We have so much appreciation for our community, and love to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work and commitment. Meet Jelani! Coming up on his one-year anniversary of joining the terminus crew, Jelani’s time here has been much more than just building muscle – but building a community! Let’s dive into his journey at Terminus a little further, and make sure to give him a high five the next time you see him in the gym!
Q: How long have you been going to Terminus? What changes have you seen in yourself (physically or mentally) since joining?
November will mark a full year since I joined Terminus and started CrossFit. The biggest mental change has been my ability to push past my limits. In all my years of fitness, from solo lifting to other group classes, I can’t remember the last time I felt this motivated to give over 100% in a workout. It’s such an amazing feeling, especially when everyone around you is doing the same.
Q: How has your journey at Terminus helped you outside the gym?
I’m fairly new to both Atlanta and the CrossFit community, and Terminus has been such a great outlet for meeting new friends and joining social events! It’s exactly the kind of supportive, genuine community I’ve been looking for in my fitness life. I’ve also become more disciplined; I wake up before sunrise for morning classes, and the surge of energy I get afterward truly fills my cup (and runneth over!).
Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?
I’m inspired by all our fun and witty coaches. They’re hilarious with their stories and banter, yet have this elite, approachable energy that makes even a shy person feel comfortable. With all their experience and knowledge, they’re never too proud to jump into a class and get humbled by the workout. That’s what inspires me most, they’re athletes first, and coaches second.
Q: How would you describe what it’s like to be a part of Terminus?
Terminus is the fitness community I never knew I needed. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always worked out solo, no one to correct my form or celebrate my progress. Terminus is my first CrossFit experience, and they’ve nurtured me from a caterpillar into a butterfly.
Q: Tell us about your first day of class at Terminus.
I’ll never forget my first day of class when I was told to complete the workout with no weight on the bar. In my head, I thought I was strong enough to lift like everyone else. I was so wrong! Trying new positions with proper form completely humbled me. I quickly realized that if it weren’t for my coaches easing me into the routine, I could’ve easily injured myself. I’m so grateful for their guidance. :)
Q: What is something that we may not know about you?
I love anime and EDM festivals! They’re new interests of mine, just like CrossFit. It’s cool to see how we’re always evolving, picking up new hobbies and letting go of old ones. I really like this new version of me, and I’m excited to see what catches my eye next!
Q: What are your top 3 memories or proudest moments in CrossFit?
- Finally nailing a bar muscle-up. I had so much advice and encouragement from the coaches, and one day, there I was, hovering over the bar. I felt like a baby taking its first steps.
- Being told it was a “Jelani workout.” One of the coaches called a push-up-heavy WOD that, and although my arms look like they love push-ups, I burn out fast! Still, I was flattered.
- Learning the hard way about carbonated drinks before class. A coach warned me not to have one, but of course I had to test it for myself. Let’s just say, don’t learn the hard way!
Q: Moving forward, do you have any short-term or long-term goals in the gym?
My ultimate goal with Terminus and CrossFit is to have fun, build meaningful connections, and feel good doing it. Fitness is a big part of my life, so if I can keep it fun, social, and fulfilling, that’s a lifetime of winning for me.