Athlete Spotlight!

This weeks Athlete Spotlight goes to Erin Y!

Erin Y

Hometown
Reno

Age
33

When did you first start CrossFitting?
I started in June 2013 at a different gym but only was able to go sporadically at that time.

When did you first start training at StoneAgeFuel?
September 2013

Favorite workout/movement?
All the olympic lifts, anything with a barbell!

Least favorite workout/movement?
Pull ups, toes to bar, running, target burpees, plate warmup.

Tell us about your sports/fitness background.
I played softball from 10 years old through high school. Once that was no longer an option for me, I didn’t do much fitness wise until I took up running to lose weight in 2011 and have ran 3 half marathons since (even though I hate running). I then worked out with a personal trainer 3 times a week and spinning but that still wasn’t working.

How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first workout… what was it, and how did it feel?
I had seen a few random posts on facebook about Crossfit and it looked so cool, but it also looked too hard and I was too intimidated to try it by myself. I asked some friends if they would be willing to try it with me and everyone said no (and also asked if I was crazy and that I would hurt myself). So I put it off and tried to do workouts at a conventional gym by myself but I got bored easily and kept getting the evil eye when I dropped weights (you can’t do that there). One weekend I watched the Crossfit Games online and I knew I had to suck it up and just try it!
I went in for my free trial and I was surprised that I COULD do some of these things after all! I felt very accomplished and felt I could do anything after this.

What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting at StoneAgeFuel? (before/after)
I now can see and feel muscles poking out that I never even knew I had! I am faster, have built more stamina and endurance, and have attempted and tackled movements that I never dreamed I could do. I sleep better and my legs no longer suffer from chronic extreme swelling (edema) after sitting for long periods of time. I am STRONGER then I have ever been, and even though I weigh more then I did when I was younger, I am in the best shape I have ever been. I am amazed at how much progress I can see in such a short period of time!

What changes in your life have you experienced from StoneAgeFuel that were totally unexpected?
I did not anticipate making new friends or being part of such an amazing community that truly cares for its members. I always had heard the Crossfit community in general was supportive, but the community at StoneAgeFuel is phenomenal! Everyone is there for each other and the environment is very encouraging. A very good friend passed away the week I joined StoneAgeFuel (she was also going to try Crossfit at StoneAge) and I was a mess. Everyone was really nice and even though I cried through a couple of workouts, no one judged me and kept me going.
I also did not anticipate that going to the gym would become a family affair. After they saw how awesome StoneAgeFuel was after I started going, my mom/dad/husband/sister/2 daughters now all go to the gym too! It’s such an amazing feeling to work out side by side with my family and be able to watch their progress first hand!

Please share with us any favorite StoneAgeFuel moments.
All of them! I have truly enjoyed every moment there (even if I don’t like the workout that day). I love the camaraderie we have between members and all the fun we have in the Barbell Club. One of my favorite moments so far has been competing in the Reno Open Olympic Weightlifting competition. It was so awesome to be up on stage, hitting lifts and being part of a team again!
My family also enjoys the community events they have hosted, like the easter egg hunt/WOD, the fundraiser workout for Debbie, and meeting Robb Wolf at the grand opening was pretty cool too!

Any advice for people just getting started?
Close your eyes…and leap! Yes, it looks scary and I will tell you the truth, some of this stuff is hard. But it is WORTH IT! The coaching staff is amazing, they will make sure you don’t get hurt and that no matter at what level or what size, you can do the workout. The members are supportive and come in every size, every shape, and every ability level. Becoming part of StoneAgeFuel was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit at StoneAgeFuel?
Working and kid wrangling. I like to target shoot and have been told I’m a pretty good shot. I used to make carved specialty cakes but no longer have the time for it.