December 2023 Athlete of the Month: Keenan Whitesides

December 2023 Athlete of the Month: Keenan Whitesides
We have so much appreciation for our community, and love to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work and commitment. Meet Keenan Whitesides. Keenan has been core member of our 6am class since 2017. Not only a beast in our daily training, Keenan proves that CrossFit can have a positive impact on your life and activities outside the gym. 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?

I have been going to Terminus since June of 2017 so about 6 years. Kristen and I started together and it was really special to be able to share our fitness journey together. It has been huge for helping me push myself mentally and I have seen big changes in my strength. We moved recently and I was so grateful for all the practice with farmer’s carries–helped me cut the number of trips to the car in half!

Q: How has your journey at Terminus helped you outside the gym?

Working out at Terminus has improved my tennis game significantly–my serves are harder and I’ve gotten much quicker–there are very few shots I can’t get to! The gym is also a good reminder that every day can be a different journey–some days you are ready to go hard and other days scaling feels like the better move. This has helped me be more kind with myself and others when I’m not feeling 100%.

Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?

I am especially inspired by my 6AM crew–Chloe, Claudia, Shani, Jon, Jordan, Greg, Bari, Tanner and Beth who push me and cheer me on. It has been so great to see them hit huge milestones and it encourages me to keep working hard. I am also inspired by Emily R on the bike and rower–she always gives me something to chase after!

Q: How would you describe what it’s like to be a part of Terminus?

I would say that being a part of Terminus is “comfortably uncomfortable”–it makes you feel comfortable and welcome but also holds you accountable to what you are capable of. I know if I slack on the weights, someone (cough Chloe) is going to give me the extra nudge to push myself a little harder and I’m so grateful for that kind of challenge.

Q: Tell us about your first day of class at Terminus.

My first day was with Coach Patrick back when we had the intro class–I was so nervous and intimidated by the idea of Crossfit but Patrick made it so welcoming. I don’t remember the exact workout but I remember leaving and feeling really excited about coming back.

Q: What is something that we may not know about you?

I LOVE karaoke and secretly wish I was a professional singer. The talent may not be there but the enthusiasm is!

Q: What are your top 3 memories or proudest moments in CrossFit?

My top memories were doing box jumps with a veil to commemorate my last workout before my wedding, getting my 2k row under 8 minutes, and finally being able to snatch over 100 lbs.

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

My top goal is still to be able to do an unassisted pull up. In the meantime I am still working on double unders and toes to bar. Most importantly just focusing on a long term goal of consistency with coming to class at least 3 times a week.

October 2023 Athlete of the Month: Meet Jordan Fetters

October 2023 Athlete of the Month: Jordan Fetters
We have so much appreciation for our community, and love to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work and commitment. BOOM! Meet Jordan Fetters! Consistent and encouraging, this expecting father exemplifies what makes our community so special. Let’s dive into his journey at Terminus a little further, and give him a fist bump next time you see him at the gym!

Q: How long have you been going to Terminus? What changes have you seen in yourself (physically or mentally) since joining?

My first day at Terminus was late-October in 2020. Since then, I have improved physically and mentally in many aspects. Physically, I am in better shape, and often ready for a challenge, and I started creating short-term and long-term goals that I had previously never thought possible. Mentally, I find myself embracing the community and being more social and making more friends – definitely a polar opposite prior to Terminus.

Q: How has your journey at Terminus helped you outside the gym?

My wife and I have made friends inside the gym, which has been huge outside the gym! I only spend an hour/day at Terminus, but much more than that with friends outside the gym whether it be the weekly bike rides, movie nights, block parties, even just texting.

Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?

I am inspired by the 5am core members (you’re all nuts), the new moms & dads, expecting moms & dads, the 6am crew (Chloe, Keenan, Logan, Greg, Jonny, Ben L, Claudia, Shani, Sara, Nigel, the list goes on), and I’m inspired by the new person that comes into the 6am class every now and then. It takes guts to do this once and more to keep coming back. More importantly, I am inspired by the coaches. Grant, Bryson, Sonya, and Old Man Benson are great coaches and inspire me every day. Thank you all for everything you do – you don’t hear it enough.

Q: How would you describe what it’s like to be a part of Terminus?

