I think my time at Terminus has helped me be accountable and solidified the absolute need to exercise for my sanity and mental health
March 2023 Athlete of the Month: Amanda Tuttle
We have so much appreciation for our community, and love to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work and commitment. Meet Amanda Tuttle! Amanda is a long time Terminus member (5+ years!), and this honor is well overdue. Amanda always shows up, works hard, encourages others, participates in all the events, invites others to coffee after class, and occasionally calls people on their shit when they need a little extra push. She is a core member of the community and exemplifies fitness as a lifestyle, not just a short term solution.
Let’s dive into her journey at Terminus a little further, and give her a high five next time you see her at the gym!
Q: How long have you been going to Terminus? What changes have you seen in yourself (physically or mentally) since joining?
According to a text I got from Patrick in February, I’ve been at Terminus for 5 years. Physically, I haven’t noticed any drastic changes. My fitness level has ebbed and flowed for sure, but mentally – I think my time at Terminus has helped me be accountable and solidified the absolute need to exercise for my sanity and mental health.
Q: How has your journey at Terminus helped you outside the gym?
Socially, more than anything. I didn’t know many people when I moved here, and since living in Atlanta, I’ve always had a remote job with significant travel which can make meeting friends difficult. Of course, there’s always the added awkwardness of being an adult and trying to make new friends. That’s fun. Anyway, the point is, I’ve made life-long friends at Terminus and they’re the coolest.
Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?
SO MANY. Honestly, anyone that walks through the doors (coaches included) because that means that they beat out all the excuses or reasons that could’ve prevented them from making a conscious decision to put themselves first for at least an hour that day. Okay, maybe they were a little unconscious when they decided if they are a 5AM’er, but still. You’re all amazing!!
Q: How would you describe what it’s like to be a part of Terminus?
It’s an intimidating environment to walk into initially despite your fitness level, but once you do, you realize it’s an incredible group of people that bring out the best in each other and everyone wants what’s best for you. Also, the first time you hear Patrick say “pee-pee potty,” the intimidation factor will likely go down a notch or two.
Q: Tell us about your first day of class at Terminus.
Oh man. I have no clue what my first day was like. I do know it was a week or two before the open, and I remember being very humbled in 18.1. It was a 20 min AMRAP that involved toes-to-bar. I remember hanging and flailing from the bar trying to get the kip down. I couldn’t, so ultimately I hung there and did strict toes-to-bar. I’m pretty sure my hip flexors were so sore that I could barely walk for a week. Ha, I guess not much has changed. :)
Q: What is something that we may not know about you?
I really hate select-a-size paper towels. Also, I played women’s handball for a season because I thought that was the only sport where I had a shot at becoming an Olympian. Turns out, the outcome is the same regardless of the sport.
Q: What are your top 3 memories or proudest moments in CrossFit?
There are so many memories, but I’d say getting my first bar muscle-up after class one day, and then getting a couple in the open that year. Learning to do kipping and chest-to-bar pull-ups. Doing a Halloween workout dressed as Posh Spice. I still think we should’ve won best costume that year.
Q: Moving forward, do you have any short term or long term goals in the gym?
I need to be better at doing accessory work outside of the workouts. It’s something I used to do all the time and doing so improves my overall fitness significantly, but it’s easy to make excuses and opt out. I’ve been working on my butterfly pull-ups. Very much a work in progress, but it’s something I want to get proficient at.