Athlete of the Month2020-07-01

Anthony Hutchens

We admire Anthony's consistency, and although he might be quiet at first, getting to know him has revealed a man of great character and a relentless pursuit of success.

How long have you been doing CrossFit? What changes have you seen in yourself (physically or mentally) since beginning at Terminus? I’ve been doing CrossFit for the past 9 months. As a result, I’ve noticed that working out consistently helps to detox my mind and thoughts. I’ve also noticed that I am more patient and peaceful. How has Terminus helped you outside the gym? Terminus has helped me build more patience and tolerance. This is applicable in my fitness and personal life. I am slower to react to situations that would normally bother me. Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you? Seeing the dedication of fellow CrossFit members and staff, the work they put in, and all who have perfected trained movements in CrossFit inspires me. This keeps me motivated to not let injuries or fatigue cloud my mindset or discourage me from being able to perfect all trained movements and workouts. Being among the best encourages me to reach my maximum potential. What is something that we may not know about you? Outside of my gym life, I’m a very involved community member, an influential person to the youth and adults in my community, and I am very active in multiple organizations in South Fulton and City of Atlanta as a mentor for youth and helping incarcerated youth. One of my main goals is to leave a footprint in my community and to reach back and help those coming up. Any advice for someone considering trying CrossFit for the first time? If I were to give advice to someone trying CrossFit for the first time, I would tell them “Don’t give up! CrossFit is not easy but it’s worth it.” What are your top 3 memories at Terminus? There are many memorable moments at Terminus but there are three that immediately come to mind. On my first day during the intro class, I thought to myself, this program isn’t for me because it was too easy. I assumed that the program was for people with no exercise experience so I convinced myself that I wasn’t coming back and would request a full refund. My next most memorable moment was when Patrick showed me the proper technique of doing a muscle up. This was my first time ever doing them and I attempted to do a few muscle ups and realized that it was not as “easy” as I initially thought. Once I confirmed that I was doing them correctly, I felt very accomplished. Lastly, during a recent Saturday workout I was feeling extremely winded and fatigued. I felt like I was about to pass out and vomit. About halfway through the workout, I poured my water bottle on my head and face but forgot that I mixed a scoop of snow cone flavored BCAAs in my water. When I poured it on me it burned my eyes. As a result, I had to finish the rest of the workout with blurred vision and smelling like a carnival. What’s your proudest accomplishment? My proudest moment at Terminus was learning how to properly do a muscle up. Moving forward, do you have any short term or long term Fitness goals? My short-term fitness goal is to learn and perfect the snatch/ overhead squat. My long-term fitness goals are to stay consistent and relevant during competitive workouts.

Athlete of the Month2020-05-01

Mark Emery

After an aggressive lobbying campaign rivaling most special interest groups in Washington DC, we are proud to announce that Mark Emery has joined the ring of honor.

