Athlete of the MonthMay

Lanier Loftin

May 2022 Athlete of the Month: Meet Lanier Loftin
We have so much appreciation for our community, and love to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work and perseverance. Meet Lanier! Talk about perseverance… During last years 10k she had a falling incident in the first 400 meters. Bloodied and bruised, she picked herself up and went on to complete the entire race. That will always stand out out as a moment of true grit and determination. Let’s celebrate Lanier’s “never quit” attitude 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 Terminus in August of 2019. I am in the best shape of my life now and continue to surprise myself all the time with how I can push myself.

Q: How has your journey at Terminus helped you outside the gym?
Terminus has really helped with my mental toughness. The hardest part of any workout is showing up, but I find a way to do it every day. That has translated into getting things done in real life.  In 2021 I challenged myself to run a 5k, 10k, 15k, and half marathon. Running is one of my least favorite things but had the mental toughness to do it and do it on my own.

Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?
Wow what a hard question! So many of the women are inspiring. Sonya, Amy, Jen Emery, Brittany Kidd, Emily, Katie Taylor, I could go on and on. This gym is filled with so many inspiring women and I am so happy to be able to be surrounded by them. If only osmosis worked with strength!!

Q: How would you describe what it’s like to be a part of Terminus?
This is such a welcoming community! I always feel so encouraged by members in class and the coaches. It doesn’t matter if you are the fastest, or lift the most weight, everyone just wants you to do your best!

Q:  Tell us about your first day of class at Terminus.
The workout was 10 rounds for time and included box jumps. I was clearly struggling and was not going to make it. I remember Patrick coming over to me and checking in. He ended up saying let’s let this one be the last round. I got the mercy cut off.

Q: What is something that we may not know about you?
I am crafty and enjoy making things. Recently I have gotten into make greeting cards. But you can find me doing my tie-dye, rhinestoning shoes, or just creating in my free time.

Q: What are your top 3 memories or proudest moments in CrossFit?
It is so hard to pick just 3!!
During my first month after a 6am class, Ben made everyone hold hand in the middle of the gym. He then had everyone sing Happy Birthday to me. That little moment made me feel so welcomed and that was when I knew I made the right choice with Terminus.
Getting my first kipping pull up! I made it over the bar during the warmup and squealed I was so excited.
Finishing the Terminus 10k last year after a nasty fall right in front of homegrown. I had a scraped-up knee, hand, and leg. I thought about quitting and walking back to the gym. Then thought about doing just the 5k.  But I knew I committed to the full race and shouldn’t quit. So I slowly finished the 10k!! Even won the spirit of the race award.

Q: Moving forward, do you have any short term or long term goals in the gym?
A bar muscle up is on this list!  I am also really excited about our new Terminus benchmark workouts, so I am looking forward to seeing where I fall this year improving over the next year.

Athlete of the MonthApril

Shani Boston

Years at Terminus Strength & Conditioning: 1

It’s very similar to life. We get to choose how we show up and do the work. I love being reminded of that and I can honestly say I’ve never left a workout regretting showing up and giving it my all.

April 2022 Athlete of the Month: Meet Shani Boston
We have so much appreciation for our community, and love to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work and perseverance.  As a beloved member of our 6AM class, Shani has proven that consistency, humility, and effort are the keys to making progress with CrossFit. Let’s celebrate that growth by giving Shani 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 coming to Terminus for a year now and I have to tell you it’s been a life saver. I’m fully drinking the kool-aid. I always say to myself there are two battles every workout – the mental and the physical. I think the biggest change I’ve seen in myself since starting is accepting that it is just how it is. There are really no easy days and that’s by design. It’s like Ben says “everyday is choose your own adventure.” It’s very similar to life. We get to choose how we show up and do the work. I love being reminded of that and I can honestly say I’ve never left a workout regretting showing up and giving it my all. Whether I’m inspired by learning a new skill, watching my 6amers kill an AMRAP or just laughing at the responses to the question of the day. Everyday I leave feeling lucky to be a part of the community.Q: How has your journey at Terminus helped you outside the gym?
It’s helped me to celebrate the power of personal victory. Being given concrete tasks everyday and seeing myself overcome them has helped me deal with what’s been a trying two years. It’s made the uncertainty of the pandemic more manageable and it’s something I’ve applied to my life. Taking life rep by rep make’s insurmountable tasks seem doable.Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?
All of my 6am family but I have to give a shout-out to my ladies. They kill it every workout and always force me to go a little harder. So Chloe, Keenan, and Claudia, y’all are amazing and thanks for setting the bar.

