Athlete of the Month

May 2020 AOTM: Mark Emery
We have so much love for our community, and love to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work. After an aggressive lobbying campaign rivaling most special interest groups in Washington DC, we are proud to announce that Mark Emery has joined the ring of honor (Disclosure no money or favors have been exchanged in this decision). Get to know Mark here, and make sure you say hello and fist bump him once we get back from quarantine!

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

First of all, I can’t believe I am AOTM. I never guessed it would happen.

I have been doing Crossfit since before many people reading this were even conceived – 2011. I had done P90X in my garage for a year and thought I was ready. Turns out, I wasn’t. My first workout was Karen and I got whipped by a drunk 87 year old.

There aren’t enough words to extoll how Crossfit has changed my entire world. I am stronger, faster and leaner at 45 than 25, and that’s saying something, since at 25 I was already a 3x Olympic curling champion. Mentally, doing Crossfit with Ben Benson means I’ve already met my daily quota of suffering by 7AM. After that, the volume on the rest of life gets turned way down. I like that.

Q: How has CrossFit helped you outside the gym?

It’s my daily reminder that lasting value, happiness, fulfillment and growth flourish through suffering. The ability to suffer gracefully and with purpose is something I really admire in people.

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

Though I started CrossFit before we met, there’s no way I’d be where I am now without my wife, who inspires, cajoles and annoys me into consistency. Pound for pound, she’s the strongest person I’ve ever had sex with and she will always be my favorite WOD partner. That said, if it involves thrusters, I want a divorce.

There are many others. Trent’s kind heart. Ryan Oubre’s relentless positivity. Ellie Hoover’s man burps. I also admire the quiet grinders who seem to never miss class and do all the accessory work. People like Paulino, Sara Hardy and Katie Taylor.

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

I love doing impersonations, mostly of people I know. Some of my favorites are Shock G (Digital Underground), Scooby Doo, Hank Hill, Paulino and Ben Benson. I am working on a David Eastman, which involves standing around a lot looking at equipment.

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

Most of the fear is centered around what others think. So, here is what experienced CrossFitters think about noobs – you are inspiring AF. You have elected to have your ass handed to you by a stranger, in front of a group of strangers who are all exceedingly better than you are. When I see a brand new CrossFitter, all I see is badass.

Q: What are your top 3 memories in CrossFit?

1.    Getting on the board in my old gym for Diane. While it’s true someone had to die to make that happen, I’m pretty sure he’d be happy for me now.
2.    First muscle up.
3.    My first class at Terminus, taught by Marshall, when my barbell stopped moving vertically mid snatch and I was like “WTAF?” before sort of tumbling back to the bottom of my squat. I looked up and saw this crazy maniac behind me holding my barbell talking to me about grip width or some shit. I’d been a coach for years and in some gyms coaches are reluctant to actually coach other coaches, but this lunatic who I didn’t even know felt totally comfortable demolishing my snatch and I knew I’d found the right gym. Thanks Ben.

Q: What’s your proudest accomplishment?

TBD. Honestly I wake up every day feeling like I haven’t done shit, yet.

In the meantime, nothing really comes close to watching your children be courageous. Recently Scout had the choice between taking a medication for two weeks, or getting a shot. I watched her steel her nerves and tell the doctor she wanted the shot. I don’t think I’ve ever been prouder.

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

I’d love to be able to handstand walk.

 

February 2020 AOTM: Adrianna Baggetta
We have so much love for our community, and love to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work. Adrianna brings an infectious focus and intensity to every class she attends. Get to know Adrianna here, and make sure you say hello and fist bump her 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 have been doing CrossFit for about fifteen months and it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made! I think CrossFit has helped me in all areas of my physical and mental health and I continue to be excited about where it will continue to take me.

Q: How has CrossFit helped you outside the gym?
CrossFit has 100% helped me become a better coach. Not only working to understand more functional movements and individual physical limitations but to remember what it is like to put yourself in a vulnerable situation and what the fear of failure or comparison does to your mental state. I have learned to take a step back and maybe be a bit more empathetic. On the flip side, because of all the Terminus members accomplish, I am probably more demanding on my players in the physical arena and how far you can really go if you push yourself!

Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?
Every single person that walks through the Terminus doors, coaches included, all inspire me. From the young ones who are working to compete on the national stage to brand new members of all backgrounds that are working to take care of themselves and looking for growth!
I do have to single out Mariam though- her will and drive are so genuine and always with a smile. She’s amazing.
Also watching Arielle and Pip continue to grind and be so open to growth is really special to watch! Oh yeah and Sonya just working, pounding the stone and determined!

Q: What is something that we may not know about you?
I was a softball player at the University of South Carolina. I am the head softball coach at Emory University and our team was Runner Up In the NCAA Div. III Championship’s this past season.

Q: Any advice for someone considering trying CrossFit for the first time?
The hardest step is the first one! Do your research on the places you may potentially become a member of, they aren’t all the same. Make sure you find one that is there for your best interest and wants you to do things the right way! No doubt in Atlanta that is Terminus!

Q: What are your top 3 memories in CrossFit?
Hmmmm…. this is tough! My first one was probably the embarrassment of the graduation line that used to take place.Hoy that almost made me not come back  second  probably is shortly after graduation there was a partner workout and I somehow got paired with Emily, very high anxiety moment for me.  I believe there was a lot of rowing, burpees and maybe air squats, I don’t think to this day I have rowed as fast as I did that day! Maybe it was the Games Athlete title that gave me anxiety and the possibility of her getting a terrible time because of me out but Emily was as helpful and supportive as a partner as she is a coach.  I was so fortunate to get that opportunity.  As for my third I’m not sure I can come up with just one because every time someone completes something they didn’t think they could or does better than they expected is a memory for me.

Q: What’s your proudest accomplishment?
This is a difficult question is this in life or CrossFit? CrossFit I’m not sure I have hit that yet, I’m pretty average and I have so much to improve upon. In life watching the young women I get the opportunity to coach succeed on the field and in the classroom and continuing to be great humans and succeed! Most recently the experience for the young women to play for a National Championship watching them believe in themselves and be their best for each other in such a short period of time was really special.

Q: Moving forward, do you have any short term or long term CrossFit goals?
My mission in life is to keep a growth mindset, never be content, to get stronger, fitter and better! Improve my lifting techniques, my endurance, jump rope, my mobility, gymnastics and continue to grow mentally with being uncomfortable and build more relationships within the Terminus community! Good is not good enough!

We have so much love for our community, and want to take the chance to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work.  Nigel is a newer member, joining Terminus in October, but has become a familiar face in the afternoon classes and immediately ingrained himself into our community!  Get to know Nigel here, and make sure you say hello and fist bump him next time you’re at the gym!

Q: How long have you been doing CrossFit?  What changes have you seen physically or mentally since beginning CrossFit?  
A: Ive been doing Crossfit for about 4 years and I notice how much it helps me get stronger everyday. I always thought I was athletic but Crossfit humbles me

Q: How has CrossFit helped you outside of the gym?
A: The mental toughness that some of these Wods require help me get though football season with my Bucs

Q: Who inspires you at the gym and how do they inspire you?
A: I am always inspired by the people who surround me from the folks who back squat with a PVC pipe to the dudes who squat with all the plates

Q: What is something that we may not know about you?
A: My favorite movie is “The Notebook”

Q: Any advice for someone considering trying CrossFit for the first time?
A: Stick with it, it gets better, you will learn a lot about yourself and your life may change. The community of Crossfit is a whole different subject that also applies here.

Q: What are your top 3 memories in CrossFit?  
A: My top 3 memories are 1) when I got my first 20 double unders 2)  a ring muscle up 3) helping my fellow athlete with his first banded pull up after shoulder surgery

Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?  
A: My proudest accomplishment is working on balancing my job and my love of Crossfit and being a member of Terminus

Q: Moving forward, do you have any short term or long term CrossFit goals.
A: My short term goals include more time at the gym, less time cheering for my Bucs, and better nutrition

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!!