Being a part of Terminus is being a part of a positive and uplifting community that cares for eachother’s successes – whether they be personal, professional, fitness related, etc. We also suffer with eachother for an hour a time a few days per week. When I was in the Marines, we had a tight community. When I got out, I lost the community. It’s difficult when you don’t have a community that can celebrate your successes, help you solve problems, navigate life changes, etc. When I joined Terminus, I did not expect to get that back. I just wanted to get in shape. But I was very pleasantly surprised.

Q: Tell us about your first day of class at Terminus.

My first day was a 7:30pm class (RIP) and Trent was the coach. We did back squats and a metcon with overhead squats and toes-to-bar. I could not walk the next day. Trent and the 7:30pm class did a great job projecting the culture and community that has been so positive and consistent since day 1. I knew I would join after that first day, and I have not looked back.

Q: What is something that we may not know about you?

When I was in 7th grade, Heinz was doing a an educational marketing thing and they were asking middle school students to submit a new phrase that would go on their bottles of ketchup. We were all supposed to submit 1 idea, then the teachers would blindly vote on the best 3 from the school to be submitted to Heinz. I got in trouble because I submitted 2 ideas and won both 1st and 2nd place. The 2nd place winner was ‘Meatloaf Enhancer’ and the 1st place winner was ‘Maters fer yur taders’.

Q: What are your top 3 memories or proudest moments in CrossFit?

Everyone remembers their first pull-up, muscle up, push-up etc. And there’s nothing wrong with that. But, my most memorable moments are my first day at Terminus, my first day at 6am, and the day that Chloe told me I should eat more protein. All life-changing events for me.

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

I have had a goal to do the Turducken Games and I have been trying to work towards that all year. On the horizon, my wife and I are very happily expecting to be parents on November 27th, so my goals for next year will be different!

July 2023 Athlete of the Month: Meet Sierra Lavin

July 2023 Athlete of the Month: Sierra Lavin
We have so much appreciation for our community, and love to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work and commitment. Meet Sierra Lavin! Sierra has been a member since 2019. With a contagiously positive attitude, Sierra sets the the vibe in our afternoon classes. 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?

I started at Terminus in the summer of 2019, when I was in Atlanta for an internship. I left to finish grad school. When I came back to Atlanta in 2021, one of my first stops was back at Terminus!

It is truly amazing to look back at how far I’ve come. When I started CrossFit, I had never even touched a barbell before. While physically I am so much stronger, I know my mental health has improved a ton. Terminus is my escape from everyday stressors and I get to spend time with some incredible people.

Q: How has your journey at Terminus helped you outside the gym?

Life can get pretty crazy, but Terminus is my consistent homebase in the chaos. I feel much more balanced when I show up to classes throughout the week. Also I am lucky my husband loves Terminus as much as I do, so we get to spend that time together getting fit!

Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?

I am inspired by all the strong ladies I get to workout with – members and coaches alike! They encourage me and push me to be my best self. Shout out to the 5pmers, I couldn’t do it without you all.

Q: How would you describe what it’s like to be a part of Terminus?

It is easy to feel at home while at Terminus. It is so much fun to be around such a diverse group of people, where we all can bond over our crazy love of fitness. It is the highlight of my day to walk in and be greeted by all these wonderful people I am lucky to call my friends.

Q: Tell us about your first day of class at Terminus.

I was terrified! I had no idea what to expect, but I knew I was going way out of my comfort zone. While it was definitely a huge challenge, I was at ease with the amazing coaches and people who helped me every step of the way.

Q: What is something that we may not know about you?

People may not know that I am an identical twin! My sister is my best friend, even though she doesn’t do CrossFit 🙂

Q: What are your top 3 memories or proudest moments in CrossFit?

I have a very special place for CrossFit in my heart, because it is how I met my husband! We met in a CrossFit gym while we were both living in New York, and I love that we still enjoy the gym together.

Some of my proudest moments were conquering movements I never thought I would be able to do – double unders, handstand push ups, pull-ups! It was so satisfying to see the direct effect of being persistent and not giving up.

Lastly, I really loved the moments when I was nervous to do a heavy lift and didn’t think I could do it. But after getting some much needed encouragement from coaches, I could accomplish my goal! Such an incredible feeling.

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

In the short term, I want to keep being consistent and work on those newer skills so I can add them into my workouts. Long term, I really want to accomplish some things that seem impossible right now – muscle ups, really heavy lifts. I know with time I will get there.