Q: How would you describe what it’s like to be a part of Terminus?
Challenging, dynamic and rewarding. This place is not for the faint of heart but it’s also so supportive. It’s exactly what I was looking for when I was searching for a gym. There’s a shared sense of accountability and accomplishment that keeps me coming back everyday.  People will celebrate finishing first as much as they celebrate just getting through a workout. It really is about the success of the group. I also love the playlists which I swear give me super powers early in the morning.

Q: Tell us about your first day of class at Terminus.
I was so nervous because I had heard mixed reviews about CrossFit. I was so out of shape and I wasn’t sure I could handle the intensity of the class. But I can tell you I fit right in. The instruction I got the first day and continue to get everyday is a simple reminder of how Terminus wants you to do it the right way. That’s so rare and I value it so much. It’s why everyday I learn something new and why I avoid injury. The continued commitment to quality over quantity surprised me. For example, even just talking about scaling and meeting your body where it’s at gives me permission every time to make the best decisions for my body and not my ego. It’s so helpful. We all need those reminders.

Q: What is something that we may not know about you?
I make some of the best popcorn you’ve ever had in your life ; ). Seriously I think it’s why my partner is with me to this day lol. I’m also actively learning to play the blues and I want to skip to where I know more than one scale. Learning new skills is hard and if anyone has any tricks please let me know.

Q: What are your top 3 memories or proudest moments in CrossFit?
1. Everyday I show up and I don’t let my bed win lol
2. I did a wall walk two weeks ago which I could not do a year ago and I might have shed a tear of joy. Miracles do happen.
3. I’ve struggled with knee issues for many years and recently I’ve been able to squat and lift without my larger knee brace on because it’s gotten stronger. I know it’s due to all the warm ups and work we’ve done and it feels reinvigorating to be able to tackle old challenges with new results.

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

I want to work on my upper body strength. Especially my pressing. I’m hoping to one day be able to do a hand stand push up. I’m in a tripod right now and it’s going to take time but I know I can do it. I think when that happens I might take the day off work to celebrate. Drinks anyone ? ; )

Athlete of the MonthMarch

Ro Carrillo

I realized that the best part of coming to this gym is that I constantly prove myself wrong. Every time my mind says "No, I don't think you can do that", my body says "yes you can and you will". 

March 2022 Athlete of the Month: Meet Ro Carrillo
We have so much appreciation for our community, and love to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work and perseverance. Ro is a self described extrovert who exudes positive energy. Ro’s infectious enthusiasm has been a bright spot in our afternoon classes since he joined Terminus last September. Make sure to give 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 September of last year, so a little under 6 full months. Physically I feel amazing. I truly shock myself when I do some of these workouts because I don’t think I’ve ever challenged my body as much as I have recently. My gym time is my “Me Time” and I get both a physical and mental workout when I’m at Terminus. Although I feel like death is knocking at my door after some of these WOD’s, I feel happy and accomplished after completing them.

Q: How has your journey at Terminus helped you outside the gym?
I’m generally a pretty positive person, but getting these daily workouts just puts an extra pep in my step for sure. That beautiful positive energy that you absorb at the gym translates so well outside of the gym. It’s like going into a candy store and getting all your favorite candy, except you work your butt off and end up with all the endorphins.

Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you? 
Oh man, this is a hard one for sure. Besides my “Three Peas in a WOD” crew (Diana, Lacey, and I are dorks), there are so many amazing people that truly inspire me and that inadvertently push me to do better and be better. Michael, Ryan, Kenny, Toni, Carl, Bihn, Roxy, Taylor, Lauren, Ruslan, I can really keep going. Let’s not forget the coaches, because they’re all amazing and I hope they know how much I appreciate each and every one of them.

Q: How would you describe what it’s like to be a part of Terminus?
It’s one of the best parts of my day. I know it sounds cheesy and sort of cliche, but I truly enjoy coming in here and doing something healthy for me.

