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Adriane: You’ll Get Out Exactly What You Put In
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.
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.
Any advice for people just getting started:
Keep coming!!! You will get out of CrossFit Prelude exactly what you put in.
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