Q: How long have you been doing CrossFit? What changes have you seen in yourself (physically or mentally) since beginning CrossFit? First of all, I can’t believe I am AOTM. I never guessed it would happen. I have been doing Crossfit since before many people reading this were even conceived – 2011. I had done P90X in my garage for a year and thought I was ready. Turns out, I wasn’t. My first workout was Karen and I got whipped by a drunk 87 year old. There aren’t enough words to extoll how Crossfit has changed my entire world. I am stronger, faster and leaner at 45 than 25, and that’s saying something, since at 25 I was already a 3x Olympic curling champion. Mentally, doing Crossfit with Ben Benson means I’ve already met my daily quota of suffering by 7AM. After that, the volume on the rest of life gets turned way down. I like that. Q: How has CrossFit helped you outside the gym? It’s my daily reminder that lasting value, happiness, fulfillment and growth flourish through suffering. The ability to suffer gracefully and with purpose is something I really admire in people. Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you? Though I started CrossFit before we met, there’s no way I’d be where I am now without my wife, who inspires, cajoles and annoys me into consistency. Pound for pound, she’s the strongest person I’ve ever had sex with and she will always be my favorite WOD partner. That said, if it involves thrusters, I want a divorce. There are many others. Trent’s kind heart. Ryan Oubre’s relentless positivity. Ellie Hoover’s man burps. I also admire the quiet grinders who seem to never miss class and do all the accessory work. People like Paulino, Sara Hardy and Katie Taylor. Q: What is something that we may not know about you? I love doing impersonations, mostly of people I know. Some of my favorites are Shock G (Digital Underground), Scooby Doo, Hank Hill, Paulino and Ben Benson. I am working on a David Eastman, which involves standing around a lot looking at equipment. Q: Any advice for someone considering trying CrossFit for the first time? Most of the fear is centered around what others think. So, here is what experienced CrossFitters think about noobs – you are inspiring AF. You have elected to have your ass handed to you by a stranger, in front of a group of strangers who are all exceedingly better than you are. When I see a brand new CrossFitter, all I see is badass. Q: What are your top 3 memories in CrossFit? 1. Getting on the board in my old gym for Diane. While it’s true someone had to die to make that happen, I’m pretty sure he’d be happy for me now. 2. First muscle up. 3. My first class at Terminus, taught by Marshall, when my barbell stopped moving vertically mid snatch and I was like “WTAF?” before sort of tumbling back to the bottom of my squat. I looked up and saw this crazy maniac behind me holding my barbell talking to me about grip width or some shit. I’d been a coach for years and in some gyms coaches are reluctant to actually coach other coaches, but this lunatic who I didn’t even know felt totally comfortable demolishing my snatch and I knew I’d found the right gym. Thanks Ben. Q: What’s your proudest accomplishment? TBD. Honestly I wake up every day feeling like I haven’t done shit, yet. In the meantime, nothing really comes close to watching your children be courageous. Recently Scout had the choice between taking a medication for two weeks, or getting a shot. I watched her steel her nerves and tell the doctor she wanted the shot. I don’t think I’ve ever been prouder. Q: Moving forward, do you have any short term or long term CrossFit goals? I’d love to be able to handstand walk.

Athlete of the Month2020-03-01

Ben Davidson

With a focus on consistency, Ben has made tremendous progress both inside and outside the gym.

Q: How long have you been doing CrossFit? What changes have you seen in yourself (physically or mentally) since beginning CrossFit? So I was actually the last person in my family to start doing CrossFit. My two older sisters started a few years ago. They managed to convince me to give it a shot and I’ve been doing CrossFit for just under a year and a half now. The biggest change I’ve seen is mainly just more energy throughout the day, even if I’m waking up for the 5am or 6am class. I’ve also noticed a big physical change since I’ve started and that’s finally showing in the numbers as I’ve lost around 10 pounds since New Years! Q: How has CrossFit helped you outside the gym? Like I said, it’s helped me have more energy throughout my days and that’s made a big difference in my productivity. I’m actually working an internship at an accounting firm right now while finishing up my senior year of undergrad. Some days seem so long and draining, but consistently being in the gym has helped me be able to mentally push myself more and prevent myself from being sluggish or exhausted throughout the day. I feel healthier and happier and I can really say that CrossFit has been the catalyst for a lot of that recently. Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you? So many people honestly! The 6am class would have to be the main group of people though, especially some of the other guys in that class like Paulino, Joe, and Jon. Whether it’s Joe pushing me to get better with my olympic lifts, Paulino making sure I always do at least the same level as him, or Jon making me want to get faster aerobically and on the rig, there’s always someone pushing me in every workout. It’s honestly one of the best things about the Terminus community and something that I’ve come to look forward to every morning. Q: What is something that we may not know about you? I actually played soccer in college for a few years at Oglethorpe. In total, I played for about 16 years and it’s still something I love to do or watch in my free time on the weekends. Q: Any advice for someone considering trying CrossFit for the first time? I think that the best way for someone to really experience CrossFit and benefit from it is to try to immerse themselves in the culture. I really started seeing changes in myself when I became more involved and more consistent with Terminus. Q: What are your top 3 memories in CrossFit? Oh gosh, there’s a lot of good ones. The first would have to be actually running my fastest mile that I can honestly remember a few months ago. I remember feeling like absolute death after a super intense assault bike workout in May and I realized nothing will get worse than that. Also, Black Lung was by far one of my favorite workouts I’ve done at Terminus! Q: What’s your proudest accomplishment?

When we did Crossfit Total and I got a PR on all three movements that day by at least 10 pounds each. Q: Moving forward, do you have any short term or long term CrossFit goals? A lot of my goals are more movement based but my main goal is to get more efficient at my gymnastics movements as it’s been one of my weaker areas in the gym. I would love to get at least one bar muscle up this year. For long term, I want to be able to compete in some type of competition whether by myself or with a team.

