Q: How long have you been going to Terminus? What changes have you seen in yourself (physically or mentally) since joining?
It has been a full year!  Since joining, I have seen super strength and confidence. I am lifting heavier and actually trying to keep up with all the bad ass chicks in class!

Q: How has your journey at Terminus helped you outside the gym?
It’s given me serious structure. I plan my day + Saturdays around my workouts. I look forward to putting in work for an hour every day. Also, making friends in a new city has been nice!

Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?
I think because everyone at the gym works hard, they all push me to work harder. There are some seriously strong people at Terminus and just being able to workout with them is inspiring enough! (Except on Scale Saturdays!!)

Q: How would you describe what it’s like to be a part of Terminus?
Welcoming. Starting at a new gym in a new city is hard and joining Terminus has been easy!

Q: Tell us about your first day of class at Terminus.
I remember Trent was my coach and welcomed me with open arms. I was so nervous and I remember the workout being so hard!!

Q: What is something that we may not know about you?
I am the Social Media Manager for Auntie Anne’s pretzels!

Q: What are your top 3 memories or proudest moments in CrossFit?
1. Squatting 200 pounds!
2. Actually losing weight!
3. Hanging out with people outside of the gym!

Q: Moving forward, do you have any short term or long term goals in the gym?
I want to be able to do ONE pull-up!!

Q: How long have you been doing CrossFit? What changes have you seen in yourself (physically or mentally) since beginning at Terminus?
I started doing CrossFit last year at the very end of Oct when I signed up for the Intro class at Terminus. It was awful, I threw up in the parking lot at the end of my very first class! Thank you Patrick!
I started coming Monday-Friday when I joined the normal classes the following month. Since then I have seen a lot of changes.  Physically, I’m down 40lbs since joining and have gotten much fitter. I literally could not finish the 250m route without walking on day 1 but just last week was able to complete Jerry (1mile run, 2k row, 1mile run). The biggest changes for me have been mentally though. When I first joined I wasn’t happy with my weight at all and my expectations for each WOD were always very low. I would come in and expect to fail most workouts and would. But the more I got in there and the more comfortable I got with the coaches and members the higher my expectations got. Now I feel great! I’m confident in my fitness, I’m confident in my body and I’m confident with myself.

Q: How has Terminus helped you outside the gym?
With the weight loss and new confidence I just move differently, physically and figuratively. When it’s time to get ready I’m not worried about what I’ll look like in what I choose to wear. Instead I can get dressed and think about what I’ll be getting into that day. Think about the fun to be had. I’ve been getting my family out of the house at least once a week for some physical activities now. That time spent with them outside together is much more enjoyable than sitting around all day in the house.
My favorite part is feeling more comfortable being the leader in my family. I’m happy, healthy, confident, disciplined and much more. Knowing that, that’s what I’m putting out for my wife and children to see makes me feel amazing.

Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?
This question can go so many ways! I’m inspired by everyone at Terminus and I’m inspired daily by everyone in the 8am class, which is the class I attend on the regular. I will try to keep my list short although I could name each person from my class and how they inspire me. First I would like to state the obvious, and that is that Terminus is full of the most bad a** women I have ever met.
I’m thankful for Sara who made me feel welcomed on day one and has pushed me to finish workouts since I joined the 7am (now 8am) class. I have heard her voice many times encouraging me to finish every WOD. She is also always down to do the cool down with me! DEFINITELY an inspiration.
I’m also inspired by Wyatt and Ben Davidson, who peer pressure me into pushing heavier weight everyday! I still don’t know how those two are so fast. And I would also like to thank the 4 people who inspire us all, in no particular order, Emily, Sonya, Trent and PATRICKKKKK.

Q: What is something that we may not know about you?
Most people know I tattoo but most of them don’t know I also illustrate children books!

Q: Any advice for someone considering trying CrossFit for the first time?
Just give it your best try! It’s not easy but if you give it your best every time, you will get better!

Q: What are your top 3 memories at Terminus?
1) Patrick making me throw up on Day 1 and making me consider my life decisions.
2) Trent feeling bad for me being so far behind, he told me to just do 4 rounds instead of 5!
3) Me dying in the middle of a workout and Sonya yelling “It’s suppose to be uncomfortable!”

Q: What’s your proudest accomplishment?
For the first month, maybe even 2 months, I was doing every workout at level 1 and I still timed out on every WOD that had a time cap. My proudest accomplishment was finishing my first workout within the time limit.

Q: Moving forward, do you have any short term or long term Fitness goals? 
BEAT CAM IN A RUN! LET’S GOOOOOOO

Thank you Ben and Emily for creating this space.
Thank you to the coaches for leading us and helping us.
Thank you to all the members for being amazing!

From the Hoovers: OMG we are so honored! It has been one of our greatest joys over the past 7 years being members of CrossFit Terminus. Remembering the first days at Terminus 1.0 doing prowler pushes nearly every day to the absent Edgewood bridge over what would become the beltline to seeing the gym as it stands now is truly amazing. We are so thankful for the love and support from everyone at the gym along the journey to getting married, changing jobs, passing specialist boards exams- Terminus has been there through it all and we could not be happier.

