrossFitter?
Don’t get intimidated.  I tell myself this every day.  Don’t get intimidated by the WOD or the boot camp.  Do what you can each workout – push yourself but to a point you are comfortable.  Don’t get intimidated by the tight knit community (aka the mythical “cult”).  Participate and socialize if you want to – but don’t feel like you have to.
 
Tell us something about yourself (NOT fitness related) that others might not know.
Every year on St. Patrick’s Day I dress as a leprechaun and walk in the St. Paul Minnesota parade.  Let’s just say, I fit the part and the costume really well.  Ask me about this years “bounce”…

​How did you start CrossFit?
A dear friend of mine, Meghan Hornberger, a member at the time, convinced me to give it a try.

What is your favorite part about CrossFit?
The community first and foremost! Then the variety of our workouts.
 
What motivates you to continue CrossFit?
The continuous improvement in my fitness, strength and health. When I feel I have become stagnant, it is our community that motivates me to continue.
 
What are your favorite movements and favorite WOD?
My favorite movements are power cleans and thrusters. Favorite WOD:  any WOD that doesn't include push ups!!!
 
What is your favorite CrossFit memory?
Our farewell to Dan! He was such an inspiring and motivating coach and while it was our loss, it was our Nation's gain.

What is the best advice you can give a fellow CrossFitter?
Only compare yourself to others if it will motivate you to improve upon yourself.

Tell us something about yourself (NOT fitness related) that others might not know.
I'm a pediatric nurse practitioner.

How did you start CrossFit?
I had a client of mine that started telling me all about this guy named "Rich Froning" and how good the guy was at CrossFit. I went on to YouTube to check out past clips of the CrossFit Games and was instantly hooked!! After about a year of watching all of the past games I decided that I wanted to get into it and found RCF, and the rest is history!!
 
What is your favorite part about CrossFit?
It’s always challenging and you never stop learning, I'm always excited when I’m presented with a challenge, and floored when I meet that challenge! It's always interesting and I never get bored! Also, the community aspect of it, and how I've made so many friends through CrossFit already!
 
What motivates you to continue CrossFit?
I always want to get better, and want to be able to tackle any workout with extreme confidence!
 
What are your favorite movements and favorite WOD?
Some of my favorite movements are snatches, rowing is my jam!, and I'm crazy because I also like wall balls and burpees (just not over any sort of object).
 
What is your favorite CrossFit memory?
Definitely experiencing my first open, such an awesome time. And not to sound like a suck up or anything, but Friday Night Lights, watching Brooks tear up 17.3 and put up a 265# snatch was insane!!
 
What is the best advice you can give a fellow CrossFitter?
Never stop trying and never give up, things may take time, but it'll come eventually! Trust me I know through experiencing it myself with coming in thinking I was in pretty good shape going into CrossFit. I realized after Brooks tested me in my first elements class by having me attempt "Fran," at only 75#. It took me 21 plus minutes!! But I never gave up and neither should you!!
 
Tell us something about yourself (NOT fitness related) that others might not know.
Well I talk so much in class already that I’m sure everyone knows everything about me already, but I used to be a cook at UMass Amherst for about 8 years before moving to the Boston area.

​How did you start CrossFit?
Mike and I had dinner with Brooks and Dan every week during which they would kindly invite me to come try CFR. It took just over a year of them telling me how much fun it is, and how much I would love it for me to finally give it a shot. I went to 'Bring a Friend Saturday,' got pulled over on the way and nearly had a heart attack that I'd be late for my first class because I knew about the burpee penalties!  
 
What is your favorite part about CrossFit?
Aside from the awesome community I really like the accountability, the structure of a class, and the tips from our coaches. All I have to do is show up and I know that once I'm there I'll be pushed harder than I'd push myself.
 
I also find that I laugh a lot there - feels good to be silly with friends.
 
What motivates you to continue CrossFit?
I have seen improvements in my body comp and strength more in CrossFit than I have in any other fitness regimen. I've also been able to continue working out through all different phases of my life bc the workouts have adapted around my lifestyle - whether I'm rehabbing from an injury, growing a human, or trying to focus on improving specific areas.
 
