Athlete of the Week – Joan Brandon

This week our Athlete of the Week is none other than Joan B!  Joan came to us two years ago to try something new, and she is HOOKED! She has gained strength 💪 and endurance. She’s gained a lot at Sycamore CrossFit, but we know we have gained just as much!! She brings so much joy 😊 to every class and always has a positive attitude! We are so happy to have her!

 

How would you explain your occupation to a 5 year old?

I help keep customers happy for a company that makes cool videos and all kinds of creative advertising things.

How did you get started with CrossFit?

I started in August 2016

What are your hobbies and interests outside CrossFit?

Hanging with my family, boating, and watching all kinds of sports.

What is your fitness background?

I was an athlete in high school and developed a love for running and exercise that carried on after that. Running and a little weight training had been my go to for years before CrossFit.

Short-term training goal?

To be able to overhead squat better…. And by better I am AT ALL! Carl and Eric are working on this, and I will get there I am sure.

Long-term training goal?

To get consistent toes to bar down.

What is your favorite movement?

Anything that involves squatting or running.

What is your least favorite movement?

Overhead squats, followed closely by burpees.

Proudest moment in CrossFit so far?

Coming back from an elbow injury that stayed around for 6 months. It was probably more of a season in CrossFit rather than a moment, but one I could have easily let alter my fitness plans for the entire time I was rehabbing (*read: I probably would have stopped coming to class). I started working one on one with Carl to correct some of the mechanics that contributed to the injury and continued working to strengthen my form and movements for almost the entire 6 months. I did not complete a workout without modifying to some degree for most of that time and that was challenging for me both mentally and physically. With the help of my personal training, by the time I was able to hop back into a regular class, I didn’t miss a beat. I was stronger in many ways and went back in with better form, breathing mechanics, and a much stronger mental game. Proudest season by far.

What was your biggest obstacle to starting CrossFit and how did you overcome that?

I was afraid I wasn’t strong enough for CrossFit. The Foundations class was a huge help and by the end of the week of classes I was hooked.

What kept you coming back?

The amazing coaches and the very friendly people. I felt like family right from the start. I have developed some of my best friendships there and LOVE IT!

Your advice for someone considering starting CrossFit?

Sign up! Thinking about it and seeing all that CrossFit is can be intimidating. I can tell you it is the best decision you will ever make. Sycamore CrossFit has amazing coaches that are well trained, knowledgeable, and ready to help whether you are beginner, advanced, or anywhere in between.  

How has Sycamore CrossFit changed your life?

Sycamore CrossFit has impacted my life in almost every aspect. I am still amazed at all the life application that can be found through the coaching staff and workouts. Here are some of the biggies that have been important in how I think and do life.  I realized that if I wait until I feel like doing the work, I’ll never start. I have learned to push myself and I have never ever regretted going to a workout. If I think I can’t, I’m usually right. I have learned not to put limitations on what I can do. 100% of the time there is a limitation I can focus on. Strict pull-up. Muscle-up. Maybe it is triggering my elbow injury.  Everyday I could talk myself out of a workout because there is something I cannot do, but there is always a way I can modify or scale and get the most out of the workout. I learned to look for things I can do, and just DO THOSE! And last but not least, I always have 1 more rep in me. No matter how hard I think things are or how exhausted I am, I always have enough for 1 more rep. Or at least Eric says I do. Sycamore CrossFit has been the best decision I could have ever made for both my physical and mental fitness, and I could not be more thankful to be a part of this amazing family.