Q:  Tell us about your first day of class at Terminus.
Oh man, this was a memorable day. I took a 7:30pm class with Cam. By the time we finished with the warm up, I had burned like 300 calories and I asked myself “Can we go home now?” and just laughed because we hadn’t even gotten to the WOD. The best part about the class is that they broke down the movements to a beginners level and you tend to learn so much from classes like that. I did not realize what crossfit was until that class. It was like taking blinders off and I realized that this is what I had been looking for. I quickly realized that this was the perfect marriage between programming and coaching.

Q: What is something that we may not know about you?
I feel like I’m pretty transparent and I talk a lot, so getting to know me is pretty easy if you say hello. I’m an extrovert and I love meeting people so I try to say hi to as many people a day as I can.

Q: What are your top 3 memories or proudest moments in CrossFit?
When we did our crossfit totals, I was able to squat 325lb and I almost cried. That’s something that I’m super proud of. I don’t remember who the coach was that day, but they were like “That looked really good, add more weight” and I remember thinking “oh god, ima die”. I tried it and I failed, but that failure was so graceful. Learning to do cleans with Barrett one evening when we had a small class at 7:30pm was phenomenal because I got some one on one pointers that made the movement that much more comfortable. Lastly, that same night, we were doing handstand push-ups. Lord knows that I don’t like being upside down and I kept thinking that I would hit my head on the wall. I kept practicing and practicing until it clicked and I realized that the best part of coming to this gym is that I constantly prove myself wrong. Every time my mind says “No, I don’t think you can do that”, my body says “yes you can and you will”.

Q: Moving forward, do you have any short term or long term goals in the gym?
My short list: HSPU, Heavy power cleans, DUs, 350lb on my squats, 450 on DL, and MUSCLE UPSSS!!!!

Athlete of the MonthFebruary

Michael Layton

It doesn’t matter where you are with your fitness level, you can always count on having fun if you show up.

February 2022 AOTM: Meet Michael Layton
We have so much appreciation for our community, and love to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work and perseverance. Michael is a fantastic steward of our community. Always there to greet somebody new, or be your personal hype machine. 
Make sure to give 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 October 2016 but, admittedly, those first few years were on-again, off-again. After a few years of heavy travel for work and moving around I settled into making Terminus a part of my weekly routine around 2018. Since then, Terminus as both a fitness outlet and community have been extremely positive influences on me. I don’t get too caught up in tracking my progress over time, but I know finishing work and heading to the gym has become the highlight of my day and a great way to keep a healthy balance in my life.Q: How has your journey at Terminus helped you outside the gym?
Many members of the Terminus community have become lifelong friends. After sharing countless meals, drinks, workouts, travel and other memories with this community it has become so much more than just a gym!

Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?
I’ve got to give a shoutout to some of the early members of the community on this one. Dan, Jake, Sara, Hannah, Britney Kidd, Graham, Robin, Sonya, Chase, Cam, Kayla, Patrick Donahue. The list goes on! Anyone who has been able to stay committed to CrossFit as a fitness routine as seasons in their life change has my respect.

Q: How would you describe what it’s like to be a part of Terminus?
Community. It doesn’t matter where you are with your fitness level, you can always count on having fun if you show up. Regardless of what class you attend there will always be someone there to challenge you, encourage you and more than likely grab an Old fashioned afterwards!

Q:  Tell us about your first day of class at Terminus.
I remember it all too well. I was nervous entering a new gym and had no way of knowing how brutal one of Ben’s run interval cycles could be. I caught the full force of a 4×800 meter interval workout on day 1…DAY 1. After years of unhealthy habits, I learned the hard way that it would take more than cutting corners, walking and even skipping a few laps to keep me from needing a “walk in the garden” to “collect” myself. I will never look at the bushes in front of Ammazza the same way.

Q: What is something that we may not know about you?
After attending Auburn (War Eagle!), I went to work as a Consultant at EY traveling Monday-Thursday to cities all over the US. I’ve spent time in 35 of the 50 states and even moved to New York for a year in 2017.

Q: What are your top 3 memories or proudest moments in CrossFit?
Doing CrossFit for ~4 years has come with so many proud memories and a lot of personal fitness growth. Hitting new PRs, retesting hero WODs, doing comps, doing Murph straight through and running a 5K have all been highlights. Overall, I think I’m most proud of the consistency CrossFit has brought to my physical health and nutritional habits over the years.