What are your favorite movements and favorite WOD?
I love cleans! I've been able to continue those the longest throughout my pregnancy ...even though they may be looking more like reverse curls at this point. I'll correct it when I'm back :)
I love/hate the bike and burpees because they're THE WORST but I notice such an improvement in endurance when I incorporate them more.
Stretching and mobility- it feels so good and I don't do it enough and it seriously improves my form.
 
What is your favorite CrossFit memory?
The excitement of getting up the rope the first time and then realizing I didn't know how to get down.
 
What is the best advice you can give a fellow CrossFitter?
Get comfortable being out of your comfort zone.
Refresh your workout wardrobe with new stuff regularly because you'll feel like a badass and you'll stink less.
Clock anxiety is a real thing.
We're all there to improve upon something.
 
Tell us something about yourself (NOT fitness related) that others might not know.
I took fencing lessons back in the day.

​How did you start CrossFit?
Since before we were married, my wife Gabby and I always did some form of regular exercise.  We ran outside for years, but once the kids arrived, we moved mostly to using exercise equipment in the house.  A little over four years ago, Gabby told me that her sister had starting doing something called CrossFit and she wanted us to try it.  Always ready to try something new, I of course said: "No way!” But, persist she did, and the next thing I knew we were in the Elements Class with Brooks Farrar.  That was when I first uttered my now most-used expression: “Wait, what?”  And yet, since I so easily mastered the snatch and clean on the first attempt, I agreed to join. 
 
What is your favorite part about CrossFit?
Hands down — it is the community.  Over the last four years, I have made so many new friends — and not just the casual-at-the-gym kind. No, I am talking about the kind of friends that you truly love and know you will treasure always.  Did these friendships develop serendipitously because there are so many wonderful people at CFR? Perhaps.  No doubt wonderful people is the required ingredient.  But I think working really hard to do your best while others are doing the same thing around you, and helping each other along the way — I think that is the magic recipe.  And that is what CrossFit is all about.
 
What motivates you to continue CrossFit?
Besides the community, it is my desire to age as slowly as I can.  Since, I am far from perfect with my diet— the only answer is continued exercise.  Crossing that age 60 line also made me more keenly aware of the fact that I will have to work harder to maintain my functional mobility.  As long as I adjust  to my changing capability (not easy — and we have to help our fellow masters to feel good about themselves when they do this), then I hope to be able to continue until Gabby says it is time to go.  
 
What are your favorite movements and favorite WOD?
OLY lifts with less complexity such as back squats and deadlifts, and pretty much every body-weight exercise. And any WOD that has a partner or two always makes me smile.
 
What is your favorite CrossFit memory?
Talk about a difficult question!  I have so many—  from doing competitions with friends to competing in the Open with everyone.  If I had to pick one though— it would be the time that I was doing (or attempting to do) cleans in a WOD.  Drew Carnase walked over and stood in directly front of me— and with a look that was somewhere between very serious and something else— said: “You’ve been coming here for almost four years now, don’t you think it’s time you got this?”  It absolutely cracked me up and warmed my heart at the same time.  And it demonstrated just how in tune with each of the members all of the coaches at CFR are.  Would that have been the right thing to say to anybody else but me and would Drew have said it to anyone else? Absolutely not!  Was it perfect for me? Without doubt!
 
What is the best advice you can give a fellow CrossFitter?
Always be mindful of your current health and capabilities and don’t reach beyond either.
 
Tell us something about yourself (NOT fitness related) that others might not know.
I once crashed a car into a telephone pole and flipped it over because I watched a painted turtle confuse the passenger-side floor mat for the turtle rest room.  So now, although I prefer that you wait until we get to a rest stop, if you don’t, I will still keep my eyes on the road.

How did you start CrossFit?
By happenstance…a friend at work was all fired up about CrossFit.   Showing me videos, talking about workouts, bragging about being in the best shape of their life.   Naturally I ignored it…until they put me to shame in a 10K race that I’d easily won the year before.   By sheer coincidence CFR was having their Grand Opening and I stopped by, gym clothes in hand, for a workout.    Two smiling coach, Brooks and Dan, gladly kicked my ass and the rest is history.   Now…I’m that friend at work that can’t keep quiet about CFR.   