Q: How long have you been doing CrossFit? What changes have you seen in yourself (physically or mentally) since beginning CrossFit?

Steve: I started doing Crossfit in 2010, before I met Ellie, when a former teammate invited me to try CrossFit.  My first workout was Cindy, I don’t remember the score but it hurt (in a good way) and I was hooked.  I participated in the first Crossfit open in 2011, new movements showed up and I had to learn new skills like double-unders and muscles ups.  Crossfit is always asking you to grow as an athlete, it is never easy, it pushes you to do more and be better.  The great thing about Terminus is if you can’t do it on your own, coach Ben Benson can provide you with the necessary motivation.

Ellie: I started doing CrossFit in 2011 when my stud boyfriend at the time convinced me to buy a Groupon to try it out with a girlfriend in PT school. My first workout included something with a ridiculous amount of lunges and my quads didn’t work right for over a week, hurting to go down AND up stairs, yet somehow I was hooked. I learned how to do olympic and power lifts that I never imagined I would complete (albeit it very light) and have been able to mentally push myself to a weird place to finish workouts. When I get to work in the morning, I already feel accomplished knowing that I have already taken the time to take care of myself and my health before I set forth to do that for my patients.

Q: How has CrossFit helped you outside the gym?

Steve: CrossFit has allowed me to rekindle the competitive drive that I missed playing college football.  Approaching 40, I am in better shape than I was in my 20s.  I can hang with the high school football team I coach in 7 on 7 and show them a thing or two in the weight room.  CrossFit allows me to stay active outside the gym.  I enjoy family hikes, backpacking, and camping with Ellie and our dog Stella.

Ellie: CrossFit has helped me become stronger and protect my body and patients working in the hospital as a physical therapist…it literally makes sure I can get my patients out of bed. It has also helped me to achieve the nickname “Fitness Ellie” in my rehab department which makes me chuckle because most of you reading this are stronger and faster than me.

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

Steve: I am inspired to see people achieve their goals.  I love seeing people get their first; first pull-up, first muscle-up, , first completed WOD, first mile without walking or just walking in for their first class.  The first is always the hardest and worth celebrating.  Also the ladies of 5am!

Ellie: I am inspired by my ladies of 5AM and #5AMily, past and present. They show up daily, hold me accountable (even when I want an extra rest day), and prioritize fitness to start their day. They all push me to try my hardest, no matter how sleepy I am, to get the most out of my hour in the gym. I am also inspired by Jennifer Eastman who is my idol inside and out of the gym (love you, momma duck!) who always pushes me harder to try to keep up with her.

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

Steve: I spent two college summers wearing a cowboy hat working on a buffalo ranch outside of Austin, Texas.  I am still haunted by the smell of a heard of buffalo in the 100 degree Texas heat.

Ellie: I was on the synchronized swimming club varsity team at the University of Michigan my freshman year

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

Steve: Don’t be scared to ask for help, if there is one thing crossfitters like to talk about it is CrossFit.  Terminus has a great community of coaches and members that want you to be successful.

Ellie: What he said. Your coaches and classmates are going to support you and celebrate every victory on your journey in CrossFit!

Q: What are your top 3 memories in CrossFit?

Steve: Team Terminus winning the Atlantic Super Regional clinching our spot at the 2015 Crossfit Games and poppin’ bottles at the post regional celebration with another regional champion Emily Bridgers!  Big day of wins for Terminus!
Coaching Ellie through her first and second muscle up on 15.2 RX for a score of 2!
Friday Night Lights, the roar of the crowd cheering you on to get the next rep or hit the big weight.  There was nothing like a packed house at Terminus to push you to move faster and lift heavier.  I loved celebrating with friends and frosty “recovery” beverages knowing that we would do it all again next week.

Ellie: Cheering on my hot hubby at the CrossFit Games team competitions in 2013 and 2015 (as well as all the other competitions he “lets” me watch), getting my first/second/and only muscle ups on 15.2 with Steve and Emily’s help, and Friday Night Lights Open workouts at Terminus

Q: What’s your proudest accomplishment?

Steve: Easy #1 is finally being named athlete of the month after 7 years, even though I have to share it.  Feel free to leave Ellie’s name off the commemorative plaque.  Seriously though, the friends I have made along the way.  Shared suffering has a way of bringing people together and the training gauntlet that was Squat Mafia formed unbreakable bonds.  Thanks Ben!

Ellie: Making it to 5am class on time/EARLY every day since the gym reopened

Q: Moving forward, do you have any short term or long term CrossFit goals?

Steve: No immediate goals for CrossFit, although, I have heard rumors the affiliate cup is coming back…

Ellie: It would be nice to get bar muscle ups back, however, I’m happy just making it to the gym 5-6 days a week at this point to make sure that I can stay my healthiest self.

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.

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.

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.