Athlete of the Month

December 2019 Athlete of the Month: Meet Bernadette Frias
We have so much love for our community, and want to take the chance to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work. This woman drives an hour to get to Terminus at 5am before heading to work at Grady! If you haven’t met Bern yet (or even if you have), make sure to say hello and fist bump him the next time you’re at the gym!

Q: How long have you been doing CrossFit? What changes have you seen in yourself (physically or mentally) since beginning CrossFit?

I started out back in 2015 when I lived in Michigan at Mardock CF (shoutout woot woot!!). When I moved to GA, I found Terminus because I mentioned needing to find a box ASAP at one of my  orientation training classes at work. One of the trainers (Darius) told me he belonged to a box close by the hospital. I dropped by, met Emily, Atl’s Shawty, in the flesh! (not gonna lie, I was a little star struck!! lol). I signed up and suddenly I found myself working out with some of the fittest, finest people of Atl! It could definitely be intimidating but I soon realized that everyone just loves you for you and the effort you put into each workout, every day, no matter where you end up on the whiteboard. This is one of the biggest most important things I’ve learned since starting CrossFit. Not everything in life is a competition and to stop comparing myself to other people! It’s about the effort and your attitude! I still struggle with the thought of not measuring up with everyone in the class and my own physical abilities but I’m better at that now. I truly show up for the camaraderie, the friendships and the grueling workouts we endure together! Oh and our leisure walks, I always look forward to our leisure walks after class! (did that even answer the question?? lol)

Q: How has CrossFit helped you outside the gym?

CrossFit has taught me a lot about myself and how I interact with others. For instance with work, in some strange way, CrossFit has helped me set boundaries and limits on giving myself and my time. I do my best not to “live at work” (except lately because I just started a new job). I’m much better at delegating and speaking up for myself. All while being persistent and purposeful and producing quality work.

Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?

There really isn’t one person at the gym that inspires me most, but I do know I’ve felt the absence of people when they don’t show up for a while or have to move to a different class time or a different gym all together. You get super attached to the people at your gym especially those at your regular class time!!! I LOVE the 5AM people forever and ever!, each and every one of them!! But seriously, everyone inspires me to be totally honest! Anyone who can get up and work out and put their heart and soul into it, inspires me!

Q: What is something that we may not know about you?

Everyone jokes about not having met or seen my boyfriend yet, but he does exist! I promise! I’m just super social and he isn’t. It’s that simple. We’re on complete opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to that. But he exists and he’s one of the best humans on earth!

Q: Any advice for someone considering trying CrossFit for the first time?

Just do it! You’ll never find another environment where you’ve felt the most support and encouragement in reaching your fitness goals! The lessons you learn in the gym give you tools be also be resilient and hard working outside of the gym. You can’t lose! Just do it!

Q: What are your top 3 memories in CrossFit?

All the snafus!!

Getting lost on the 1 miler, when I was still super new at old Terminus on Edgewood. I ran well over a mile! Coach had to come find me jogging somewhere on Highland.

Nearly driving off the cliff at the new Terminus location… I swear I thought it was just a really steep driveway! Until my front wheel fell off he curb and the front end was hanging off the cliff and ultimately required being pulled out by a winch. Thank you, Kit!

The 10K run for Marshall’s going away party. I was dead last but running that last 400m with some of my favourite people (Ellie and Katy) and everyone at Terminus cheering me on?? … tears! Yep, I cried!

Q: What’s your proudest accomplishment?

I’ll never forget last year, first workout after Christmas break. I thought everyone would be dying to get back to the gym after the holidays but to my surprise, as I drove up, early for the 0500, I only saw Coach Ben’s car. I kept thinking someone else is surely going to show up!! I did not want to be the sole target of Bentensity!!!! I drove 3 or 4 times around the block and realized no one else was showing up! I seriously considered driving all the way back home (about 45 mins away)! But I didn’t and thanks to Ben’s amazing ability to bring out the best and fiercest competitive side of anyone, it ended up being one of the best work outs yet! I felt very accomplished! Thanks, Ben!!

