Jeri:  I’m More In Control/Aware Of My Body Than Ever Before

I feel amazing and I continue to feel better every month.

Hometown:  Yorktown, VA

Age:  26

Occupation:  Scientist

When did you first start CrossFitting:

About 28 months ago, December 2012 at CrossFit RVA

When did you first start training at CrossFit Prelude:

December 2014

Favorite WOD/Movement:  

Thrusters, running, burpees, box jumps, strict press 

Least Favorite WOD/Movement:

Push ups and ring dips, simply because I’m not good at them YET and rowing simply because rowing sucks.

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

I’ve done sooooo many different sports. Softball, swimming, soccer, lacrosse, rowing, cross country, track, jiu-jitsu, roller derby, muay thai, and  field hockey. Lots of running. My favorite sport thus far is jiu-jitsu.

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

More bodyweight/gymnastic type movements. Handstands, ring work, bar work….I would like to run a little bit more and my snatch needs help.

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

My mom and an intern at work both said I should try it out. I was doing marathon training at the time and hated it. I couldn’t really go more than 3 times a week during my first two months of CrossFit because I was in pain and I felt as if I was going to die every single time I did a WOD. My lack of athleticism made me pretty upset, because I didn’t consider myself ‘out of shape’. I can’t remember my first one…something to do with holding a weight over my head, pull ups (used a band), and running.

I’m toner, stronger, and more confident. All of these things have made me happier as a person and have made me a better person.

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

I feel amazing and I continue to feel better every month. I’m more in control/aware of my body than ever before. I’m more fit than I have ever been in my life. I’m toner, stronger, and more confident. All of these things have made me happier as a person and have made me a better person.

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

Planches, flags, and any type of lever are incredibly inspiring to me. I want to look and feel good about myself. I like the challenges CrossFit provides for me. There is always something to work/improve upon. I never get bored. You can always go faster and become stronger.

Please share with us any favorite CrossFit Prelude moments:

I really really like the videos Julie sends me. I can really take the time to analyze and look at whatever movement I’m doing. It’s fantastic feedback. It’s not really a moment, but an aspect of Prelude I really appreciate. Julie even gave me a mid-day pep talk today about my snatch, because I’m experiencing a mental hangup during the movement. That kind of coaching is priceless. 

There is always something to work/improve upon. I never get bored.

Any advice for people just getting started:

Just keep coming and do what you can. Comfortably push yourself to your limits. You know your limits and if you don’t you will quickly figure them out. Enjoy yourself. The challenge isn’t with the other members it’s with yourself. If you stick with it, I guarantee you will keeping surprising yourself as to your abilities. Set obtainable goals and if you need a workout partner just contact me. (I have a difficult time working out on my own.)