We have so much appreciation for our community, and love to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work and commitment. Meet Antti Kekkonen. Antti has been a member of the Terminus family since 2016. Not only a beast in our daily training, Antti proves that CrossFit can have a positive impact on your life and activities outside the gym. Let’s dive into his journey at Terminus a little further, and give him 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?
I started at Terminus in 2016 I think, I transferred from CrossFit Decatur after we moved to Benteen Park. The physical changes after joining CrossFit were pretty significant, my body composition and energy levels definitely changed for the better. On a mental note, CrossFit is the perfect form of stress relief and a way to energize my mind. If I ever have things stressing me out, usually they’re gone by the time I hit that last rep of the workout. One finds perspective in life through physical suffering of a good EMOM.
Q: How has your journey at Terminus helped you outside the gym?
This is huge. Being in good physical form has shielded me from work related injuries, I am certain of this. Knocking on wood.
Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?
As I’m getting up there myself, I get inspiration from all the seasoned athletes coming in and taking care of business and by the wisdom that they bring! You’ve gotta have the courage to scale if your body tells you so.
Q: How would you describe what it’s like to be a part of Terminus?
I think Terminus is extraordinary with an extremely supportive community. At Terminus there is a place for everybody, Terminus gives as much as you are willing to accept.
Q: Tell us about your first day of class at Terminus.
This I remember well. It was at the old location with Emily, the only class I ever participated in over there. It was snatches, that whole damn week all snatches! I was shopping around for a new gym that week and every gym was snatching the day I was there.
Q: What is something that we may not know about you?
I was second tenor in my university male choir!
Q: What are your top 3 memories or proudest moments in CrossFit?
There are so many, but off the top of my head. I remember feeling very accomplished after I got my first handstand pull over at CFD with Coach Johnny. Another memory that I actually am a little proud of is the time people wanted to call an EMS after I redlined on the assault bike. Third…(suddenly feeling all serious) I have to give credits to Emily and Ben, the whole Terminus team and community over how the COVID shutdown was handled. The situation was desperate and impossible, I can’t even begin to imagine being a business owner in those circumstances. The virtual classes were up and running so quick, maybe even the first day of shutdown. Those classes built structure into a surreal reality, at that point in time Terminus was a true anchor of sanity. I also remember how comforting those social zoom events were that we held on Fridays. For many people these were the only connections outside of their nuclear family. Thank you!
Q: Moving forward, do you have any short term or long term goals in the gym?
My goal is to get a few workouts done every week for many weeks and years to come.