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Athlete of the Month

February 2019 – Meet Joe Daher

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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 Joe 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, mentally) since beginning CrossFit? 

I’ve been doing CrossFit now for about five years, all that time I have been a part of the Terminus community. I’ve seen a lot of changes physically and mentally in that time. I have definitely lost weight, gained muscle, and just felt healthier overall. Over this past year I have tried to focus on my diet and what foods I am putting in my body. This has led to some really great results and I am excited to continue to push my body to see what else I can do.

Q: What is your favorite movement? Something you feel like a rockstar when doing.  What is your least favorite?

I love almost every Olympic lift but if I had to pick one I would say squat cleans. Pull-ups are probably my kryptonite after about 10 reps…but still working on it.

Q: How has CrossFit helped you outside of the gym (in your daily life, at work, at home etc.)?

CrossFit helps me outside the gym a lot. I work in a warehouse and I’m on my feet for more than 10 hours a day and before I did CrossFit it would go home with a sore, tired and sluggish. CrossFit has helped my body become more adaptive and withstand the demands that work requires. Overall though, CrossFit just gives me more energy and helps me get my day started.

Q: Favorite workout jams?

I like to switch between any dance/remix playlist on Spotify.

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

My good friend Paulino definitely inspires and pushes me everyday in the gym. Whenever I have a doubt about a workout I’ll always go to him and ask for advice and we push each other with a healthy competitive drive. He likes to send me a text with a picture of the white board when he beats me at a workout and my replies are always the same….

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

That I am a huge gamer and I’m currently play Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

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

I would say just give it a try! Go in with some goals and stick with it.

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

Short term – To get a bar muscle-up soon (accomplished on January 25th!) Long term – I really want to work on my endurance as a whole.

December 2018 – Meet Ryan Oubre

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Each month, we take the time to put the spotlight on one athlete that has walked through our doors on day one and been hard at work ever since. Next time you see Ryan at the gym, tell him to show you his newest addition to his playbook – muscle ups!

We asked Ryan’s coaches what they thought about him, here’s what we got:

“Ryan is the first to encourage other members, to recognize something positive they have done and to cheer them on in workouts.”

“There was one time during a workout, where Ryan and I were working on pull-ups or T2B (I can’t quite recall) at neighboring bars and man was I struggling. We barely knew each at the time, but he made sure I pushed through. He was right there, cheering me on. That’s family!”

“Ryan came into the gym on day one, willing to put his ego aside to allow him to get better. He pushes himself on every workout. He always encourages his fellow athletes and consistently extends himself to talk to others, especially new people. “

“He is always look for a way to connect, to make someone comfortable or to make them smile. His easy-going nature belies the hardworking intensity he brings in workouts and he’s always sure to help fellow gym members along. He is a supremely positive presence.”

“My first memory of coaching Ryan was on the Assault Bike 50-40-30-20-10 calories-for-time workout. He blew up so hard on the set of 50, he was physically unable to continue. Instead of being down or embarrassed about it, he came back the next day and told me, ‘he would conquer the Assault Bike on day!’ I was blown away by his positive attitude and can appreciate his intensity! He’s very competitive, but doesn’t let an ego stand in his way of taking a step back if needed in order to make long-term progress.”

Looking for a personal hype man? We suggest this guy. Need a little more insight before you decide? We get it. Here’s more about our boy, Ryan:

Q: What changes have you seen in yourself (physically, mentally) since beginning CrossFit that you never had before?