April 2023 Athlete of the Month: Meet Carl Knight

April 2023 Athlete of the Month: Carl Knight
We have so much appreciation for our community, and love to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work and commitment. Meet Carl Knight! Sadly this is Carl’s last month with us as he will be moving with his husband to Chicago. As a core member of the afternoon crew, Carl has always shown up, worked hard, and encouraged other members. Not only do we appreciate him for bringing the staff some of his fine baked goods, but also for showing all of us that age is just a number! Don’t forget to give him a high five and a farewell hug next time you see him at the gym! Let’s dive into his journey at Terminus a little further:

Q: How long have you been going to Terminus? What changes have you seen in yourself (physically or mentally) since joining?

I joined in November of 2020. I’ve definitely gained overall strength. When I started, my CrossFit total max was back squat 245LB, shoulder press 105 and deadlift285LB (635) and now it’s 280LB, 115LB, 330LB (725)! I’m proud of that progress.

Q: How has your journey at Terminus helped you outside the gym?

The culture and community helps me keep my perspective broad! I’m not afraid to try new activities and seek new adventures, physical and mental! My first response to a new challenge is “why not?” I can pick up a heavy weight, do dozens of pull ups, do hundreds of double unders, suffer through burpees, surely I can do this!

Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?

My WOD squad, Lauren Tilson and Diana Wong – these women are so strong and they inspire me every day! Also, it’s good to have a small crew to complain about the horrors that Ben has concocted before we do it anyway. All the 6pm peeps who come out every day and put in the work Ro, Ruslan, Sam, Sam, – we all encourage each other and cheer each other on, to the last of us at each WOD

Q: How would you describe what it’s like to be a part of Terminus?

It’s a collaborative, cooperative group, working to a common goal – better fitness and health, NO MATTER WHERE each individual is on that journey. I get great joy out of the encouragement and coaching we all give each other.
Also, the coaches themselves are pretty swell. I’m looking at you, Patrick and Madison and Ryan!

Q: Tell us about your first day of class at Terminus.

Back squats! Terminus, you had me at hello! I remember Trent (who was coaching at the time) watching me intently, but giving me enough space to understand my level of competency and not just assuming skill (or lack thereof).

Q: What is something that we may not know about you?

I can crochet a lovely scarf.

Q: What are your top 3 memories or proudest moments in CrossFit?

*This year was my 9th Open!
*The first time I cleaned over 145LB – I was stuck at that number for SO LONG!
*Getting my double unders strung together – if you don’t have them today, my advice is just keep trying. If I can get them, you can too.

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

To keep working hard and cherish every moment until the last day. Who knows, maybe I’ll get another PR between now and May 10th!

Athlete of the MonthMarch

Amanda Tuttle

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.

Athlete of the MonthFebruary

John Alexis

We have so much appreciation for our community, and love to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work and commitment. Meet John Alexis! John is a fixture in our 7PM night owls class. Unwilling to let his injuries control his life; John came to us at the behest of his wife after multiple knee surgeries. It has been beautiful to watch John break through his limitations, and build back his confidence & physical abilities. Let’s celebrate John’s growth, and perseverance by giving him 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 joined Terminus in November 2020 and when I started my goal was just to be more healthy and active. I have had knee surgery on both knees a total of 5 times and have multiple other leg and shoulder injuries from years of competitive athletics so exercise beyond weight training has always been a challenge. In the past two years I have lost over 60lbs and feel better physically than I have in years. Although my knees and other injuries will always be a limitation I am moving much better and am doing things, athletically, that I have not been able to do in more than 25 years. Just walking and climbing stairs used to be a challenge but now I feel stronger, am in less pain and more confident in my own skin.

Q: How has your journey at Terminus helped you outside the gym?

For those who know me well, I am heavily introverted and tend to be very quiet and not really social. Since joining, one of my favorite things about Terminus is the community, over the past two years I have met so many people and established friendships that I probably never would have if I was working out at some place like Planet Fitness. All of this has helped me to be more confident socially both at the gym and in my personal & professional life which has been awesome.

Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?

Of course the coaches, all of you have inspired and pushed me to try things I never would have imagined I could do and encouraged me along the way. With that said, I cannot forget my 7pm (formerly 7:30pm) crew, you know who you are. I have and will stay committed to this class and it has been awesome to see everyone on their own journeys and achieving their goals. They motivate me everyday to be better, work harder and have fun and I am thankful for each of them. So thanks to my 7pm peeps for being you!

Q: How would you describe what it’s like to be a part of Terminus?