Athlete of the Month2021-02-19

Wyatt Minton

Wyatt is a regular at the infamous 8:00AM class. Get to know Wyatt here, and make sure you say hello to him 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 beginning CrossFit?

Since July 2018. I am physically a different person. I've gained at least 20lbs of muscle in places that I didn't know could host muscle. Mentally, I'm more willing to take on challenges that I previously would have avoided. I'm still gonna complain about em, but I'ma do it. Socially, I have found a great group of people here.

Q: How has Terminus helped you outside the gym?

It has completely changed how I approach challenging situations, particularly with work. I approach things with less of a "I'm not sure if I can do this" mindset and more of a "I'm gonna push through this. And if I die, I die." sort of mindset.

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

The 8am crew for sure. Ben, Cam, Sara, Roger, and many more.

Sara’s been an inspiration from day one, Cam tried to kill me on my first attempt at Fran (no, I still haven’t forgiven him), and Ben and Roger always push me to go a little harder than I think I can.

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

I had a short stint as an amateur level competitive gamer in League of Legends. I got to compete against other city's teams, got flown out to Cali to RedBull studios, the works, baby.

Q: Any advice for someone considering trying Terminus for the first time?

DO NOT give up and go as often as you can. It's gonna hurt but it's gonna feel amazing when you come back in 2 months and completely blow out a movement you struggled with back in the day.

Also make friends at the gym. The people here are amazing and super supportive.

Q: What are your top 3 memories at Terminus?

1) Preparing to compete with Jake and Stacey. Somehow these two convinced me to do an entire workout AFTER the metcon to get ready for this thing.

2) Damn near having a panic attack during my first Fran attempt. I had on too many layers, couldn't get said layers off, couldn't breathe, I didn't know Cam had level 2 weight on the bar till it was too late- girl. I was a mess.

3) Honestly - any time that Sonya has expressed that she's proud of me for learning a new movement. She fixed what I was doing wrong with my kipping ring muscle-ups, my pull-ups, and taught me butterflies.

Q: What's your proudest accomplishment?

Leaving Patrick completely flabergasted (and also pissed) when I came around the corner at 90mph during the 400m sprint rounds we were doing.

Short term: I just want to get my endurance up a bit more. Get better at pacing myself on the row, bike, or any kind of “I can’t breathe while I’m doing this” deal.

Long term: I 100% want to do a team competition.

Athlete of the Month2020-11-01

Iris Nevins

One key to success in the gym is making a commitment to consistency and not deviating from that plan. Iris shows us how that strategy can transform your body and mind. Get to know Iris here, and make

Q: How long have you been going to Terminus? What changes have you seen in yourself (physically or mentally) since beginning CrossFit? It's been 1.5 years at Terminus and 2.5 years overall but prior to Terminus I was not consistent at all. Since Terminus I've seen lots of growth in my upper body strength, I have more endurance, I've lost about 20 lbs, and I’m no longer pre-diabetic :) Q: How has Terminus helped you outside the gym? Terminus is a key part of my routine. I juggle a few projects outside of work which can be overwhelming, and emotionally I can sometimes be all over the place. Crossfit helps me stay centered. It helps me reset, de stress, and stay focused. I’ve also made some friends which makes living in a new city much more enjoyable. Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you? I'm inspired by Emro's upper body strength and I'm striving to get on her level! I admire Hannah’s hard work, she puts it all on the table at every class! But overall I admire all the badass women who always push themselves. Some days I feel lazy and wanna do the bare minimum but these women have been inspiring me to try harder even on those days that I feel depleted! Q: What is something that we may not know about you? Ummm. . . I guess I love to travel and I’ve been to 4 continents :) Q: Any advice for someone considering trying Terminus for the first time? Don't let what you can't do yet discourage you. Take it day by day, some movements will take years to get and that's okay. Also showing up is the most important thing. Just come to class! Q: What are your top 3 memories at Terminus? I remember my first Saturday workout which scared me from coming back on Saturdays for almost a year. Getting my first strict pullups was a great feeling. And Monday classes with Patrick are just HILARIOUS! Q: What's your proudest accomplishment? Finally being able to do strict pull ups! I can now do 3 unbroken. Hopefully I can double that next year. Q: Moving forward, do you have any short term or long term training goals? I want to keep getting stronger and building endurance. My cardiovascular and lung strength needs a lot of work. Long term I want to be able to do less scaling on things like pull ups, pushups, handstand pushups, etc and just do the original workout all the way through.

