Adriane: You’ll Get Out Exactly What You Put In

The coaches and members are so supportive and encouraging, and have cultivated a positive and judgement free environment.

Hometown:  Leesburg, VA

Age: 30

Occupation:  Director of Marketing at Bottoms Up Pizza 

When did you first start CrossFitting: 

3 years ago

When did you first start training at CrossFit Prelude:  

September 2014

Favorite WOD/Movement:  

Burpees (seriously)

Least Favorite WOD/Movement:  

Wall Balls.  I always end up hitting myself in the face 🙂

Tell us about your sports; fitness; and/or life background:  

I pretty much never turn down an opportunity to learn random skills.  When I lived in Asheville, I joined a circus where I learned acrobatics, stilting and fire-breathing.  Then I accidentally agreed to join a rugby team at a party, and played for a few years and was unfortunately THE WORST at it… but enjoyed the drinking part of it.  Our team was sponsored by a drag bar that taught free pole dancing classes, and I ended up teaching pole dancing group fitness classes at a women’s gym in Charlotte, NC for a few years.  I dabbled in aerial silks, and now I do CrossFit.

What is your “Something Better” that you hope to achieve with CrossFit Prelude:  

Thighs like Beyonce. 

When I am cranky and want to bail at 5:30 am, I know I will have fun once I actually get there.

How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD… what was it, and how did it feel:  

A bartender I worked with was an instructor at a different CrossFit gym in Richmond, so I got a Groupon there and tried it out.  I don’t remember the first WOD, but CrossFit was the first time I ever touched a barbell so I liked that it was totally new.  It was REALLY frustrating at first, but it always felt really good to complete workouts I didn’t think I could finish.

What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CrossFit (before/after): 

I noticed a flatter stomach, more toned legs.  I definitely have more energy, but the biggest thing for me is that it really helps with my daily stress level and puts me in a really upbeat mood for the rest of the day.

What keeps you coming back.  What motivates and inspires you: 

First, I love all the coaches!  I really appreciate how accessible they all are outside of class– I can message them with any questions and always get good advice in return.  The coaches and all the members are so supportive and encouraging, and have really cultivated a positive and judgement-free environment.  When I am the last person struggling to finish a workout, the class will help count out the final reps and high-five when it’s done– and it’s sincere and helpful not embarrassing.  Whenever I’m cranky and want to bail at 5:30 am, I know I’ll have fun once I actually get there.

Please share with us any favorite CrossFit Prelude moments:  

I really liked the nutrition challenge (even though I totally caved the last 2 weeks of it…), but I loved the detailed spreadsheets and guidelines.  I am such a nerd for organization and spreadsheets and found it super helpful.  A coach at my old gym told me I couldn’t be serious about fitness as a vegetarian, so I was thrilled when Larris went to the trouble of finding a vegetarian alternative plan, rather than just offering paleo as the only option.

Also, the “Bachelor Party WOD” that the gym threw for members who were getting married was a blast.  I loved how much thought and planning the coaches put into throwing a fun workout/surprise party to celebrate Caroline & Chris.  It really sums up how much more Prelude is than just a gym– it’s an awesome family I’m super stoked to be a part of.  Not to mention, Julie was a total badass in the shotgun/burpee contest.

Prelude is much more than just a gym

Any advice for people just getting started:  

Keep coming!!!  You will get out of CrossFit Prelude exactly what you put in.