Name: Corinne Cunningham
Age: 29
How long you have been a member at CFSC: 1 year 8 months
How you got started at CFSC: I kept seeing this “New You- 6 week program” ad on my facebook feed. I had watched a documentary on Crossfit a couple years before and thought it was just for the “elite.” Then, I found out people I knew did Crossfit and I figured if they can do it, I can too. I searched facebook for the ad and decided to check it out. After the program, I liked everyone too much to leave.
Favorite CrossFit movement: Cleans and anything on the rig
Least favorite CrossFit movement: Snatches, OHS
Favorite healthy food/meal: Spicy Chicken Thighs with Sweet & Tangy Honey Glaze with a side of couscous cucumber & feta salad and roasted sweet potatoes (I like to cook)
Favorite part about CFSC: Learning new things and the people and the coaches. I’ve never found a place before with such strong, inspiring, and supportive people who genuinely care about you. I’m happy every time I’m at the gym, suffering with everyone else.
Something we don’t know about you: I’ve had 8 surgeries (soon to be 9) due to genetic issues which resulted in me having a piece of my hip in my left foot and a cadaver bone in my right.
I’m also freaked out by cows with their big eyes – pretty sure there’s a repressed memory from my grandparent’s dairy farm.
Words of wisdom for people who are new to CrossFit or interested in trying it: Literally ANYONE can do it – you can modify any movement no matter your handicap, trust me. Don’t be intimidated, be patient, work hard, and ask questions – even if you feel stupid asking (I found early on there’s a lot of acronyms in Crossfit). When you feel like you’re about to die, you’re not – just keep moving no matter how slowly, the workout will end eventually. Then, at some point, you’re going to wonder how you got yourself into this and you’re going to be sore or bruised or blistered or scratched, then you’ll look over and see someone else suffering too but they’re smiling – who are these people?! Well now, you’ve got to stick around and find out. You’ll get addicted to everything: the people, the coaches, the workouts, getting better at a movement, eating healthier, setting goals. Through it all, just remember, everyone has to start somewhere, whether it’s for the first time or they’re starting again for their 9th or 20th time, just keep showing up, trying, and listening to the coaches.
Name: Pete Connolly
Age: 38
How long you have been a member at CFSC: 1.5 years
How you got started at CFSC: We moved to the Charlotte area in September 2016. I have been very active my entire life and tried several different gyms and types of exercise in my 20s and 30s. I typically like to go against the grain so when CrossFit became all the rage years ago, told myself and everyone else that it wasn’t for me. Finally came to the realization that most gyms aren’t fun or effective, so figured it was time to let go of my resistance and give it a try. Absolutely loved the challenge and intensity of the first week. Being an all or nothing kind of guy, I was all in.
Favorite CrossFit movement: Anything gymnastics related. Little guy advantages.
Least favorite CrossFit movement: Anything barbell related. Little guy problems.
Favorite healthy food/meal: Grilled salmon, baked sweet potato, roasted brussel sprouts, and whole chocolate milk.
Favorite part about CFSC: Stressed out, angry, and miserable people seem to be everywhere these days. That is not the case at CFSC. When you’re at this gym, you are surrounded by genuinely happy people. Suppose that’s a long-winded way of saying “the culture/environment.” The coaches really are fantastic and great at their jobs. The members are fun to be around and become your friends very quickly. Besides going home after work and being with my family, it’s easily the best part of my day.
Something we don’t know about you: I grew up next to a dairy farm in southeastern PA. Got my first job when I was 13 years old. I shoveled cow manure at 4 in the morning for $3/hour. Getting free homemade chocolate milk from their store whenever I wanted made it all worth it. It’s like a milkshake. To this day it’s the best I’ve ever had, and still one of the first stops I make when visiting my hometown.
Words of wisdom for people who are new to CrossFit or interested in trying it: If you’re new, be humble, patient, and accountable. Let go of your ego and competitiveness, learn the proper forms and techniques, listen to the coaches, and listen to your body. Don’t worry about what the person next to you is doing or whatever else is going on in your life outside of the gym. Treat yourself and be selfish for an hour. If you’re interested in trying it, CrossFit is for anyone who is, or wants to be, active due to its scalability and effectiveness. Just a matter of finding the right gym, like CFSC!