What is your favorite part of CrossFit and what motivates you to continue? 
Hmm.   The challenge, the competitiveness, the results…but most importantly of all the incredible athletes and coaches that show up and perform every day.  Being surrounded by a community that is positive, supportive, encouraging, talented, incredibly fit…and just damn amazing is the drug we call CrossFit.

What are your favorite movements and favorite WOD? 
Anything but THRUSTERS!!  It’s humbling how what seem like a basic movement get the best of you 30 seconds into a WOD…and I love it.    My favorite, hands-down are burpees.   They are absolutely pure fitness, packaged in a perfect compact movement, that anyone can do…but have the ability to kick your ass in every form.   Never pass up and opportunity to do burpees….every rep makes you fitter.

What is your favorite CrossFit memory? 
Well….it involved a box, a dumbbell and gravity.  Perhaps Drew will share the tape….
 
What is the best advice you can give a fellow CrossFitter?
For anyone getting started.   Show up, embrace the soreness, focus getting the best workout…not the weight,  listen to your coaches, ask for help and be patient.   I guarantee you will look in the mirror in a year and not recognize yourself.
 
Tell us something about yourself (NOT fitness related) that others might not know.
I enjoy craft beer…but that’s not much of a secret...I make some damn good hickory-smoked BBQ Ribs….and I haven’t missed a Jimmy Buffett concert in about 20 years (see you on August 19th).

How did you start CrossFit?
I started at the CFR last January with the bootcamps as part of the weight loss challenge for the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation – I thought it wouldn’t hurt to lose a few lb and help a good cause! At the time, I was working out at 4 different gyms (I needed the diversity, haha!). After the challenge was over, I decided to try the ‘real CrossFit’ – and signed-up for 2 classes per-week membership. A month later I had to upgrade to 3 classes per-week, as I was running out of classes, and when the following month I asked Drew to charge me for the ‘unlimited’ he didn’t seem very surprised. ;)
 
What is your favorite part about CrossFit?
My first WODs at Crossfit  was an experience I’ll always remember as a very humbling, but yet extremely motivating. I thought I was in a very decent shape coming in, and was not worried or intimidated in the least… But then I saw what RX WODs look like – and the skills they required, such as DUs, rope climbs, TTBs, kipping, not to mention the scariest or all, the BARBELL! It was overwhelming (and it didn’t help my self-esteem to pair up with Carly for my 1st WOD either) – but I soon realized that almost NO ONE comes to the CrossFit with the full package of skills – they developed them with time, hard work and commitment. And that’s my favorite part
about CrossFit – you don’t need to be a super athlete to start the CrossFit, but with effort and dedication you can become one.
 
What motivates you to continue CrossFit?
Crossfit is a constant challenge. That’s the most motivating part for me. You set a goal, you work on it, and when you reach it – you feel great about for a couple of days, till you get tired of patting yourself on the back and then you move on to set your next goal! And there is no end to it, because you can ALWAYS work harder and do better next time!
 
What are your favorite movements and favorite WOD?
I like box jumps and don’t mind wall balls (sorry Maria!).  As far as the strength, I guess it’s a deadlift – the least technical of all (still working on my OLY moves with Carly!). My favorite WOD would include the combination of front squats, burpees over the bar, box jumps, and possibly some running.
 
What is your favorite CrossFit memory?
That would definitely be the day I figured out DUs! I always thought of DUs as something only top athletes could do, and I sort of put it on the back burner. That is until my sister managed to do them during our vacation and as I watched her do it, it suddenly became my #1 priority. So I picked a day and decided that it would be the day I’ll conquer DUs – and I actually did it, it just sort of ‘clicked’ and I think went from zero to 30 that day.  The entire neighborhood must have heard my wild screams of triumph – scared my kids half to death too.
 
What is the best advice you can give a fellow CrossFitter?
Don’t be afraid to scale! When I just started I thought trying to do heavier weights is the right things to do, that’s how you build strength, right?! But that’s also how you get injured when your form is far from perfect, and you’re trying to pile up the weight that you’re not ready for! I managed to hurt both my shoulder and my elbow doing cleans and snatches without the proper form, and was forced to modify most workouts with barbells for 6 months until it finally got better.
 
