We have so much appreciation for our community, and love to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work and commitment. Meet Eli Dent! Eli is a relatively new member of the Terminus family, and is quickly approaching his 1-year anniversary! Eli proves that CrossFit can have a positive impact on your life and activities outside the gym. Let’s dive into his journey at Terminus a little further, and give him a high five 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?
It’s been 11 months. Almost a full year! That’s insane to think about. I feel stronger than I’ve ever felt both mentally and physically.
Q: How has your journey at Terminus helped you outside the gym?
This was my first real Crossfit gym and so there was a LOT of learning when it came to the movements and exercises. Some of which I never thought I’d be able to do (muscle-ups). Learning the new movements has given me more confidence when facing new challenges at work. It’s been a big year of learning new skills for work and sometimes that’s daunting, but seeing progress in my workouts keeps me optimistic that I’m moving forward.
Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?
Oh man, there are so many! Coach Madi really inspired me at the Turducken Games last year with her 50 Double-unders unbroken on the final workout…she was clearly tired, but that didn’t stop her. Not once! I still get fired up thinking about that. Nigel inspired me with his performance on the final Friday Night Lights workout during the Open. He laid it all out there. And finally, both Courtney and Natalie. They are some of the nicest and most consistent people. Every time I’ve done a Friday workout with them and come away completely exhausted, I think: there’s no way these people are coming back for the Saturday morning workout too… and then I drive by the next morning and see these two doing the warm up jog around the block. That consistency is so inspiring. These are a few of the people that stick out to me right now, but it’s without fail that I get inspired everytime I go.
Q: How would you describe what it’s like to be a part of Terminus?
It’s like having an extended family that’s always positive and supportive.
Q: Tell us about your first day of class at Terminus.
I was anxious to say the least! And when it was announced that we were new members here, we got invited to trivia afterwards. It was truly the best welcome and I’m so thankful for everyone that made us feel at home here.
Q: What is something that we may not know about you?
Before moving to Atlanta, my wife and I built out a cargo van and lived/traveled in that for 7 months with our pup Finn. We tried the whole tiktok thing for it once called finnyandthedents.
Q: What are your top 3 memories or proudest moments in CrossFit?
Practicing my handstand walks on Sundays with John Ben Alex and Jacquan, getting a real ring muscle-up!, being a part of Team Corgis in the Open.
Q: Moving forward, do you have any short term or long term goals in the gym?
I really want to be able to compete in the RX division for the next Turducken Games. Last year the RX weights were too heavy for me, but maybe not this year!