Athlete of the Month2020-12-01

Will Dodgen

Will is living proof of the transformative power of CrossFit and the Terminus community. Get to know Will here, and make sure you say hello to him 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 beginning CrossFit? So I'm coming up on 2 years at Terminus and honestly can't believe how the time's flown. I've seen countless changes in myself both mentally and physically. I first decided to come because I wanted to be coached, and knew my personal workout regime wasn't pushing myself hard enough. I wanted to be challenged! After 2 years I can honestly say I'm in the best shape of my life. I've always been active and worked out a ton, playing sports and what not, but nothing has come close to how I feel when I look in the mirror from crossfit. I've never been a big guy and I've seen myself bulk more, my legs feel actually muscular, and my chest feels broader. I feel a lot of changes can seem small, but they are HUGE to me, and things I've been trying to improve on for years but never saw results until I came to Terminus. But also, my mental health has been the biggest improvement since joining the gym. I found myself in a sort of depression a few moments out of the last 2 years, and going to the gym was definitely the number one cure for my anxiety. I'd say physically and emotionally, Terminus has allowed me to become more of the person I want to be. Q: How has Terminus helped you outside the gym? Dang I feel like I could ramble on about how Terminus has helped me outside the gym (Emotional regulation, confidence in who I am, friendships/relationships). But I'd have to say helping me deal with my anxiety has been the top one. There would be days I would feel like I was paralyzed by anxiety and I couldn't accomplish anything, but I knew that if I just got to the gym, got myself in the building, my coaches would do the rest. In those times of anxiousness I'd leave the gym with a new sense of confidence and pride in who I was! Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you? I have 2 answers to this... First off my roommates (Josh and Bryson) who attend regularly as well (and who I convinced to join Terminus haha). Every day I ask how they did in the workout, how it was, what was fun, what was hard, and we all celebrate our accomplishments and growth! I started before both of them but once they got in the gym they took OFF, and I definitely feel like some days I'm playing catch up to them but it's all good competition! We push each other and celebrate each and every win or PR. They keep me coming back to the gym even when it's hard. There have been multiple conversations with Bryson where I told him I wasn't going, I felt lazy, anxious or just like I couldn't do it. And he'd encourage me, and push me (sometimes drag me haha) to just show up, and I always came out better for it! Second is the coaches, because honestly everyone of you is awesome and keeps me moving and inspired! (Yall should check out Sonya's 1 on 1 classes, that will for sure inspire you) Q: What is something that we may not know about you? Me and Bryson actually have a few songs on spotify (Bryson has a lot more than me... he's the talent honestly) that we have written together. It's something we like to do every now and then, just hang out, drink and write music. Look Bryson Eller up on spotify!!! Q: Any advice for someone considering trying Terminus for the first time? Just get in the building! It can seem daunting sometimes because of the high intensity. But ever since I've joined I've found that if I can just show up, my coaches will help me figure out the rest. The movements that might scare me, or the weight I don't think I can lift, they got you! Also make some friends, because the community is by far the best part about Terminus. And bring your friends because working out with people you do life with is one of the best decisions you can make. Also watch what you eat before a workout... stay away from spicy food. Q: What are your top 3 memories at Terminus? 1) Sappy alert, but the car rides to and from the workouts with my roommate Bryson will always be special to me. Super fun to workout with some of your best friends. 2) Teaching the first ever Terminus "spin class." Still waiting to be hired on a permanent basis! haha 3) Our first Terminus happy hour during COVID me Bryson and Sirena logged on together and we all had such a blast and felt like we connected with the community. We logged off so grateful for our gym and the support we had even through the pandemic! Q: What's your proudest accomplishment? At the gym? Getting a muscle up. In life, I'm just proud of where I am in life and the people I've surrounded myself with. Community is everything. Q: Moving forward, do you have any short term or long term training goals? Nutrition for sure. I feel really good about going to the gym and where I'm at physically. But I think that the next step in my fitness journey is to stop eating out so much and cut back on eating... well whatever I want haha.