Q: Moving forward, do you have any short term or long term CrossFit goals?

I’m going to continue to work on consistency. Even when I can’t get my butt to the gym, I’m going to keep moving and stay active!!

November 2019 Power Couple of the Month: Tim and Lindsey Servold
We have so much love for our community, and want to take the chance to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work. But not this month! This month we will celebrate a power couple in our community. Meet Tim and Lindsey Servold. We have watched their journey from marriage to parenthood. This recognition comes at a bittersweet time. Tim and Lindsey have purchased a new house and will be moving OTP in order to accommodate their growing family (and semi lavish lifestyle!!!). If you haven’t met Tim and Lindsey yet (or even if you have), make sure to say hello, and your farewells next time you’re at the gym!

From Tim and Lindsey:

WOOT WOOT!!! All this time at Terminus, we wondered when this day would come. It’s more glorious than we could ever imagine.

We really can not begin to explain how sad we are to leave. In fact, we still haven’t found a new gym, because everyone has to live up to the Terminus Standard, and that just isn’t possible. We are strongly considering getting into a globo gym routine. Not kidding. We love you guys and everyone at the gym so much. People think we’re crazy when we tell them how hard it’s going to be leave Terminus. We hope you both realize how uniquely special the community you’ve built is. Truly one of a kind

Anyways…Please see below for our answers. Done together, and under the influence of a few glasses of wine….

Q: How long have you been doing CrossFit? What changes have you seen in yourself (physically or mentally) since beginning CrossFit?

Lindsey: 4 years now. Physically, I’ve definitely seen changes in my body & muscle tone that I’ve never experienced via any other mode of fitness. Mentally, CrossFit has pushed me well beyond my comfort level. Never in a million years did I think I’d be lifting weight to this extent. Completing every workout is an incredible sense of accomplishment and such an important start to my day. It makes a massive difference in my productivity.

Tim: Approximately 8 years, the beginning is a little fuzzy. It’s hard to say, physically. I certainly feel stronger than ever before. I think when you’ve done something for this long, you don’t tend to notice the physical changes. More importantly, you learn that they matter much less. Mentally, it has changed my life in a profound way. It shapes everyday for me. The days/weeks where I stay consistent, I am more productive at work. I am a better Dad, and Husband. My overall happiness is increased tenfold.

Q: How has CrossFit helped you outside the gym?

Lindsey: Of course there’s the physical benefits, like how I always beat Tim at arm wrestling and tire flipping contests. But surprisingly, more important than that, are the mental benefits. Nothing is as hard as these workouts. Well, maybe not “nothing” per se…the universe did “bless” us with two children at the same time…No, but really. It’s the 1 hour a day I am truly forced to stop thinking and be in the moment, focused on the workout in front of me and counting – b/c sometimes that’s the hardest part. (Thank god for Ellie always counting.) It’s very therapeutic and a much needed mental break from our new normal and this chaotic world we live in.

Tim: These are some loaded questions to start off with! Starting my day at the gym puts me on an immediate path to a successful day. I often think about the day ahead while I’m grinding out a tough workout. I remind myself that this will be the hardest part of the day: Get through this, and you can knock out everything else on your plate. Of course, the physical aspect of being able to play sports, hike, carry all the groceries in one trip…etc.

Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?

Lindsey: Oh gosh, so many people! I’m constantly inspired by the range of experience and how everyone is in different parts of their journey and relationship with the sport. The coaches first and foremost, I really appreciate their individual approaches and perspective – and all the affirmation they’ll give me at 5AM. But I gotta say, it’s truly the ladies of 5AM. They’ve been doing this for years, are all SO STRONG, and still constantly push themselves to the next level every day. Regardless of the fact they’re all vets at this, they appreciate and value instruction and day-to-day improvement. They welcomed me to the 5AM with open arms, are great competitors, and great teammates.