Q: Moving forward, do you have any short term or long term goals in the gym?
Show up, work hard and keep having fun. There is always room for improvement in this sport and I look forward to continuing to grow and get better across the board!

Athlete of the MonthJanuary

Chloe Parker

I start every day with a simple achievement: I show up.

January 2022 AOTM: Meet Chloe Parker
We have so much appreciation for our community, and love to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work and perseverance. Chloe is the model of consistency. Not only does she show up day & day out, but does so with a smile and infectious positivity. Make sure to give 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 joined Terminus in August 2019, so 2.5 years. But since that’s mostly been the pandemic, it’s felt like ten years and also five minutes. Physically, passing rays of sun occasionally reveal actual, real shoulder muscles and biceps! Mentally, the purposeful variability of the programming has helped me take life’s curveballs in stride and learn that sometimes yelling loudly is cathartic.

Q: How has your journey at Terminus helped you outside the gym?
I start every day with a simple achievement: I show up. No matter what else happens that day, I’ve accomplished something. Beyond that, Terminus has helped me embrace nonlinear progress. Consistency means showing up on the bad days *and* the good. Not every day is a PR, and that’s okay – but when I go even on the days I don’t feel like it, I’m consistently better month over month. Trust the process. Discipline is more durable than motivation, inside and outside the gym.

Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?
EVERYONE inspires me! Every single coach is a gem. The 6AM crew deserves a big ol’ heart eyes emoji. It’s also been revolutionary to find a community of women who celebrate strength and see food as fuel. Special shout-outs to Keenan, Claudia, Arielle, Eszti, Sara, Olga, Beth and Andrew, Jen, Jon, Joe, Sonya, and of course my Turducken Games partner, Callie!

Q: How would you describe what it’s like to be a part of Terminus?
Terminus is a support network: we show up for ourselves, for each other, and for the community. I’ve found so many friends here and had the chance to raise money for important causes. Somehow, I stumbled across a group of people who see me every day at my worst, and still seem to like me. And that’s the same group of people I can lift super heavy with on a Friday, then go talk about books and drink beer with on a Sunday. And sometimes we make chili or run 10ks. It’s the best.

Q:  Tell us about your first day of class at Terminus.
I sidled into the intro class feeling semi-confident. I’d gone to a kickboxing gym for a few years, so I thought my cardio was pretty solid. Things escalated from there. Carter wrote “pain cave” on the whiteboard, and explained how to tell the difference between a hard effort and actual pain. Then we did about a million burpees over the barbell. Then I needed my inhaler. Then I came back to the next class.

Q: What is something that we may not know about you?
I tap dance! I am a huge fan of theater and grew up singing, playing instruments, and dancing.

Q: What are your top 3 memories or proudest moments in CrossFit?
*Getting that first kipping pull-up. I told Mark Emery how I’d never done one, and he just shrugged and said “Gun to your head, you probably could.” So I just went for it with that mentality, and it worked! That breakthrough kicked off many others as I gradually built my upper body. The pull up challenge in August cemented my first strict pull up!
*Cracking 200 lbs for my one-rep back squat max
*Placing 1st in the scaled division of the Turducken games with Callie!! Literally the first athletic thing I’ve ever won. We made a great partnership and came out on top!

Q: Moving forward, do you have any short term or long term goals in the gym?
Short term, I’m trying to prioritize form over numbers on lifts. I’m rebuilding the ability to trust myself when I go below parallel after an injury last year. I’m also chasing toes-to-bars – they feel tantalizingly close!

Athlete of the MonthDecember

Seth Oyler

The only way to get better (or grow) is to learn, and seeing that the coaches at this new gym were willing to do that was one of the factors that sealed the deal on us finding a new gym.

 

December 2021 AOTM: Meet Seth Oyler
We have so much appreciation for our community, and love to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work and perseverance. Seth brings a tremendous amount of positive energy and a intensity to each and every class. Most importantly we love his welcoming nature. We can’t count the number of people who comment that Seth was one of the first people to say hi or hand out some encouraging words during their first time at Terminus. 
Make sure to give 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?