I really enjoy the community at Terminus, it feels like family and a place where you can be unapologetically yourself. The support and encouragement from everyone at Terminus is amazing no matter who it is. Whether it’s cheering each other on, encouraging you to go farther than you ever have, providing a tip or trick, doing something for the community or just having fun that’s what Terminus is about.

Q: Tell us about your first day of class at Terminus.

Haha, I remember that day clearly. It was a cold November night, when I arrived we had to wait outside and checkin with the coach due to COVID. I was unsure and nervous but when I walked in I was greeted by Trent with a Hi you must be John, welcome to Terminus. This caught me by surprise but help me to relax a little. We started class and Trent repeatedly made sure I was good throughout the first class and was understanding the movements which I appreciated. I remember thinking to myself man I never thought I would need to be this coordinated to work out and what’s with the gymnastics. I left exhausted, sore and a bit frustrated that I couldn’t do some of the movements but that is what kept me coming back.

Q: What is something that we may not know about you?

I am a proud Canadian, born and raised. I absolutely love cars and have been working on or rebuilding them since I was 12.

Q: What are your top 3 memories or proudest moments in CrossFit?

1) Getting healthy and losing 60lbs 2) Doing my first full squat with weight 3) Placing 3rd at the Turducken games with my teammate Brent Smith.

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

In short, just being consistent. My life is extremely busy but as long as a get my 7pm time I am good to go and ready for anything.

Athlete of the MonthDecember

Toni Bottinelli

My gym time is how I prioritize myself. It’s helped me set boundaries outside the gym so I can show up for myself in class and that’s translated to being able to speak up for what I need .

December 2022 Athlete of the Month: Antonia (Toni) Bottinelli
We have so much appreciation for our community, and love to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work and commitment. Meet Toni Bottinelli! She always comes to class with a smile and positive vibe that radiates to others. Her success in the gym can be tied directly to her genuine curiosity and receptiveness to coaching. Let’s celebrate Toni’s contribution to our community by giving her 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 a Terminus member since September of 2021, so just over a year! Mentally, Terminus has been one of very few constants during a trying period of time in my life. I’ve gained a huge support system that’s helped me navigate a new city and have stuck by me while I try to find my path. Fitness has always been important for maintaining my sanity and if I didn’t have a safe place to go to, that would put me to work, I would lose my mind. Physically, I’ve PR’d on almost all of my lifts despite all of my injuries, which are somehow not gym related most of the time. I’ve learned how to take care of my body and let it heal when it needs to instead of always pushing myself past what might be safe for me for a moment of satisfaction. I want to be able to do this for a long time and I’m learning to be ok with having long term goals.

Q: How has your journey at Terminus helped you outside the gym?

Being at the gym has taught me how important it is to prioritize balance in my life. I’ve gotten so much better at listening to my body and doing what it needs to be it’s best. Sometimes that best looks different from day to day. As long as I show up, and give 100% of what I have to the things that make me happy, I’m doing a good job and can be proud of myself. My gym time is how I prioritize myself. It’s helped me set boundaries outside the gym so I can show up for myself in class and that’s translated to being able to speak up for what I need in the work-place and relationships. The “me” that moved to Atlanta last August and joined Terminus is not the same person today and I’m really proud of the personal growth I’ve had this past year.

Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?

Honestly, I learn something new from everyone in all my classes. I’m constantly inspired at how strong and capable everyone is no matter their background or intention in Crossfit. I love watching us all grow and improve, and I love how supportive people are. All of the friends I’ve made here have different goals and have been doing this a lot longer than I have but just want the best for each other. There’s no judgement about our individual fitness and I really appreciate that. If I have to choose one person, I think Diana sticks out to me as someone I look up to. She’s just really cool and strong and what I want to be when I grow up.

Q: How would you describe what it’s like to be a part of Terminus?

A dysfunctional family? One of the first things I noticed about Terminus was how supportive and welcoming everyone is. The jokes, banter, and occasional roasts are my favorite part. There are the kinds of people here who you might not see every week but can pick back up with like no time has passed.

Q: Tell us about your first day of class at Terminus.

I was SO nervous! I mean I’m always nervous, but I honestly don’t even remember the workout. I was just trying to survive! I do remember that it was a very hot afternoon class and I was very quiet the whole time. I had just left another gym before moving to Atlanta which had been paramount to finding myself and my confidence not only in fitness but in life. I was just really hoping that I would be able to find another place that felt safe and would to help me continue to grow. I definitely think I did!

Q: What is something that we may not know about you?

