December 2023 Athlete of the Month: Keenan Whitesides
We have so much appreciation for our community, and love to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work and commitment. Meet Keenan Whitesides. Keenan has been core member of our 6am class since 2017. Not only a beast in our daily training, Keenan proves that CrossFit can have a positive impact on your life and activities outside the gym. Let’s dive into her journey at Terminus a little further, and give her a high five next time you see her 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 have been going to Terminus since June of 2017 so about 6 years. Kristen and I started together and it was really special to be able to share our fitness journey together. It has been huge for helping me push myself mentally and I have seen big changes in my strength. We moved recently and I was so grateful for all the practice with farmer’s carries–helped me cut the number of trips to the car in half!
Q: How has your journey at Terminus helped you outside the gym?
Working out at Terminus has improved my tennis game significantly–my serves are harder and I’ve gotten much quicker–there are very few shots I can’t get to! The gym is also a good reminder that every day can be a different journey–some days you are ready to go hard and other days scaling feels like the better move. This has helped me be more kind with myself and others when I’m not feeling 100%.
Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?
I am especially inspired by my 6AM crew–Chloe, Claudia, Shani, Jon, Jordan, Greg, Bari, Tanner and Beth who push me and cheer me on. It has been so great to see them hit huge milestones and it encourages me to keep working hard. I am also inspired by Emily R on the bike and rower–she always gives me something to chase after!
Q: How would you describe what it’s like to be a part of Terminus?
I would say that being a part of Terminus is “comfortably uncomfortable”–it makes you feel comfortable and welcome but also holds you accountable to what you are capable of. I know if I slack on the weights, someone (cough Chloe) is going to give me the extra nudge to push myself a little harder and I’m so grateful for that kind of challenge.
Q: Tell us about your first day of class at Terminus.
My first day was with Coach Patrick back when we had the intro class–I was so nervous and intimidated by the idea of Crossfit but Patrick made it so welcoming. I don’t remember the exact workout but I remember leaving and feeling really excited about coming back.
Q: What is something that we may not know about you?
I LOVE karaoke and secretly wish I was a professional singer. The talent may not be there but the enthusiasm is!
Q: What are your top 3 memories or proudest moments in CrossFit?
My top memories were doing box jumps with a veil to commemorate my last workout before my wedding, getting my 2k row under 8 minutes, and finally being able to snatch over 100 lbs.
Q: Moving forward, do you have any short term or long term goals in the gym?
My top goal is still to be able to do an unassisted pull up. In the meantime I am still working on double unders and toes to bar. Most importantly just focusing on a long term goal of consistency with coming to class at least 3 times a week.