We have been at Terminus around a year and a half. Before joining Terminus I was feeling unconnected with CrossFit in general and considering taking a break to explore other fitness options. Since joining I have rediscovered the fun in CrossFit.

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

My biggest guilty pleasure is eating and drinking good food. Coming to the gym does 2 things. First; it helps encourage me to eat healthier and maintain the lifestyle for long term healthy living. Second: I don’t feel as guilty about splurging on the things I enjoy.

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

In all honesty it’s the new members. I remember walking in when I first started and how intimidating and hard it was. The courage it takes to stick with it and build good habits is always inspiring.

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

Terminus is an extremely fit community. At the same time everyone comes in without an ego. We all encourage and motivate one another. In my opinion the competitive aspect of CrossFit is what makes it so fun, but the members at our gym never let that get in the way of a strong, uplifting environment.

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

I have been doing CrossFit for more than half a decade. I am also moderately fit; at most gyms this means I get ignored by the coaches. My first day at Terminus Patrick was the coach (as he is for many). I don’t remember specifically what was said, but do know it was a sassy comment correcting my form or telling me to check my ego. I appreciated that probably more than he ever knew. The only way to get better (or grow) is to learn, and seeing that the coaches at this new gym were willing to do that was one of the factors that sealed the deal on us finding a new gym.

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

I am a pretty big nerd. Before CrossFit I had never played any sports. I love playing DnD and fantasy rpg’s. I also recently joined a sifi book club (thanks Michael Blanchard)!

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

First has to be meeting Chantelle, the first gym we were at brought us together and I don’t think anything can top that. (The first time we ever talked was thanks to a question of the day).

Second would be the first time I got a bar muscle-up. The first open I did (16.3) had them and I remember staring at the bar for the full 7 min unable to do a single one. After that I spent many hours learning how and made sure I could a least do them if they ever came up.

Third is a recent memory, there was a workout at Terminus that I was doing and I could feel pain starting in my back. I stopped the workout to prevent injury and was super happy I did. There was a point where I would have been dumb enough to keep going and risk injury and I think I have gained enough perspective to realize I am in this for the long haul, pushing through and finishing a workout that I know I shouldn’t is no longer worth the risk to me and I’m happy I have learned that.

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

Well just like everyone my goal is to make it to the games (2025 here I come). In all seriousness I gained a few lbs on our recent honeymoon and I would love to burn that off. Long term, my goal is to squat 500, not sure if I can but I’d love to give it a shot.

Athlete of the MonthNovember

Sarah Pritchard

"I always feel better when I leave than when I arrived!"

November 2021 AOTM: Meet Sarah Pritchard
We have so much appreciation for our community, and love to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work and perseverance. Sarah brings a tremendous amount of positive energy and a strong work ethic to each and every class. She has shown tremendous progress both inside and outside the gym. 
Make sure to give 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 at Terminus for a year now and couldn’t be happier! I’ve really seen my skill work improve since joining – the little things like an efficient kip and getting comfortable being upside down (even if it’s just kicking up to a handstand). Like many of us, I tend to avoid things that I’m not very good at, but the coaches here always push me and have great cues and modifications so I don’t always fall back to the same scaled movement without even attempting to get better at those things.

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

My journey at Terminus has really helped me outside the gym by providing a routine and stability over the last year that has been anything but routine and stable. I know that every time I show up to class I get to spend one hour forgetting about whatever else is going on and I always feel better when I leave than when I arrived.

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

So many people inspire me at Terminus – I especially love seeing the new moms (and dads) in the gym day in and day out setting examples for their babies. Being a part of Terminus is like being in a really big supportive family – no matter which class you’re in there’s a group of people who are working towards similar goals and are there to suffer with you and cheer you on. From my first class at Terminus I felt welcomed, challenged, and a part of a community.

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

Something you may not know about me is that I am obsessed with the Disney parks – like Terminus, the time I spend there with some of my favorite people takes me out of reality for just a moment and I feel better when I leave than when I arrived. It’s a magical feeling.

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

My top 3 moments in CrossFit:
1. Getting that first pull up in an open workout.
2. Completing Grace Rx.
3. The feeling I had after the first time I did the Filthy Fifty – I was brand new to CrossFit and thought there was no way I could push myself that hard and live to talk about it (and I probably talked to everyone about it for the next few weeks).