I recently got ordained! There was no purpose but ya never know when it might come in handy! If anyone needs someone to officiate a funeral, baptism, or wedding hmu! It won’t be a very Godly service but will probably be entertaining!

Q: What are your top 3 memories or proudest moments in CrossFit?

– Joining the 200 club for deadlifts

– My Great Fall from the pull-up bar (really set the tone for 2022)

– The first time I clean and jerked over 130lbs! I had never felt so strong

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

I think my biggest short term goal is getting better at waking up in the 5’s consistently. It’s a rough time. As far as long term goals, I really want to improve my gymnastics and upper body strength because I feel like those are what hold me back the most in WODs.

Athlete of the MonthNovember

Jake Bossi

Years at Terminus Strength & Conditioning: 7

I’m always amazed at how potent the social aspect of Crossfit has been to my fitness journey. The more you go, the more you want to go.

November 2022 Athlete of the Month: Meet Jake Bossi
We have so much appreciation for our community, and love to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work and commitment. Meet Jake Bossi! Jake has been the model of consistency and intensity ever since he moved to Atlanta 7 years ago. Jake is a loyal, and welcoming community builder that lifts up other athletes through his warm personality and dedication to fitness. Let’s celebrate Jake’s contribution to our community by giving him 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 have been a faithfully Terminus member for nearly seven years. Since joining, I have gained a six pack every spring and lost it every winter. Admittedly, this is due more to holiday cookie consumption than my gym routine.

Q: How has your journey at Terminus helped you outside the gym?

I moved to Atlanta January 2016 and knew one person (shoutout Dejon) who said I should check out this gym called Terminus. Seven years later, I have a wonderful network of friends; 90% of whom have a direct connection to Terminus.

Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?

Mark Emery! That silver fox is fifteen years my elder and still looking sexy as hell. He still hasn’t told me if his secret is Crossfit or HGH, but I’m inspired either way.

Q: How would you describe what it’s like to be a part of Terminus?

The simple answer is PEEEF: Physically Exhausting Endeavors Enjoyed with Friends. Digging deeper, I would describe an inexorable feeling of accountability to your own fitness through shared experiences with members of the gym. I’m always amazed at how potent the social aspect of Crossfit has been to my fitness journey. The more you go, the more you want to go.

Q: Tell us about your first day of class at Terminus.

Granted, this was seven years ago, but I remember a few things clearly. Emily coached a great class, Graham yelled at me for dropping my bar (what a dick), and I wanted to buy a Terminus shirt but none were available. Also, people kept grabbing food from a fridge that made me very jealous; these turned out to be Everbest Paleo Meals, which I still eat today!

Q: What is something that we may not know about you?

I’m a fan of professional sumo wrestling and watch every match during the six annual Honbashos.

Q: What are your top 3 memories or proudest moments in CrossFit?

I’ve been doing CrossFit for over a decade so choosing three is tough. In no particular order:

– Second place in the Caffeine and Kilos team competition with Kayla, John, and Britney. Never has a team been so sad to qualify for the finals (we were dead tired), but it was worth it in the end!

– Steve Nichols and I beat 2015 Crossfit champion Ben Smith and his partner in a WOD. Emily Bridgers witnessed this feat. Sure, Ben Smith and unnamed partner may or may not have known they were competing against us (they didn’t), but the whiteboard doesn’t lie.

– Any one of the many post-gym hangouts, festivals, or parties.

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

My short-term goals are just to stay healthy with more focus on warmup and stretching. Long-term, I’m a new dad so I need to stay fit enough to keep up with my son! I’m also trying to hold off a lurking dadbod.

Athlete of the MonthAugust

Jon Wilson

Being part of Terminus means you will face challenging workouts with accountability and no BS. That said, it’s coupled with a great group of members and coaches who guide you in the right direction.

August 2022 Athlete of the Month: Meet Jon Wilson
We have so much appreciation for our community, and love to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work and perseverance. Meet Jon! Jon is a long time member who knows the value of consistency above intensity. Jon always brings good vibes to class and is never afraid to embrace a challenge. Let’s celebrate Jon’s contribution to our community giving him 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 think I started in 2015 about a year after I moved to Atlanta. It’s made my fitness base broader when I was more limited to soccer focused workouts before

Q: How has your journey at Terminus helped you outside the gym?
Coming to Terminus sets the tone for me—anything worthwhile in life takes effort and struggle, and Terminus workouts are frequent reminders of this.

Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?
Tons of folks, but most recently it’s been impressive to see the morning squad of pregnant ladies working out consistently.