Tim: Two people. First, my wife. She started Crossfit after being a long distance runner, and orange theoryer(sp?) Intimidated, and confused, she persisted and now it’s hard to imagine a time before it was such a big part of her life. But mostly, it was while she was pregnant and since she’s had the boys. She continued to make it to the gym every day until she was 34 weeks along, and the doctors asked her to stop. After they arrived, she had to move to the 5am, and that was after waking up at 4 to make sure their food supply was started for the day. When it would have been easy to make an excuse to not show up, and NO ONE would’ve blamed her, she showed up. She’s a role model for me and the boys, and we’re very lucky to have her. Second, Sweet P himself. Paulino was the first person I met when I came to Terminus. He eased me into the morning classes, and made sure to introduce me to everyone he could. While we became fast friends, we also became fierce rivals. Competing with him has been one of the great joys of being a part of this family. Mostly, however, it has been watching him overcome multiple surgeries, and adversity. He has stayed positive throughout it all, and reminded me each day, that there is nothing that can’t be overcome.

Q: What is something that we may not know about you?

Tim: I’m a cowboy

Lindsey: (Ha, he wishes. For his first job he worked at a roller skating rink where he dressed up as a “honey bear” and had to skate around the rink while the little kids pulled on his tail and tried to knock him down.) Me? I’m a teeth grinder for life and wear a really sexy mouth guard to bed.

Q: Any advice for someone considering trying CrossFit for the first time?

Lindsey: Be consistent, there is a method to the madness. You will not reap the benefits by coming every so often. Allow yourself to be coached and want to be coached, ask questions. Its very scaleable to your fitness level and experience with the sport, so just enjoy the journey and stay focused on your progression rather than comparing yourself to others.

Tim: Show up, be willing to accept change/instruction, let the rest work itself out. Some days are going to seem better/easier than others, but don’t let the bad days keep you from coming back

Q: What are your top 3 memories in CrossFit?

Lindsey: My first kipping pull-up (props to Marshall for the homework to get me there). CrossFitting with babies in my belly. The people and friendships I’ve made – CrossFit Terminus is one hell of a community.

Tim: My first ring muscle-up. Cleaning 225 for the first time. Every time I beat Paulino

Q: What’s your proudest accomplishment?

Lindsey: CrossFitting with babies in my belly.

Tim: Convincing Lindsey to join Terminus

Q: Moving forward, do you have any short term or long term CrossFit goals?

Lindsey: We’re moving from Edgewood to Norcross at the end of November and that is going to be a massive change. That said, short term – start campaigning for Terminus to open a Norcross location. Long term – Terminus opens a Norcross location. So until Terminus Norcross opens, in the short term it’s finding a gym and not letting my fitness lapse. Longer term, I look forward to the day I can do at least 10 kipping pull-ups unbroken and consistently throughout a workout. And also, all of our Saturday AM trips back into the city to drop in @ Terminus and have coffee with the peeps at Muchacho. (Intowner for life.)

Tim: Short term- Find a gym near our new house. Long term: Introduce the twins to it all. The thought of getting to share something so important and influential with them is very exciting. And, of course, bring them back to Terminus for all the Saturday workouts we can make. We don’t want to lose the connection we’ve made with so many people at the gym. And we certainly want to make sure the boy’s have a chance to get to know everyone as they grow. We joke around so much, I think it’s easy to forget what Terminus has come to mean to each of us and our family. Now that our move is so close, and reality is setting in, it’s incredibly sad. We are lucky to have met each and every one of the members and coaching staff, and honored to call you all our friends. Please be sure to drop in at 6 or 7am to beat Paulino for me, and remember, he never stands all the way up on his burpees. 🙂

Farewell Tim & Lindsey! We hope to see you on the weekends as promised!

October 2019 Athlete of the Month: Meet Greg Giuffrida
We have so much love for our community, and want to take the chance to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work – if you haven’t met Greg yet (or even if you have), make sure to say hello and fist bump him the next time you’re at the gym!

Q: How long have you been doing CrossFit? What changes have you seen in yourself (physically or mentally) since beginning CrossFit?

About two-and-a-half years. I’ve dropped about 20 pounds of body fat and added 5 pounds of muscle. Mentally, this is the foundation of my daily routine. Beginning every day with a good workout makes everything else fall into place (pro tip: take a short nap after lunch).