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

Moving forward I really want to focus on getting faster and continuing to improve my gymnastics.

Athlete of the MonthOctober

David Chandley

You may recognize this month's AOTM as the chief meteorologist for Fox 5 News!

Q: How long have you been going to Terminus? What changes have you seen in yourself (physically or mentally) since joining?
One of the “O-G’s” at Terminus, I’ve been part of the crew since day 1 in August of 2013.  So thankful Emily and Ben made their vision a reality so my life could be stronger and healthier.

Q: How has your journey at Terminus helped you outside the gym?
I have tried to be consistent over the years (3-4 times a week) and early on I could see dividends.  As I close in on 60, I credit Terminus and its programming for keeping me off all medications!  It’s a badge of honor and hard work (and good genes) to be healthy and drug free.

Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?
It’s the couples that inspire me, David & Jen Eastman, Mark & Jen Emery, Steve & Ellie Hoover.  To be able to share workouts with your spouse is pretty special. My wife, Lynn, was with Terminus in the early days, but bad shoulders curtailed her career, and I miss that.

Q: How would you describe what it’s like to be a part of Terminus?
Terminus is a wonderful community of people from various backgrounds that come together for common goals; to be challenged and to make yourself better.

Q:  Tell us about your first day of class at Terminus.
My second day at Terminus I almost died.  It was August, I was pushing the sled with Robin and some other ladies over the Edgewood/Beltline bridge and thought “what have I gotten myself into”.  Glad I stayed.

Q: What is something that we may not know about you?
I think I’m pretty much an open book, I’m a Jesus follower who loves my family, friends, my work, golf and the Dawgs. I believe everyone has a story and I enjoy hearing that story, I try to never stop learning.

Q: What are your top 3 memories or proudest moments in CrossFit?
My memories of Terminus are centered on the people. I feel blessed to have coaches that are top shelf; Sonya, Patrick, Chase and of course Emily. The Noon crew has been special; Robin, Nicole G, David, Brittany and Julie, to name a few.

Q: Moving forward, do you have any short term or long term goals in the gym?
I wish I had some long term goals, but sadly my time at Terminus is drawing to a close. Lynn and I have sold our Inman Park home to start building our forever home at Lake Oconee.  We are not leaving town yet, I still have work to do, so we have bought a townhouse in Brookhaven.  Thru all the changes in my 50s, Terminus has been a constant and for that I am grateful.  I will miss this place, so I will cherish these last few weeks. Thanks again Emily and Ben, you helped enrich my life.

Athlete of the MonthSeptember

Fred Webb

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, It's our resident superhero! AKA Clark Kent, AKA Fred Webb! He may come off as mild manner by day, but is a true Superman when he hits 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 part of the Terminus community since February 2021. Physically, I notice that I am leaner, yet I am at my strongest. The dynamic combination of functional movements along with weightlifting has completely transformed my outlook on exercising; it is like learning how to walk for the first time. Mentally, there are moments where I can’t believe I am able to do CrossFit; there is no doubt it is building mental fortitude challenging my mind and body. Consequently, when I finish a workout, it’s equally rewarding and mind blowing because of the level of difficulty. Last, I’m just in a better head space when I go to Terminus, exercise gives me peace of mind.

Q: How has your journey at Terminus helped you outside the gym?
In addition to being in great physical shape, spending time in the gym has led to some amazing relationships outside of the gym. Specifically, I’ve been able to have a lot more social support outside the gym which is a tremendous value to me. I feel like I am building community. I’ve also had opportunities to spend time with the Terminus community at weekend events and some night life.

Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?
There are a few individuals who inspire me at the gym. Diana Wong. Diana was the first person within the Terminus community I met and advocated for me to join the gym. It all started with a conversation at church. Diana inspires me because she’s got that Mamba mentality during workouts and holds me accountable for showing up to the gym. Michael Layton also motivates me. I can always count on Michael to “show me the ropes.” He’s never too busy to demonstrate the correct form or movement of an exercise, even during a tough workout. Michael also helps me with skill work after class! Finally, Seth Oyler. Seth goes hard in the gym that’s just what he does. In addition, he challenges me to optimize my energy during workouts, so I am working hard and smart. I love that fist bump from him after a good workout.

