The Member Spotlight goes to someone who demonstrates the characteristics necessary for success, both in and out of the gym. Josh and Lesley joined the LIFE class at CFIS in November of last year, and have become staples of the 5:30p class, continually making progress and bringing great energy to the community. We asked them some questions about their fitness journeys and their experiences here at the gym so far:1. What led you to CrossFit? Describe your experience.Lesley: It was Josh’s idea to try it, so we looked for the closest CrossFit gym to us which is how we found CFIS. My experience thus far has been great. I was initially intimidated by some of the workouts and movements, but what I love is how there are so many times I come in and think there’s no way I’m going to make it through the WOD and end up proving myself wrong.Josh: I'd been weightlifting for years and didn't feel like I was pushing myself hard enough, so I wanted someone else to do it. I'd seen a video about CrossFit online and looked up the nearest one which was Infinite Strength. They also had some professional videos posted on YouTube, so it felt like there was more effort on their part than other places. The experience has been great as no workout is the same and every day is a challenge.2. What has been the most dramatic change you’ve noticed?Lesley: I’ve lost 16 pounds since starting in November. Enough said!Josh: The two most noticeable changes I've experienced are my posture and mental fortitude. I've always been a little "slumped over" and now I'm standing straighter; still a long way to go with overhead flexibility but I'll get there. CrossFit has really taught me to see every workout through to the end which currently means that scaled options are often the way to go for me. Having the right mentality is important because if you continually try to lift more than you’re able, you’re actually slowing down your progress.3. What’s your favorite exercise?Lesley: I would have to say front squats. I was terrible at them when I first started and hated it, but as I’ve practiced and improved my form I actually prefer it to back squats.Josh: My favorite exercises usually involve my shoulders and chest since those are my two strongest points. However, I understand that CrossFit is all about legs and since that's my weakest link I need to focus more in that direction. I haven't disliked any of the workouts so far; some are harder than others.4. Tell us something we don’t know about you? Something not fitness related.Lesley: I have a Master’s degree in Social Work and have worked with a variety of populations for the past 13 years to include children, vulnerable adults, and currently people in Hospice care.Josh: Video games are my hobby; I've played and finished over 400 different games and catalogued them all. I started at six years' old playing the arcade version of Galaga at my neighborhood grocery store while my parents would shop and now I own a PS4, Xbox One and Switch. My favorite game of all time is Final Fantasy VII.5. What’s next? Have you set any goals for the future?Lesley: I would like to be able to do an unassisted pull-up one day.Josh: My only goal right now relating to CrossFit is to bring more intensity/focus to each workout, so I can continue to get better. I feel like every exercise has a normal progression and just requires practice; I'm not very athletic so some will take a longer time to master.