Q: How has CrossFit helped you outside the gym?

My physical capacity for everything has changed. I was never able to run more than two or three miles until I built my aerobic capacity here. Now I can run the Peachtree in well under an hour. Everyday tasks like yardwork used to wipe me out. Now I don’t even get winded. I walk, bike, and ride transit most of the time, so my ability to get around the city has improved in every way.

Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?

Medium J is my guy for classic rock and heavy squats (Thin Lizzy forever). I’m always grateful for a nudge from him when I’m feeling tired and hesitating about a lift. Joe D. helped me a lot with advice and motivation when I started. (We miss you 6am, Joe!) I learned not to try keeping up with Boris in running or traveling the world, so I just try to outlift him. We have some newer folks in 6am who are great partners for staying motivated, like Brit, Adam G., and Ben D. Don’t try to row with Moran. He will kick your ass.

Q: What is something that we may not know about you?

I hung out backstage with Keith Richards a couple times (long story). This summer I went out drinking in Cincinnati with an audio-animatronic Elvis head and a Fransciscan monk (longer story). I love rollerblading and in high school I was sponsored by a local skate shop (Story: It was the ’90s). I listen to a lot of music and right now I’m into early 1980s Italian disco.

Q: Any advice for someone considering trying CrossFit for the first time?

To be honest, I struggled for the first year or so. I had a couple injuries outside the gym and it took a while to build up the mobility, strength, and endurance I needed to keep up. I’m grateful to all the coaches (Dayne, Marshall, Ben, Sonya) and my classmates for helping me push through it. At some point last year, I decided to make this a priority and come five days a week. That forced me to make lifestyle changes, mainly in sleep and nutrition, that helped me get to the next level. Somehow I went from last-on-the-board/someone-call-an-ambulance to the occasional first-place (depending on who shows up that day).

All that is to say: This is not easy. If you’re struggling or hit a plateau, make the effort outside the gym to be rested, hydrated, and warmed up when it’s time to work out. Ask for help. Stay late when you can to cool down and practice skills. You will notice the difference.

Q: What are your top 3 memories in CrossFit?

– Maybe throwing up is cliche, but I took three weeks off this summer to travel. The first workout when I got back was assault bike 50-40-30-20-10 cals. After the 40, I thought about dying. Instead, I went into the lockerroom, threw up, and finished strong.
– One time I got sloppy on a wall ball and Ben ran up to me: “What the f*** was that s***?” We both cracked up laughing, but the lesson stuck: No more dogs*** wall balls.
– Getting a compliment from Ben on my overhead squat (big deal).

Q: What’s your proudest accomplishment?

In life or the gym? In life, having the courage to quit my first career, go back to school, and start over again. In the gym, hitting my last squat PR (I’m not going to say what it was, because I plan to beat it soon).

Q: Moving forward, do you have any short term or long term CrossFit goals?

Somehow I’m getting worse at double-unders, so that’s short-term. Long-term, I want to handstand walk and dial in my snatches. The snatch is a fun and complicated movement that tells you a lot about where you are.

 

September 2019 Athlete of the Month: Hannah Williford
We have so much love for our community, and want to take the chance to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work – if you haven’t met Hannah yet (or even if you have), make sure to say hello and smile next time you’re at the gym!

Q: How long have you been doing CrossFit? What changes have you seen in yourself (physically or mentally) since beginning CrossFit?

I’ve been doing CrossFit 6 years now (wild!). Physically, I’ve noticed increasing strength and muscle. I primarily ran before starting CrossFit, so I was on the leaner side. Mentally…where to begin. I’ve gained a lot more confidence in myself and in my abilities, in/outside of the gym. I still have mental barriers to break down, but I’d never have thought before starting this journey that I’d ever lift 100+ pounds over my head, or do even a single pull-up!

Q: How has CrossFit helped you outside the gym?

It has helped me to become a stronger/faster runner, which I definitely appreciate every time I toe the line for a race. It has also given me an amazing friendship group that I am very thankful for!

Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?

