Every month we honor one athlete to recognize as Athlete of the Month. This athlete is someone that our team selects that demonstrates dedication and commitment to our community and program, and holds to our values of doing things with integrity and humility, being inclusive, and hard-working. Our selected member as our 2024 June Athlete of the Month is...
SUSAN HAN!
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DOING CROSSFIT?
It's been almost 6 months that I have been doing CrossFit. I have been a fan of the CrossFit Games for a long time but was always too scared of trying a CrossFit class in fear of injuring myself with some of the movements. After some nudging from my boyfriend Evan, I went to my first class at Kakou and haven't looked back since.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO COME TO CROSSFIT? WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS?
Being able to show up to a class with my friends (shout out to my Hi-chews!) and doing a workout that is gonna kick my ass but I'll feel amazing having done it. It's nice to not have to think about what I should do in a work out, to have it already programmed and set up for me to succeed in strength and fitness.
My two current goals are to do a handstand (without leaning against a wall) and a bar muscle up. I need to strengthen my triceps a bit more, but I think I'll get there soon.
WHAT DOES CROSSFIT MEAN TO YOU?
CrossFit has given me the growth I had been looking for in workouts. I have been going to the gym and Orange Theory for years and had been recently feeling a plateau in my fitness gains. CrossFit has opened my world up to so many new skills. From getting my first double-unders during the Open, to fine tuning my toes to bars, it makes me look forward to every class.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE TYPES OF WORKOUTS IN CROSSFIT?
I love bench press days! Chest days were my favorite at the gym and I had never benched with a bar before coming to CrossFit, so it's fun getting to press some heavy weight. I've recently been enjoying working on movements on the rig like toes to bar or pull ups.
COACH JUST GAVE YOU THE CONTROL FOR SPOTIFY – WHAT'S YOUR WORKOUT SONG OF CHOICE?
I'm a big fan of 90's hip hop/R&B, but if I had to pick one song, it would be Speed Demon by Michael Jackson - but the Remix by Nero, specifically. It's one my Orange Theory coach would play during All Out sprints on the treadmill, and has stuck with me ever since.
IF YOU COULD WRITE ANY WORKOUT, WHAT WOULD IT BE? FORMAT, REPS, LOAD, ETC.?
EMOM x 25:00 (5 Rounds):
Min 1: 10 Pull Ups
Min 2: 20 Push Ups
Min 3: 30 Double Unders
Min 4: 0:40 Handstand Hold
Min 5: Rest
HOW HAS CROSSFIT AFFECTED YOUR LIFE OUTSIDE OF THE GYM?
I had been dealing with chronic low back pain for some time and it has drastically improved since coming to CrossFit. Getting to do the bigger CrossFit movements have helped strengthen some of my weaker muscles so I can go through a day without my back impeding me. Just don't tell Evan, he loves to say a good "I told you so".
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A NEWBIE JOINING CROSSFIT KAKOU?
Don't be scared. I definitely felt intimidated about CrossFit until I saw how inclusive it is. The coaches are great at modifying an exercise if you can't do a certain skill or have an injury. But at the same time, don't be afraid to try a heavier weight or Rx a workout even if it means you'll get time capped.
Come to class with an open mind and leave your ego at the door. Focus on the basics and having good form, all it takes is one ego lift to cause an injury that will set you back.
And have fun! You'll be more motivated to keep coming to classes if it is not a chore and is enjoyable.
Comentarios