Athlete of the MonthApril

Shani Boston

Years at Terminus Strength & Conditioning: 1

It’s very similar to life. We get to choose how we show up and do the work. I love being reminded of that and I can honestly say I’ve never left a workout regretting showing up and giving it my all.

April 2022 Athlete of the Month: Meet Shani Boston
We have so much appreciation for our community, and love to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work and perseverance.  As a beloved member of our 6AM class, Shani has proven that consistency, humility, and effort are the keys to making progress with CrossFit. Let’s celebrate that growth by giving Shani a fist bump the next time you’re at the gym. 
Q: How long have you been going to Terminus? What changes have you seen in yourself (physically or mentally) since joining?
I’ve been coming to Terminus for a year now and I have to tell you it’s been a life saver. I’m fully drinking the kool-aid. I always say to myself there are two battles every workout – the mental and the physical. I think the biggest change I’ve seen in myself since starting is accepting that it is just how it is. There are really no easy days and that’s by design. It’s like Ben says “everyday is choose your own adventure.” It’s very similar to life. We get to choose how we show up and do the work. I love being reminded of that and I can honestly say I’ve never left a workout regretting showing up and giving it my all. Whether I’m inspired by learning a new skill, watching my 6amers kill an AMRAP or just laughing at the responses to the question of the day. Everyday I leave feeling lucky to be a part of the community.Q: How has your journey at Terminus helped you outside the gym?
It’s helped me to celebrate the power of personal victory. Being given concrete tasks everyday and seeing myself overcome them has helped me deal with what’s been a trying two years. It’s made the uncertainty of the pandemic more manageable and it’s something I’ve applied to my life. Taking life rep by rep make’s insurmountable tasks seem doable.Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?
All of my 6am family but I have to give a shout-out to my ladies. They kill it every workout and always force me to go a little harder. So Chloe, Keenan, and Claudia, y’all are amazing and thanks for setting the bar.

Q: How would you describe what it’s like to be a part of Terminus?
Challenging, dynamic and rewarding. This place is not for the faint of heart but it’s also so supportive. It’s exactly what I was looking for when I was searching for a gym. There’s a shared sense of accountability and accomplishment that keeps me coming back everyday.  People will celebrate finishing first as much as they celebrate just getting through a workout. It really is about the success of the group. I also love the playlists which I swear give me super powers early in the morning.

Q: Tell us about your first day of class at Terminus.
I was so nervous because I had heard mixed reviews about CrossFit. I was so out of shape and I wasn’t sure I could handle the intensity of the class. But I can tell you I fit right in. The instruction I got the first day and continue to get everyday is a simple reminder of how Terminus wants you to do it the right way. That’s so rare and I value it so much. It’s why everyday I learn something new and why I avoid injury. The continued commitment to quality over quantity surprised me. For example, even just talking about scaling and meeting your body where it’s at gives me permission every time to make the best decisions for my body and not my ego. It’s so helpful. We all need those reminders.

Q: What is something that we may not know about you?
I make some of the best popcorn you’ve ever had in your life ; ). Seriously I think it’s why my partner is with me to this day lol. I’m also actively learning to play the blues and I want to skip to where I know more than one scale. Learning new skills is hard and if anyone has any tricks please let me know.

Q: What are your top 3 memories or proudest moments in CrossFit?
1. Everyday I show up and I don’t let my bed win lol
2. I did a wall walk two weeks ago which I could not do a year ago and I might have shed a tear of joy. Miracles do happen.
3. I’ve struggled with knee issues for many years and recently I’ve been able to squat and lift without my larger knee brace on because it’s gotten stronger. I know it’s due to all the warm ups and work we’ve done and it feels reinvigorating to be able to tackle old challenges with new results.

Q: Moving forward, do you have any short term or long term goals in the gym?

I want to work on my upper body strength. Especially my pressing. I’m hoping to one day be able to do a hand stand push up. I’m in a tripod right now and it’s going to take time but I know I can do it. I think when that happens I might take the day off work to celebrate. Drinks anyone ? ; )