Fall is here and that means it’s time to meet our next AOTM Kayla Rose! 6 burning questions! 6 scintillating answers! 1 request: MORE METAL! You don’t know how long Coach Ben has been waiting to hear those words…

Q: What got you interested in CrossFit?

I was actually long-distance dating a guy who had a really hot, fit friend who said he did CrossFit.  I didn’t want to look like an idiot for not knowing what that was, so I was like “cool”.  I went home later and googled it and saw that there was a gym in my city (Las Cruces, NM).  I went to the intro one-on-one session to check it out and I’ve been in love ever since.

Q:Do you have a favorite workout or movement? Least favorite?

CrossFit Terminus has actually made me a good runner!  I kind of workouts with running in them now.  Snatches, too.  And I’ve always loved squats.  Least favorite is definitely any form of pull-ups.  I still hate them.

Q: What do you do for a living?

I am an oncology nurse at Emory University Hospital.

Q: What’s your favorite hobby, pastime or interest outside of work (other than CrossFit)?

I am an avid hiker.  I’m doing what they call “highpointing” where I hike the tallest peak in every state.  I just started not too long ago and I’ve tackled 6 states, including Mt. Elbert (14,439 ft) – the 3rd highest peak in the US!

Q: Favorite music to work out to? Favorite music to relax to?  OR Favorite Atlanta Restaurant? OR Favorite Vacation Spot?

I actually like working out to metal which has only happened a couple times at Terminus (ha!).  Girl Talk is great workout music, too.  I have to mention a restaurant called Gusto, which Squat Mafia’s Kristina Grabbe told me about.  It’s owned by Nate Hybl (former OU & NFL quarterback and overall cool guy) and it’s amazing and healthy!!!  I’ve been there about a million times.  I just wish it was closer to the gym!!

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

Smile and enjoy the challenge!!  Be prepared to fall in love and throw your old fitness routine out the window because you won’t need it.  Also, if you end up liking it as much I think you will, plan on going to CrossFit at least 3 times a week to get the full benefit of the programming and have the chance to practice all of the movements.  If you go any less than that, you risk missing important things like rope climbs or double unders!