Physically I feel close to the best shape I’ve ever been in! A friend of mine who has been doing CrossFit for a couple of years always had told me to start and that I would love it and that he was in the best shape of his life. I travel a good bit for work and always used that as an excuse but after moving back to Atlanta earlier this year I decided to give it a shot. After a few months I’m happy where I am physically. Mentally: it’s an incredible stress reliever and just an awesome way to decompress from that day.
Q: What is your “super power” movement? Something you feel like a rockstar when doing.
I’ve grown up around a barbell so anything that involves one I feel pretty good with: squats, power cleans, bench press. Body weight movements are normally pretty good for me also. Keep me as far away from the rower or assault bike as possible please.
Q: How has CrossFit helped you outside of the gym (in your daily life, at work, at home etc.)?
Not to get philosophical, but CrossFit is very meta in my opinion. It’s a constant reminder that everyday is you vs. you yesterday. I do enjoy the competitive nature of someone being a few steps ahead of me on a run or a few meters ahead of me on a row to push me along, but most of the time I forget the who and remember my result week over week. I remember that a kipping pull up was tough in last weeks workout but a few weeks later it’s how can I string multiple together. The week after that I’m trying for my first muscle up and the cycle continues. When you can apply that to your professional and personal life it makes the impossible seem possible as long as your willing to work for it. It’s a great daily reminder that if you put in the work – you’ll see results.
Q: Favorite workout jams?
I created a few playlist on Spotify for the gym and have been slowly getting plays during WODs. Rap preferably: Kendrick, Rick Ross, TI, Jeezy, Jay Z, Lil Wayne, Future, 2 Chainz – anything along those lines.
Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?
I’m a big fan of Jess. First of all, the guy is just an animal in the gym. I was a few months in, thinking I had the hang of this and we partnered together on a Saturday morning WOD. The short version of that workout: Jess did a lot of heavy lifting, and I did a lot of heavy breathing. He seriously may have completed a whole round for us by himself. Outside of the gym he’s been an awesome guy to get to know over the past few months and he’s about to be a published author, that’s for sure a bucket list item for me – how much cooler can you be? We have a running joke that he has to give me Jess’ daily words of advice every time I see him – hasn’t led me wrong yet.
Q: What is something that we may not know about you?
Outside of the gym I’m really active in recreational sports – I play in a lot of flag football, soccer, and kickball leagues. In college I got really into intramural sports and won 2 national championships playing flag football. I’m still in communication with a lot of the guys and we play pretty regularly in the Atlanta area.
Q: Any advice for someone considering trying CrossFit for the first time?
1 – Prepare to be humbled early and often. Progress doesn’t happen overnight and as much as you want to do beat a PR or consistently work a new movement, without failing at those things – it wouldn’t make the wins what they are.
2 – Come on the days you don’t want to. On the days I don’t want to workout it’s normally because it involves something I’m not as comfortable with. You’ll never get better without being uncomfortable.
Q: Moving forward, what is your short term and long term CrossFit goal?
Short Term: 100 unbroken double unders
Long Term: I really have to get this whole engine thing down. Anything over 10-15+ minutes and it gets weird for me.
You’re the man, Ryan. Thank you for going the extra mile to make our community welcoming and encouraging. We appreciate all of the hard work and good feels you bring to the gym. Keep it…and road to 100 dubs, here we come!

November 2018 – Meet Eszti Horvath

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We love taking the time each month to highlight members of the gym family. This month, our athlete is nothing short of hilarious. If you have never crossed paths with Eszti, drop in for a 6 a.m. and you’ll see what all the fuss is about. Oh, and did we mention it’s her BIRTHDAY MONTH?!

A little outsider perspective is always important. So, we asked our coaches what their favorite thing about Eszti was. Here’s what they said:

“I like that she has a sense of humor even at 6 a.m.”

“I genuinely enjoy her acerbic wit. She is brutally honest and quick to cast shade, but it is never from a place of menace. She brightens the room with her humor and it’s noticeable when she is absent. But most of all, I like how she knows herself in a workout and has never walked out sour or down on herself.”

“Her willingness to continue to learn and her wonderful sense of humor.”

“Eszti talks a big game before, during and after all of her workouts. Most of the time it’s for humors sake – something to get through the painful exercise. In that same breath, it’s generally self-affirming and positive, which is the kind of outlook we could all stand to gain from.”

 

Told you she’s pretty neat. Now, onto some more questions to help you get to know her a little better:

 

Q: What changes have you seen in yourself (physically, mentally) since beginning CrossFit that you never had before?

One thing that’s kind of cool is this muscle that I can see on top of my shin that protrudes when I row – haha. Also, my butt looks great! Mentally, I love doing CrossFit because it puts me in a great headspace before work.

Q: What is your “super power” movement? Something you feel like a rockstar when doing.

Guys…I’m not great at this, so please don’t watch me at the gym, BUT I really like doing pull-ups. Kipping is a weird CrossFit thing to outsiders, but it makes me feel like a Games athlete.

