Today’s Empower experience is brought to us by AV, a married dad of two tween girls who joined CrossFit Empower four years ago.  Since then he has been quietly and consistently busting through workouts and has achieved fantastic results.   No small feat for a working dad! Two of his standout recent PRs (personal records) include an RX’d Elizabeth and a 5 KM run time.  Way to go AV!   Read on to learn about the impact coming to CrossFit Empower has had on AV’s health and fitness and how it is more than a gym!
What brought you to CrossFit?
I had been neglecting my fitness for some time and needed a program that would produce results.  I wasn’t a big fan going to the gym on my own.  I could never figure out how to use the equipment and didn’t understand how to program workouts to get the proper stimulus.  I looked like a lost soul at the gym!  A co-worker, who was an avid CrossFitter, suggested I give CrossFit a try.  I attended the beginner classes at the on-site gym where I worked and was instantly hooked.  I knew CrossFit would challenge me mentally and physically and make me stronger and fitter overall.  I haven’t looked back and joined CrossFit Empower, which is in my neighbourhood, in the Fall of 2017.
What was your first impression?  How has it changed?
I honestly did not know what to expect when I joined CrossFit.  I was concerned that if I wasn’t able to do a movement properly I would be left behind. This fear could not be further from the truth as there are always options to scale to your current ability and the coaches are there to help you modify the workout to your best needs.  But, what makes CrossFit special and such a positive experience to me, is the camaraderie.  It’s having people encourage and cheer you on while you chip away at a WOD (workout of the day).  It’s hearing those voices that gives you the extra bit of strength to soldier on, push through and finish the workout.
After doing CrossFit for a few years now, it continues to be engaging and offers a different challenge each day.
What was your first bright spot (win/positive experience)?
My first bright spot was being able to string together double-unders.   The process of getting double-unders can be a frustrating journey. I practiced for months and there were times I just wanted to give up and slam the rope against the ground.  Then one day, I had a sudden breakthrough where the skipping rope and I just worked in harmony.  I was able to complete the WOD as prescribed with double-unders! The months of practice and persistence had finally paid off and it felt damn good!
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on trying to get my first bar muscle up– specifically tackling that transition from pull-up to dip.  I’m also working on my breathing, focusing on taking deeper fuller breaths, so that I’m not constantly gasping for air in a panic!  The Touch (coach)  is always the first to tell me to breathe.  I took that as a cue to work on my breathing technique.
What’s your favourite Empower memory so far?
My favourite Empower memory was attending my first 12 days of Xmas workout.  It was a great and moving experience to see the community come together in such a festive way!
Thank you AV for sharing your experience with us.   Your full efforts continue to make you stronger and more fit by day.   Well earned.   High five and then some!
Till the next workout.