The Member Spotlight goes to someone who demonstrates the characteristics necessary for success, both in and out of the gym. Lisa started here at CFIS a year ago this month and has been a great influence on many members, participating in our first Weightlifting clinic, enrolling in our first nutrition challenge, and supporting many of our community events. We asked her some questions about her fitness journey and her experiences here at the gym so far: 1. What led you to CrossFit? Describe your experience. I responded to an “event near you” pop-up in my Facebook feed. CFIS was offering a 6-week Boot Camp program. It was mid-August and 116 degrees, and I was sitting on the couch when I saw it. I had been inactive all summer and really needed to do something to kick start my activity level, so I signed up with no clue what CrossFit was. The classes were beginner level and were totally kicking my butt, but I loved the program. I was really consistent attending 4 times per week and saw big changes in my fitness level by week 4. By the end of the 6th week I saw noticeable changes in my body composition. I lost 8 pounds and 8 inches overall and was excited to see something working at my age. I cut my baseline test time nearly in half when we retested on the last day of Boot Camp and that’s when I was hooked. I joined monthly as a “LIFE” member at the end of the camp, then transferred to “CrossFit” in April of this year when LIFE was removed from the schedule. Initially, I was concerned I would have to find a new place when LIFE went away because I didn’t feel I could do the full CrossFit program, but it has worked out fine. I just do one of the recommended scaled versions each workout. I’ve been a CFIS member for a year now. 2. What has been the most noticeable change you've noticed? Could be lifestyle, body composition, or performance related. I have way more endurance than when I started and am definitely stronger, especially in my core. The 40 sit-ups we did at the baseline test in Boot Camp were really hard for me. Now I don’t dread sit-ups when they come up in WODs. Physically, I think the most noticeable change is in my arms and shoulders. They are much more toned. 3. What's your favorite (or least favorite) exercise? If you could program a workout, what would it be? I don’t really have a favorite. I definitely do better at the metcon elements more so than the weight lifting. My lifting capabilities and technique are very much a work in progress. I’m in awe of all these really strong people around here. I’ll leave the programming to the professionals.4. Tell us something we don't know about you! Something not fitness related. I’m a dog mom to 2 dogs. A lot of my free time is spent volunteering for a small, local, animal rescue organization in Scottsdale called Forever Loved Pet Sanctuary. Their mission is to rescue senior animals (mostly dogs, who are 7 years and older), find them loving new homes, and educate people on the value of senior animals. We are always looking for good foster homes if anyone wants info! 5. What's next? Have you set any goals for the future? I really want to be able to do box jumps during a workout. I have this weird phobia or something and can’t get my feet off the ground to jump up on those darn boxes. In the short term, I just got my Double-Unders but can only do 2-3 consecutively, so I’m working on that. My big goal for now is to eat better. I have consistency down in my workouts but have been stalled for a few months with no real gains in my weights. I’m doing the nutrition challenge in hope that better eating habits will help me move them up a bit.