Q: How has CrossFit helped you outside of the gym (in your daily life, at work, at home etc.)?

I work in software sales, which is really stressful. The gym helps by providing a positive space to decompress, hang out with my friends, and #getfit.

Q: Favorite workout jams?

The album “ABBA Gold” by Eurovision Song Contest’s winning band, ABBA.

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

My friend Joe (@furjoe), because he’s had a big transformation on his bod (check out his Insta – the man posts constantly).

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

I feel like my 6 a.m. friends know more about me than anyone else, BUT you might be surprised to find out that I used to live in Hungary, and I compete in Dressage on a national level.

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

I mean, honestly – just do it. It can be scary and uncomfortable, but you always feel great after class. You make really fun, cool friends and you end up forging (elite fitness) friendships for life.

Q: Moving forward, what is your short term and long term CrossFit goal?

Short term: Handstand stuff (walking, push ups, just standing).

Long term: Muscle ups!

 

Thanks, Eszti, for being such a bright light inside the gym – at such an early hour, might we add. You’re drive, wit and determination is contagious. May you have the best birthday month ever and continue achieve everything you hope for in year 25. Muscle ups, here we come!

October 2018 – Meet Cristina Briboneria!

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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 Cristina yet (or even if you have), make sure to give her a hello and smile next time you see her at the gym!


Here is a little about Cristina’s journey through CrossFit so far:

Prior to joining CrossFit Terminus I was never an actual member of a CrossFit gym. I primarily went to a gym/gyms that were focused on Functional Movement, but not CrossFit. When my wife and I moved to Kirkwood from Midtown Atlanta, I wanted a gym that was closer and running/biking distance from our house. That’s when I decided to try Terminus. I saw a couple of friends and clients went there already so I figured I’d try it out. As soon as I started coming, I fell in love with the programming. Don’t get me wrong, there are days that I wish I hadn’t showed up, but in general I love that every day is different, and there is a method to it all.

Since joining CrossFit, I have tracked my progress and know that I’ve increased my strength, am doing movements more efficiently, and feel healthier overall.

Q: Where are you originally from?
I’m originally from Los Angeles, Ca, but went to high school in Houston, Texas and then college in Oberlin, Ohio. I’ve lived in Atlanta since 2007.

Q: What class do you attend?
It’s a potpourri but mostly 7am or 4:30pm.

Q: Do you have a favorite workout or movement? Least favorite?
My favorite workouts are any that have deadlifts. Probably least favorite would be the assault bike.

Q: What’s your favorite hobby, pastime or interest outside of work (other than CrossFit)?
Outside of CrossFit I really enjoy traveling, spending time with my wife and dogs, and checking out new restaurants in the city.

Q: Favorite music to work out to or just listen to in general?
I really enjoy the Latin playlists that Dayne puts on 🙂

Q: What is something that we may not know about you?
In my prime as a college basketball player, I set 7 school 3 point shooting records. 6 of which I still hold to this day(14 years later).

Q: Favorite Atlanta Restaurant?
I love Bartaco. Probably too much. 😭

Q: Favorite moment at CF Terminus?
My favorite moment was when I finally hit a heavy to me full snatch, several months ago.

Q: How has CrossFit affected your life (inside/outside of the gym)?
It really has made me think of my health in a better way. I want to keep my body physically healthy, stay mentally healthy so that I can continue to challenge myself inside of the gym. I’m really tough on myself in general, and it keeps everything in perspective that if I can stay consistent in all things, that there is no doubt I will progress.

Q: Any advice for someone considering trying CrossFit for the first time?
Just Do It. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, that’s what the coaches are there for and if you fall off with diet, showing up to classes, that’s okay, get back on try to stay as consistent as possible. It’ll all be worth it!

 

Thank you, Cristina, for giving CrossFit a chance – and trusting us to be part of that process. You bring a bright, positive energy to the gym every time you walk in and we always appreciate your amazing attitude! Keep up the hard work!

 

September 2018 – Meet Chris Foster!

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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 Tall Chris yet (or even if you have), make sure to give him a hello and high five next time you see him at the gym!


