Name: Akshay Bhumkar (AK)
Age: 40
How long you have been a member at CFSC: 4 Years
How you got started at CFSC: Like everyone, I was working out at Planet Fitness but didn’t feel any joy. While searching for different gym options, I came across a Facebook ad for Six Week Challenge. I had no idea what CrossFit was back then. But when I came down to the gym after talking to Brian and saw everyone working out, it was terrifying but I was blown away. I never thought I would last even six days, forget six weeks. However, the six weeks went by quickly, and it was so much fun with Whit, Kyra, and Deuce; I enjoyed the workouts. Later, I signed up for the regular CrossFit, and just like that, four years are gone.
Favorite CrossFit movement: Back Squat (So much more to learn and conquer though)
Least favorite CrossFit movement: New Bike😜
Favorite healthy food/meal: Sweet Potato mash with stir fry veggies & Paneer (India cottage Cheese) cooked by my wife 😊
Favorite part about CFSC: Well, I want a coin a new word CFSCers (is that even right?). Yes, each and everyone in the CFSC family is amazing. The kind of encouragement and inspiration everyone has provided has been incredible. It sounds like a cliché, but this gym has changed my life.
I look forward to the happy faces at the gym, which makes me forget all the stress and smile again. Also, the evening classes people are simply fantastic. I have made some excellent friends over the last four years. We moved from Charlotte to Fort Mill but didn’t change the gym.
Something we don’t know about you: I used to be athletic in school with activities in different sports, especially soccer and cricket. I have played district-level cricket in India and aspired to take up the sport professionally; however, circumstances made me choose a different path. In Charlotte, we have a cricket team, and I am the captain. We play tournaments with games mainly on the weekends.
Technology intrigues me, and I spend my time in the home computer lab on the weekends. Testing different technologies helps me to learn and develop different skills.
Words of wisdom for people who are new to CrossFit or interested in trying it: “Give it a shot. Stick with it, and don’t doubt yourself.”
Name: Mayuri Bhumkar (M)
Age: 35
How long you have been a member at CFSC: 4 Years
How you got started at CFSC: My husband (AK) searched for a gym and signed up for the CFSC Six-week challenge. Initially, I wasn’t too excited about workouts or gym, but after visiting CFSC, AK got excited and persuaded me to sign up as well. I followed AK in a six-week challenge and later signed up for the SWEAT classes. Whit was fantastic as a SWEAT coach; we enjoyed it a lot. The SWEAT workouts were perfect for me as I’m not too fond of weights. After a year or so, I joined regular CrossFit classes and am still here four years later 😊.
Favorite CrossFit movement: Cleans
Least favorite CrossFit movement: Thrusters
Favorite healthy food/meal: Cauliflower Pizza 🍕 and Salads.
Favorite part about CFSC: What can I say? This gym is by far the best place to work out and hang out. I have made so many friends, and I love my girls 💃 in the evening classes. The love and affection we get from all the members are overwhelming. There have been times in the last four years where I have been down, but just coming to the gym and talking to everyone fills me with joy and makes me joyous. I cherish every moment I spend here and am glad to be an inspiration!!
Something we don’t know about you: I am an artistic person and love to do acrylic paint & digital art. It is strange, but I discovered art after moving to the US and never indulged in it during my school days. Also, I am good at decoration and DIY stuff, something which I learned while decorating my new house. I love to cook, listen to music, and recently started reading books. (Would love some recommendations for new books to read 😊)
Words of wisdom for people who are new to CrossFit or interested in trying it: Will it be easy? No. Worth it? Absolutely. 🦾