Athlete of the Month

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.

July 2019 Athlete of the Month: Brit Henderson
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 Brit 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 for just over 4 months.  As far as physical changes, I’ve definitely noticed that my physique is becoming more muscular, my endurance has improved, and I’m getting stronger and faster. Before joining Terminus, I’d never been athletic or even physically active, but that has completely changed.  Now I LOVE working out and being active. I have a hard time sitting still at work nowadays. Mentally, I’m learning to ignore that little voice that’s always giving me reasons why I probably shouldn’t do something or why I should just quit. I’m learning to take more risks and to make more commitments to myself.

Q: How has CrossFit helped you outside the gym? 
CrossFit has changed my life in so many ways. Seriously.  Since Day 1, my amazing coaches and classmates here have been pushing me to step way outside of my comfort zone, and that’s translated into other areas of my life. It’s given me the confidence and motivation to do scary or uncomfortable things like take swimming lessons, ending unhealthy relationships, and giving more presentations at work.

Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you? 
I’m really inspired by my classmates, veterans and beginners alike, who come in and challenge themselves day after day, week after week. Sometimes they do amazing feats of physical prowess, and I’m awed. Sometimes they fail, and in those moments, their courage and strength really shine.

Q: What is something that we may not know about you? 
I work from home, which definitely has its perks (e.g. lots of stretch breaks) but can also be really isolating, so I’m extra grateful for having such an amazing community at Terminus. I’ve enjoyed meeting so many interesting people, and I hope to get to know you all even more.

Q: Any advice for someone considering trying CrossFit for the first time? 
Just try it! You have basically nothing to lose and soooo much to gain. Sure, the thought of taking that first class might seem a little  intimidating, but there will be a whole community of people cheering you on, and you WILL get through it and feel good for having done it.

Q: What are your top 3 memories in CrossFit? 
hmmm, I’d have to say my first box jump was pretty big. I remember staring at that big foam box wondering how bad it was going to hurt when I wiped out. The next thing I knew, Coach Patrick said “jump,” and I was standing on top of it, fully intact.
Carrying a barbell through a thunderstorm (and surviving) was also pretty memorable. And who can forget their first Murph!

Q: What’s your proudest accomplishment? 
I have to go with the 10K run this year. Before joining Terminus, I was allergic to running.  I had never even run a mile before.  I didn’t realize how enjoyable such a simple exercise can be when you’re doing it with the right people.

Q: Moving forward, do you have any short term or long term CrossFit goals? 
In the short term, I have a TON to work on. I want to become proficient at all of the different skills and movements and also work on my (utter lack of) mobility and flexibility. In the long term, I’d like to compete with a team and/or individually in some local competitions (and maybe even beyond).

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 Matt yet (or even if you have), make sure to give him a hello and smile next time you see him 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 for nearly three years now, starting in early Fall of 2016. If it wasn’t for my former roommate, Jon Wilson, waking me up every day as he left for Terminus, I would never have signed up. Physically, the changes are nice but, more importantly, the mental transformation has helped tremendously – greater energy, more productive professionally, better mood regulation, etc.

Q: How has CrossFit helped you outside the gym?

CrossFit has helped me enormously professionally as I’ve seen a direct correlation between joining Terminus and moving up the corporate ladder.

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

The 7 a.m. crew. I’m inspired by their consistency and positive attitude each morning.

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

I’m getting married on May 31st (Last night)!

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

I tell people there’s “working out” and then there’s CrossFit. If you want to see a profound change in your physical and mental well-being, just start going every day and make it a routine.

Q: What are your top 3 memories in CrossFit? 1. 10 x 400m sprints at the old Edgewood location during the first month of my membership. 2. The 10K run completed in an hour last year. 3. My Don Junior-esque, half-hour Murph time 😂

Q: What’s your proudest accomplishment?

Never quitting in the middle of a WOD.

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

Short-term goal: bar muscle ups. Long-term goal: “Fran”, 95lbs, sub-6 mins.