Here is a little about Chris’ journey through CrossFit so far:

I guess what first got the wheels set in motion to consider CrossFit was running a 5K with my brother here in Atlanta. He has been doing CrossFit for a few years now, and he laid down a 22 min time without even batting an eye. I really struggled to drag myself across the finish line in under 30 min, and I had been ‘training’ for weeks. And if I’m being honest, my idea of fitness up until then was doing what most people do – screwing around at the gym doing some cardio, and maybe doing weights on a machine. I made very little progress over the years, but didn’t really know how to get better.

Fast forward to February, and there was a fitness challenge at my work gym had that had nutrition counseling and a Dexa body scan weigh in and out. It started to get me out of my rut, and I started making some small, but noticeable improvements. And my brother had asked me to go workout with him at his gym a few times when I had been back home, but I was always reluctant. I needed to check this out on my own, and this fitness challenge was the perfect catalyst to make me think I was ready.

I remember my first day I walked in that side door at Terminus in the beginning of May, and I sheepishly stood around looking lost. Patrick saw me, welcomed me and I introduced me to the rest of the 101 class. The 101 WOD turned out to be a bunch of rowing (and something else that I don’t remember), which on that day I actually wasn’t excited about, because I had stupidly rowed 7,000m at my work gym earlier in the day because I vastly underestimated the intensity of the 101 WODs. I ended up tearing my palms up as blisters formed and burst, but I was hooked right away. I had never worked so hard in a very long time, and it felt so good.

Q: Where are you originally from?
Oh, a small cowtown no one’s ever heard of – Denver

Q: What class do you attend?
Usually 6:30pm, although I’ve been known to make the occasional guest appearances at 7:00am and 5:30pm

Q: Do you have a favorite workout or movement? Least favorite?
(Oh, man) I like anything involving assault bike or rowing. They’re great tall person things. I’m definitely not down with burpees though — it’s my idea of hell

Q: What’s your favorite hobby, pastime or interest outside of work (other than CrossFit)?
I travel for work and leisure fairly frequently, I’ve gotten to go to some really cool places. I also like to bother my cat Spock, and have witty banter with friends over drinks.

Q: Favorite music to work out to or just listen to in general?
It’s not the best to workout to usually, but I really dig Odesza.

Q: What is something that we may not know about you?
I’ve been to all six inhabited continents. I’m hoping to get to Antarctica before I’m 40.

Q: Favorite Atlanta Restaurant?
Don Sige – they have really great tacos.

Q: Favorite moment at CF Terminus?
Anytime I’m not the last finisher for a WOD. But seriously, probably when I PR’d my mile run a few weeks ago. I’ve literally never run so fast for distance in my life.

Q: How has CrossFit affected your life (inside/outside of the gym)?
Anyone that’s seen me ever do one of Dayne’s warmups know’s I’m a big clumsy goofball. But because of them, and CrossFit in general, I’m definitely more spatially aware of my surroundings, have improved fine motor control and balance, and just more confidence overall. There are a lot of things I’ve been introduced to over the last few months, stuff that I previously would have scoffed at ever being able to do because they’d be *too hard*. It turns out the only person keeping me from doing them was me, and going through that process has been an incredibly useful confidence-building exercise for me.

Q: Any advice for someone considering trying CrossFit for the first time?
Those first weeks are painful and can maybe be a bit demoralizing because all the movements are new to you. But as long as you don’t take yourself too seriously and come pretty regularly, it eventually starts to click. I wouldn’t ever be afraid of talking to the coaching staff about adjusting scale and weights. I think that all of them would much rather see you do a movement correctly at a low weight slowly than have bad form because it’s being rushed through at high weights. Just be patient and know that if you just keep showing up and trying, you will make progress. Maybe it’s not as fast as you’d hope, but eventually you’ll be great at so many things you might not have thought possible before!

Also, you should definitely be eating as many fruits and veggies as possible, and staying hydrated is key 🙂

 

Thank you, Chris, for trusting the process and our coaches. It has been a true joy to watch your confidence, interactions, and movement transform over just a few months. We love to see you connecting with the community and how you’re always willing to grow and challenge yourself alongside your fellow athletes. Congratulations on your progress so far and we are so excited to continue to see where your fitness journey takes you!