Mary and Vickie inspire me everyday with their upbeat attitude (it’s contagious!) and determination to reach their goal(s) 🙂

Q: What is something that we may not know about you?

I’m practically 30 going on 80… I love watching Murder She Wrote. I am cold almost always. Napping in my favorite recliner is a thing. I could go on.

Q: Any advice for someone considering trying CrossFit for the first time?

Learning the terminology and movements can be overwhelming at first – try not to get frustrated! It’s so worth being patient and learning the proper form/technique to each movement.
You’ll laugh, cry and sweat rivers with your fellow CrossFitters/friends on the regular, and it’s one of the best parts of my day. Get ready for the most memorable fitness journey of your life!

Q: What are your top 3 memories in CrossFit?

I have soooo many great memories!
1. The first time I got a double under, I about cried! It took me almost two years to get them figured out, but now I love them.
2. My very first pull-up was also monumental (thanks for getting it on film, Alyssa!). I go back and watch the video sometimes to see how far I’ve come and look forward to all the things I’ve yet to accomplish!
3. Attending BaconFest when we were at Terminus 1.0 was so much fun! [Flip Cup Champions! If ya know, ya know haha]

Q: What’s your proudest accomplishment?

That’s a tough one..I think finally learning to believe in myself and what my body was capable of changed everything for me. Being able to scale workouts is one of the best things about CrossFit – it makes fitness accessible to anyone! For the longest time, I doubted myself constantly though and would never push myself to scale up, it was always down or the same. I’d say/think things like ‘I can’t possibly lift more than this #35 bar’ or ‘running a 400m lap in under 2 min, you must be joking?’. Eventually something clicked and I started adding plates to my bar, pushing my legs to their limits and seeing the results of coming in 5 days a week, instead of 2-3. Where I am now versus where I was at 6 years ago is just crazy to think about – the progress has been so rewarding!

Q: Moving forward, do you have any short term or long term CrossFit goals?

Short term – I’m working on bettering my push-ups and pull-ups.
Long term – I’ve got to push past my mental barriers and get that handstand push-up! Being comfortable upside down is a work in progress for sure.

August 2019 Athlete of the Month: Lewis Noble
We have so much love for our community, and want to take the chance to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work – if you haven’t met Lewis yet (or even if you have), make sure to say hello and smile next time you’re at the gym!

Q: How long have you been doing CrossFit? What changes have you seen in yourself (physically or mentally) since beginning CrossFit?

I started CrossFit in 2012 while I was at FSU. I really struggled to keep any kind of active routine after playing sports in high school and wanted to make a change. I did it off and on for a few years until I joined Terminus and became much more consistent. I have seen a complete change physically and mentally. I am in the best shape I have ever been in and continue to push myself passed old mental barriers.

Q: How has CrossFit helped you outside the gym?

CrossFit has made me much more confident in everyday life and that positive impact permeates everything I do. Other than that, I notice the mental strength of pushing myself in workouts when I’m working on any task that is difficult or I don’t want to do. That discipline of showing up and doing what’s asked of you has definitely been transferable.

Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?

I remember working out with Patrick at the old Terminus. Seeing the transformation he has made from there to now coaching is amazing. He is definitely a positive force in the gym and someone I can count on to push me when I hit that mental wall or begin to give up in a workout.

Q: What is something that we may not know about you?

I love sneakers and have more than 30 pairs.

Q: Any advice for someone considering trying CrossFit for the first time?

Just try it and show up. When you first start, showing up is the most important part. You can handle anything that you encounter once you get there, but just get yourself in the door.

Q: What are your top 3 memories in CrossFit?

1. Puking after my first CrossFit workout ever

2. Completing Murph for the first time

3. The first time I truly looked forward while snatching and beat my old PR by 20 lbs.

Q: What’s your proudest accomplishment?

Before I started my most recent project for work, I had gone 5 times a week for 13 weeks in a row.

Q: Moving forward, do you have any short term or long term CrossFit goals?

My goals with CrossFit have always been centered on going consistently. Now that I’m traveling for work again, my goal is to get to the gym 3+ times a week while I’m on the road and 5 times a week when I’m home.