We have so much appreciation for our community, and love to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work and commitment. Meet Lauren! Lauren is a staple member of the 8am class and is an amazing example of steady determination. We’re so proud of her dedication, so let’s dive into her journey at Terminus a little further, and make sure to give her a high five the next time you see her in the gym.
Q: How long have you been going to Terminus? What changes have you seen in yourself (physically or mentally) since joining?
3 years and a month. I can squat, I’m a lot stronger overall and I have new friends!
Q: How has your journey at Terminus helped you outside the gym?
All kinds of tasks are easy now- carrying suitcases up the stairs when escalators are broken at the airport, schlepping 40 pound bags of sand and salt for the pool around the backyard, throwing my kid around; noticeably better balance, stability, strength, stamina.
Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?
Everyone really and all the coaches. Different people inspire me daily. It’s helpful to work out with people at all levels, all the time.
Q: How would you describe what it’s like to be a part of Terminus?
It’s a really supportive, fun community. I always ran and worked out by myself before and so I’m still surprised how much I like being part of a gym community. Terminus is the best.
Q: Tell us about your first day of class at Terminus.
When I came to Terminus I was under a doctor’s care for severe burnout. I had been a daily runner or cyclist for 20 years, but my doc didn’t want me running or doing things that allowed for mental reflection or processing as part of my recovery. I was under strict orders to sleep as much as possible, stay away from social media and reading, and minimize decision-making and executive function. My doc was OK with CF because they tell you what to do, no decision making required, so that’s why I walked in.
Patrick was coaching my first day. I had never picked up a barbell, and had no idea what I was doing. But he was kind and I liked the loud music and the new challenges, so I just kept showing up. In the early months so many movements reminded me of being a kid and had me laughing- jumping rope, cartwheels, pullovers, handstands. I didn’t really know what to expect or where it was heading, but I got hooked pretty quickly.
Q: What is something that we may not know about you?
I did stand up comedy in high school and was a foster parent in my early thirties. I also have a wicked potty mouth, but at this point I think that is something known about me.
Q: What are your top 3 memories or proudest moments in CrossFit?
I went to Power Monkey camp because Emily coaches there, and learned so much and had a great time so that was a high point.
I went to see Sonya in the Masters this year, and that was awesome and really inspiring, seeing women my age and older just kicking butt.
And just overall I lift so much more than I did when I started, so whenever I go back and look at my notes from the first year it’s just wild how far I’ve come. For example, in my first months I was doing a 75 pound deadlift, and now I’m over 160 pounds for my max. Also my mobility has improved dramatically which I’ve worked on in and outside of the gym, which feels really good, as in literally, my body feels good with better range of motion.
Q: Moving forward, do you have any short term or long term goals in the gym?
I want to keep getting stronger and improving and keep not getting injured. I’ve maintained a good balance of pushing myself, but keeping my ego low so I don’t overdue it. I’d like to get a proper 20 inch box jump soon and then exceed 100 pounds in my clean/jerk/snatch/etc and get to 200 deadlift. But I’m not in a rush. Slow and steady for me is a-ok. So grateful for the friends and coaches at Terminus, it’s a special place.