Athlete Spotlight!
This weeks Athlete Spotlight goes to Joanne J!
Joanne J
Hometown
Reno NV
Age
41
When did you first start CrossFitting?
About 4 years ago I joined a local CrossFit gym where I worked out for almost 3 years. I took a year off due to an unrelated injury.
When did you first start training at StoneAgeFuel?
November 2013
Favorite workout/movement?
Handstands and kipping pull-ups.
Least favorite workout/movement?
Wall balls! They just smoke me really quickly.
Tell us about your sports/fitness background.
I was a gymnast growing up. Since quitting at 17, I’d just worked out to stay in shape but really missed competition until I found CrossFit!
How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first workout… what was it, and how did it feel?
I’d been frustrated with gym classes. They seemed repetitive and it was hard to gauge progress. I just felt like a hamster on a wheel. My husband met a CrossFit coach and encouraged me to go check out the gym. My first workout was Helen (pull ups, kb swings, and running, I think). I just remember sucking wind and needing a huge band for the pull ups. I also mentioned that my hands really felt too big for the kettle bell handle, and the coach said that I was just using a really small kettle bell. I was hooked! And I was determined to improve.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting at StoneAgeFuel? (before/after)
The biggest change for my body has been muscle definition and hugely improved exercise tolerance. I just feel like I can do anything!
But the most major change for me has been feeling like I belong to a sport again with competition against my “old self” and with people at a similar level to mine. A sport where there are so many ways to mark improvement and gauge progress. I love the daily feeling of accomplishment.
What changes in your life have you experienced from StoneAgeFuel that were totally unexpected?
I am actually considering entering some competitions. I’d never considered that before, but at StoneAgeFuel I feel supported and encouraged and surrounded by people who are brave enough to put themselves out there.
Please share with us any favorite StoneAgeFuel moments.
I loved the camaraderie of doing the CrossFit Open workouts together. Can’t wait for next year!
Any advice for people just getting started?
If you were looking for a super fun, always interesting, challenging but doable way to work out, you found it! Just keep coming in to the gym as often as you can and watch your body change and your skill level improve. It is awesome!
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit at StoneAgeFuel?
I like antique shopping, sewing, cooking with my family, and running half marathons. I really enjoy traveling with my husband and kids. I’d love to open an antique/home decor shop some day.