Tell us something about yourself (NOT fitness related) that others might not know.
I have one sister (my twin) and one cousin, who lives in France. Between our 3 families we speak 4 languages – English, Russian, Greek and French.  I speak English and Russian fluently, and  Greek and French in emergency only.

​How did you start CrossFit?
Rich: I started CrossFit because I needed more structure in my training.  I've worked with a personal trainer in the past with inconsistent results, ran 2 half marathons, then the Boston marathon, and was ready to move on to something that would give results but also fun and gave the structure and direction I needed.
Becca: We'd heard about CrossFit through friends - Rich joined first and I was soon to follow after hearing about not only the great workouts, but also seeing the results Rich was getting, and the community. The community aspect was very clear during Dan Atkinson's (first) going away party and I wasn't even a member yet.  I recall thinking that even in my experiences as Zumba instructor, yogi and Gold's Gym rat -- this type of community was on another level.
 
What is your favorite part about CrossFit?
Rich: Crushing workouts with so many people that are all there for the same reason is an awesome feeling.  Seeing others so passionate about getting better and succeeding creates a positive culture at CFR.  Success breads success. 
Becca: It's hard to pick just one, but I love the structure and the coaching (sorry - that's two...see? It's hard!).
 
What motivates you to continue CrossFit?
Becca: The possibility that you can be even fitter and stronger tomorrow than you are today.  The results I've seen in my first year are just awesome - rope climbs, pull ups, being able to lift and squat more than I would have ever attempted.   
 
What are your favorite movements and favorite WOD?
Rich: Too many.  Cleans, sumo deadlifts, burpee box jumps, rowing, rope climbs. Partner wods with a good combination of barbell movements and cardio that requires strength and stamina. 
Becca: I actually get excited about pull-ups because I can finally do them - and I don't mind burpees (I'm insane).  My favorite WOD is really any of the hero WODs. They're so intense and push your limits -- but it's nothing compared to the sacrifice given for those they honor.  
 
What is your favorite CrossFit memory?
Rich: Thinking back to the first time consistently doing rx wods.
Becca: Getting up the rope first time...probably CFR's slowest rope climb EVER.  I never thought I'd ever do it, but having everyone around cheering you on to get up there was motivating.   
 
What is the best advice you can give a fellow CrossFitter?
Rich: Ask questions
Becca: Anything's possible -- know your body, but push your limits and your potential.  You've got the best coaching staff around to make it happen.
 
Tell us something about yourself (NOT fitness related) that others might not know. 
Rich: ….. knows the entire dance to Canned Heat featured at the end of Napoleon Dynamite.
Becca: I turn into a total nerd around celebrities and say ridiculous things to them...I've told Beyonce that she's an inspiration women around the world, and tried to have a heart to heart with will.i.am about how normal he is....neither were interested in my opinion.  And sadly, these are just two examples.

How did you start CrossFit?
A trainer at Golds Gym in Millis suggested it to me one day so I gave it a shot. After a short session with Brooks I was hooked. 
 
What is your favorite part about CrossFit?
The variety of lifts and workouts we do. When I went to the gym prior to CrossFit I did the same boring lifts multiple times a week with little to no progress. After every work out I am excited to check the website to see what we are doing the next day. 
 
What motivates you to continue CrossFit?
It didn't take long to see drastic improvements in my body and overall health. I just don't see any other way to get in the best shape of my life to be honest besides CrossFit. 
 
What are your favorite movements and favorite WOD?
I love muscle ups/pull ups...basically any body weight exercise.  My favorite WODs are usually on Saturdays. If a WOD makes me feel like I could potentially have a heart attack it's a good one. The harder the better. 
 
What is your favorite CrossFit memory?
The nutrition Challenge. Prior to the challenge I didn't eat any vegetables and basically funneled down sugar with all my meals. This made me look at what I was putting in my body and get a better grasp on what I should be eating. I was shocked to see I lost almost 5% body fat in 5 weeks by making simple changes to my diet. 
 
What is the best advice you can give a fellow CrossFitter?
Just like with everything else in life the effort you put in will dictate the results you get. Always push harder and never give up. If you do that you'll be happy with what you see. 
 
Tell us something about yourself (NOT fitness related) that others might not know. 
I’m a huge foodie. I love trying new places all over the state. I'll drive anywhere for good French toast, pizza, or steak tips.