Interview with Alex K.
How many years have you been a part of the Grassroots family?
It’s been a little over six months since my first class. You used the word “family” and I think there’s indeed something to be said about the fantastic members of our gym. I had reservations about CrossFit before joining. My very first Grassroots workouts showed me my fears were unwarranted. The workouts are something I look forward to everyday, and I think it has a lot to do with the joy of training together in an extremely positive environment. Kudos to Melissa and Kris for having nurtured such a fun, friendly and supportive community over the years!
What were you doing to stay in shape before you started with us?
I used to be a swimmer in my undergraduate years, and have since then been going on and off to the gym. Last year, my partner wanted to try a more systematic training regimen and convinced me to try it together. I voiced my fears but he did not relent, so we signed up for the evening on-ramp. And I don’t regret it! Kris and Ed coached us in a very thorough and patient manner, and it was fun to get to know our fellow on-rampers. After that, we progressed into regular membership and were finally sweating on the official WODs together.
What encouragement or advice would you give to new people coming in?
You’re in great hands. Don’t worry if you can’t remember all the new terms at first (snatch, clean, wall climbs, etc.), they will eventually sink in. Listen to your body and, above all, HAVE FUN!
What is your regular workout time?
As a graduate student, my schedule is very flexible. I get to move things around quite a bit, so I usually make the3pmclass. The early bird classes are off the table: I’m not a morning person at all.
What’s your most recent PR?
I power cleaned 205lb. I thought this was something that would take a long time to get to, but with technique, things are starting to happen much faster than I anticipated. Unfortunately, my summer shorts no longer fit (lots of squats and deadlifts!) and I have to go shopping, which is not my favorite activity.
What fitness goals have you set for yourself to achieve in 2016?
I want to keep up with my workout schedule and hopefully gain cardiovascular endurance. I’m graduating this summer and will start working after that, so making it to the gym will be harder. I may have to reconsider those morning classes after all. Oh, and if Crossfit Santa is reading this, please give me double-unders. It’s about time now!
If you could have any super power, what would it be?
Since I live in the bay area, it’d be definitely teleportation. Bye bye traffic!
Any fun facts about yourself that your gym-mates don’t know about you?
I marched in the Bastille Day military parade on the Champs-Elysées (for the French National Day) in front of now-defamed presidents Nicolas Sarkozy and Bashar Al-Assad — tells you something about our world, doesn’t it?
If you could describe Grassroots in five words, what would they be?
Fun Supportive Friendly Big Butts