Q: How would you describe what it’s like to be a part of Terminus?
Family environment. It’s exciting to be a part of the Terminus community; working out with a group of individuals all striving to push their physical and mental limitations and become the best version of themselves. Doing CrossFit at Terminus is a completely new experience for me. I know I’m at the right gym.  Since I began my journey at Terminus everyone has been extremely welcoming and helpful. I feel like Bobby Boucher in the Water Boy “thank you so much for being my friends.”

Q:  Tell us about your first day of class at Terminus.
Thankfully, my first day was truly an introductory class. I remember going to a morning class around 9:15am. I felt like I was in a completely new environment trying to absorb everything. I remember doing deadlifts that day, but I didn’t know the flow of class and how the gym operated. I tried to watch and learn from other gym members there, also observing how to locate and change weight plates. I’m thankful for the help I received that day from members and my coach.

Q: What is something that we may not know about you?
Growing up in San Diego, California I played multiple sports such as football, basketball, and participated in Track and Field. Next, I’ve been creating Hip Hop/Rap music since 2011 and released my first album recently, titled “Clark Kent” available on all major platforms.

Q: What are your top 3 memories or proudest moments in CrossFit?
One of my proudest moments includes learning and doing the Olympic weightlifts. I recently set a personal record for cleans. Next, improving my technique in the kipping pull up. Last, learning how to increase my reps with touch n’ go’s when using the barbell, it’s a game changer!

Q: Moving forward, do you have any short term or long-term goals in the gym?
Moving forward my short-term goal is to continue to improve in the movements, skills, and exercises we do in the gym. I feel I’m in a good place right now where I am making progress; this feeling alone excites me for the future. Long term, it would be incredible to compete at some level. The CrossFit games are extremely inspirational.

Athlete of the MonthAugust

Orianna Casanas & Rafael Villasana

We have so much love for our community, and love to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work and perseverance. This month we decided to feature one of our power couples!

Q: How long have you been going to Terminus? What changes have you seen in yourself (physically or mentally) since joining?
It’ll be a year at the end of October! When we first joined, we were coming out of the quarantine so our minds and bodies were not in the best shape. Since joining, we are both stronger, fitter, and enjoying the process more than we ever have.

Q: How has your journey at Terminus helped you outside the gym?
Terminus has helped us learn how to tackle our weaknesses with more grace inside and outside the gym while still being proud of our strengths. It has also helped us stay balanced and more focused in everything we love doing outside the gym.

Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?
We all know that CrossFit is not an easy thing to do, so to be surrounded by so many people who don’t shy away from doing difficult things and always show up and give it their best effort has been awesome.
But Curtis tho, the guy never stops moving.

Q: How would you describe what it’s like to be a part of Terminus?
Terminus is a community of people who take their fitness seriously but love so much more than just CrossFit. We have met artists, teachers, entrepreneurs, grandparents, parents and their kids, students, athletes, Georgians who are born and raised, and people who have come from all parts of the world. All are kind-hearted, welcoming and people who love to see each other succeed.

Q:  Tell us about your first day of class at Terminus.
We were pretty nervous to get back into CrossFit after not having worked out for months, but we shrugged it off by saying “How bad could it really be? It’s not like it’ll be burpees over the rower or Kalsu or anything like that”… It was burpees over the rower, which actually ended up being really fun! And then a few weeks later it was Kalsu so we skipped that one :)

Q: What is something that we may not know about you?
Rafa: I’m an in vitro baby and could’ve been a triplet
Orianna: I’m a black belt in Kung Fu

Q: What are your top 3 memories or proudest moments in CrossFit?
Rafa: Hitting CaliBear rx with coach Trent for the first time, rx-ing Nate and snatching 100kgs.
Orianna: First bar muscle up post pandemic, failing a power clean twice and Jen Emory pushing me to try again and hitting it for a big PR, and front squatting my old 1RM for 5.

Q: Moving forward, do you have any short term or long term goals in the gym?
Rafa: I want to stay as present as I can and enjoy training as it comes. But I always want to be stronger.
Orianna: Short term goal is butterfly pulls up and long term I’m shooting for a 200lbs clean.