December Athlete of the Month: Sandy Rose
How and when did you discover CrossFit?
My older son Brian would send information about the benefits of CrossFit for my health. He and his brother Matt, and Matt’s fiancee, Shayna, are all CrossFitters. They would encourage my husband and I to go, in so many ways. We even get birthday and holiday presents that are CrossFit related, such as CrossFit shoes, even a step-up box. I love going to my son’s gym when I visit in Atlanta, and have gotten to know some of the regulars there. I used to go to my younger son’s gym in NY before he moved here to NH ,and now he comes to EverProven with Shayna when they can, as they live an hour away. I love sharing this experience with all of them.
How has CrossFit affected you since you started?
I used to take my physical health for granted. I was physically active, playing tennis and running regularly. When I was diagnosed with a serious medical condition a few years ago, I lost a bit of who I was, along with my self esteem, especially when it came to my physical abilities. CrossFit has given me back a sense of pride in what I can do physically and develop a better acceptance of my body. The culture of the gym is healing– Its focus on scale-ability and community helped me get through many days where I wanted to give up. I feel so supported by so many people here The experience helped me to see how I could challenge myself in new ways.
Of course, CrossFit has helped my physical functioning- from more agility while playing with my two toddler grandchildren, to getting down low while squatting when I shoot photographs in the sand or dirt. I now can get off the floor so much easier without looking scary. I can pick up those heavy water bottles in the supermarket and tell the guy in Florida, please don’t walk out to the car with me to help! I can now lift my suitcase into overhead compartment without any problem!
What class do you normally attend?
8:30 AM
What are you short and long term goals?
My main long term goal seems modest, but important– is to maintain my physical stamina, more or less where I am now or will be within 6 months, as I age. Objectively, this means I’ll be able to run (a slow) 3 miles, clean about 50, maybe even 65 lbs, do 50 (even slower) burpees before I pass out, like this am!. I would actually love to nail a kipping knees to chest. Short term, i.e., within 3 months or so, is to reach the fitness level for each Metcon.
What is your favorite WOD/movement?
For some reason, I can dead lift a lot of weight relative to anything else, so I always am happy when I see dead-lifts on the list! But I like cleans, and jump rope, and running if I don’t have to do it fast.
What is your LEAST favorite WOD/movement?
I will never ever (I know I’ve said this before and have been proven wrong) like squats or anything requiring a lot of balance, and I’m not particularly fond of being upside down. Oh yes, and those pull ups. And I have some nerve damage so can’t do box jumps, but step ups are a great exercise that has helped me when I hike or climb stairs
What is one interesting fact many people don’t know about you?
I have an identical twin sister who lives in Manhattan. We used to look so alike that we switched classes without anyone knowing.