Name: Alan Clark
Age: 55
How long you have been a member at CFSC: Two years
How you got started at CFSC: I had been running and biking for years to stay in shape, but the routine was monotonous, and I was losing strength and flexibility. When a friend described the constantly varied, functional nature of CrossFit, it sounded like exactly what I needed and something that would not get boring and repetitive. Buffy met with me to understand my goals and explain how it all worked. She and Kyra were very encouraging during my on-ramp (and patiently answered my endless questions), and I knew I had found the right fitness regimen and the right place to do it.
Favorite CrossFit movement: I like almost everything we do. For the first several months, almost every skill and movement was new to me, and I enjoyed learning the fundamentals. Now, as we repeat movements that I have done before, I am focused on trying to improve my form, strength, and stamina. What I really like is that, regardless of the specific movement, there is always an opportunity to improve, and the progress is measurable.
Least favorite CrossFit movement: Burpees and box jumps. So, I really dislike burpee box jumps.
Favorite healthy food/meal: Seared ahi tuna or blackened salmon with roasted asparagus
Favorite part about CFSC: The people—it is a very supportive community of athletes and coaches who encourage, prod, and challenge me. They have helped me to do far more than I ever thought I could, and they push me to continue to improve. It’s a special group of people who can be enthusiastic, motivating and supportive at 5:00 a.m.!!!
Something we don’t know about you: I am an avid sailor and recently earned my celestial navigation certification (so if the GPS fails, I should be able to figure out where I am). My goal in the next several years is to sail across the Atlantic and back.
Words of wisdom for people who are new to CrossFit or interested in trying it: Just try it—CrossFit may be different from what you think it is. You will quickly see tangible results, and you will meet a great group of people who will keep you motivated.
Name: Jodi Winterton
Age: 44
How long you have been a member at CFSC: 5 months
How you got started at CFSC: Was at a different box for 5 years but work changes a couple years ago were making it hard for me to get there consistently. I finally got fed up with my health and fitness suffering because of it. I knew about Brian and CFSC from being a CLT Crossfitter. Location was right. Class schedule was right. Came in and talked with Buffy. I left that meeting feeling completely re-motivated. Started the classes a couple days later and have never looked back. I’m lovin’ it here.
Favorite CrossFit movement: Oly Lifts; split jerk in particular.
Least favorite CrossFit movement: Thrusters. By far.
Favorite healthy food/meal: All the locally farmed meats and veggies at the farmer’s market.
Favorite part about CFSC: That’s tough. Obviously, the community is what makes it special, so that’s gotta be number one. But, the coaching is a close second. I love the movement instructions, the extensive warm ups, the explanations of the purpose of the WODs, the numerous scaling options, the helpful hints, the cool downs, and the playful banter in between it all.
Something we don’t know about you: I’m on iTunes. I did the singer-songwriter thing for a while after college. Played live shows around the southeast. Released a CD in 2002 called “Stage of Life and Leisure.” At some point I got tired of playing for peanuts and decided to focus on my career in TV.
Words of wisdom for people who are new to CrossFit or interested in trying it: Nutrition and recovery. Don’t ignore them or put them in the back seat. Both are every bit as important as the WOD’s…maybe even more so.