Q: How would you describe what it’s like to be a part of Terminus?
Being part of Terminus means you will face challenging workouts with accountability and no BS. That said, it’s coupled with a great group of members and coaches who guide you in the right direction.

Q: Tell us about your first day of class at Terminus.
I can’t remember my first day of class. However, I remember the first time I visited Terminus to check it out. Ben cautioned a member who loaded way too much on his bar for deadlifts and told him that if he kept rounding his back, he would have to stop. Not long after, the guy did it again, and Ben told him he was done for the day with that movement. After observing some other gyms that took a Wild West approach, I knew I found one with proper leadership.

Q: What is something that we may not know about you?
I play drums

Q: What are your top 3 memories or proudest moments in CrossFit?
PR’ing Murph with a vest, actually figuring out double-unders (not sure how), and that one workout with 400 m lunges that came up about a week after I did 400 m every day for a month!

Q: Moving forward, do you have any short term or long term goals in the gym?
Ultimately, my goal is to be consistent. That will lead to plenty of achievements along the way…and maybe to do another 180+ consecutive days of 400 m lunges, because why not?

Athlete of the MonthJuly

Shannon Donohue

"Show up, have a good attitude and don’t be afraid to push yourself!"

July 2022 Athlete of the Month: Meet Shannon Donohue
We have so much appreciation for our community, and love to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work and perseverance. Meet Shannon! She brings a great attitude, takes instruction, and actively works to improve. It’s been delightful to watch her grow into a strong athlete. Let’s celebrate Shannon’s growth by giving her 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 started in January of 2021, so about a year and a half. Physically and mentally I have seen a lot of growth. Since joining, I have been more consistent with exercise than I had been in many years, probably almost a decade. And Terminus provided the first time where heavy strength training is a part of my workouts, so I have started to see muscles that never existed before!

Q: How has your journey at Terminus helped you outside the gym?
When I joined Terminus, I was at the beginning of a really tough masters degree program, I had just moved to a new city, oh and Covid was still raging and stressful; mentally, I was pretty beat up. The Terminus workouts gave me daily reminders that I can do difficult things when I put my mind to it and show up, and the Terminus community provided some much-needed encouragement and support. I take the lessons from Terminus to so much I do outside of the gym; show up, have a good attitude and don’t be afraid to push yourself to failure, it’s good to know where that line is. Sometimes it is much further away than I think it is.

Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?
Everyone! People like Sara Hardy, who show up to 8am class like clockwork. Watching so many women workout throughout their pregnancies, many who still kicked my butt while pregnant, and working out next to someone who is injured and still showing up is incredibly inspiring. Perhaps also oddly inspiring, has been watching some of our fittest athletes struggle with a workout, it’s just a nice reminder that we all have strengths and weaknesses and we are all working to get better.

Q: How would you describe what it’s like to be a part of Terminus?
It is a true community! We support and encourage each other, provide recommendations for things in and out of the gym, loan out things. I feel very fortunate to know I have a whole group of people I can go to when I’m in need and in good times.

Q: Tell us about your first day of class at Terminus.
I was super nervous, and knew next to nothing about what to expect, but I showed up for a 9:15 class. I walked through the front door, not knowing I should have gone through the garage door. Coach Patrick was the coach and graciously placed me in the back of the room, he then went over the workout, which was going to be deadlifts and burpees. I had tried to do burpees once before, it did not go well, and deadlifts were my least favorite movement, so I was not super excited… But it turns out I had been doing them wrong! And with good instruction, I had a really good workout. I think I was pretty much hooked from that first class.

Q: What is something that we may not know about you?
I have worked in several jobs and industries, but probably the weirdest was working at a glue stick factory.

Q: What are your top 3 memories or proudest moments in CrossFit?
I have had some really fun strength PRs, Adrianna and Graham were there when I got 90lbs on my clean and jerk, which was huge for me, and I think they were more excited than I was. At Coach Patrick’s 33 WODs in 33 hours event, it was the first time I attempted a rope climb, and I was super proud of myself for being able to get all the way up the rope. Finally, I was pretty proud of myself for competing in the Terminus competition, it was something that is definitely outside of my comfort zone, but was so much fun!

Q: Moving forward, do you have any short term or long term goals in the gym?
Time will tell if these will be short term or long term, but I really want to be able to do consistent double unders, and full RX pullups and pushups. Otherwise, long term to just continue to show up for classes 5-6 days a week.