State your Name and/or Nickname please:

Alex Hupp

Words to live by?

“ There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.” — Ernest Hemingway

What is your fitness background?

Got fat after high school football. Since then, I just try to stay active. Got into CrossFit off and on about six years ago, and tennis about a year ago.

How long have you been CrossFitting?

6 years with some breaks

Take us back to your first day of CrossFit… How did you feel? How do you compare it to workouts today?

Back then, I thought I was doing pretty well. But I go back and look at some of those videos and I’m glad I’ve come a long way.

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?

The people without a doubt. Doesn’t matter which class you show up to, you’ll have a fun time with the people.

Current Training Goals/PRs?

Proud of the PR‘s in that last strength cycle. Now it’s time to focus back up on general fitness because I can’t be pale and out of shape for the summer.

What advice do you have for folks just starting out in CrossFit?

Your goal should be to show up. I’ve seen a lot of people try to jump into weight or exercises that they might’ve been able to do in the past and then get disappointed if they can’t quite do that anymore. Consistency is more important.

How do you balance staying focused on training when life gets busy?

I rely on the coaches. I trust the programming so that all I have to do is show up.

What is your “cheat meal” go-to? 

Pizza or BBQ

How do you use your fitness outside of the gym?

I’ve been trying to get more competitive at tennis. A two hour match can really burn you out, but CrossFit sure helps give you a baseline. And I can pretend to be not quite as winded on hikes with family or friends.

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your fitness journey?

Coming back from anytime off. That and staying consistent with weight loss goals.

Tell us about a moment you felt most proud of yourself during a workout.

During the open a few years ago they had a one rep max thruster. I was the last to go, and set the record for the day at that gym. The energy felt electric.

If you could create a WOD and name it for yourself, what would it be?

Name: “Pizza and Beer after?”
Workout: Has to include sled pushes, echo bike, and kettlebell swings.

What keeps you going on the days you don’t feel like it?

I have a good support system that’s always excited to call me out for being lazy

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?

My pup, tennis, and gaming

Tell us something we don’t know about you.

I have no artistic talent. Please don’t ask me to design, paint, or play any instrument!

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…

I love the community here and it’s made getting back into CrossFit so much fun.

State your Name and/or Nickname please:

Emily

What is your fitness background?

I was a mediocre high school and college athlete (softball, soccer, and ice hockey) and then took about 20 years off from being organized around staying fit.

How long have you been CrossFitting?

About 1.5 years I think?

Take us back to your first day of CrossFit… How did you feel? How do you compare it to workouts today?

I stayed way in the back and just tried to copy what everyone else is doing. Now I stay way in the back and once in a while I know what’s going on all on my own.

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?

The people – my swolemates Mandy and Kiersten, the whole 7:30 crew, Heidi, Ray, and Jose make me laugh even when there are burpees on the board.

Current Training Goals/PRs?

I’m not very goal oriented but one day I would like to touch my toes to that dang bar.

What advice do you have for folks just starting out in CrossFit?

Have fun and don’t take yourself too seriously

What is your “cheat meal” go-to?

Nothing delicious is ever cheating

How do you use your fitness outside of the gym?

Every morning I try to put on my socks by bringing my foot up instead of bending over to the ground. Tim once said this is a test and I have been very concerned ever since.

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your fitness journey?

Remembering what Power Hang Jerk Snatch and Muscle mean

Tell us about a moment you felt most proud of yourself during a workout.

I love when I manage to get to the ceiling on a rope climb

If you could create a WOD and name it for yourself, what would it be?

Traveler
Partner suitcase carry – 400 meters, you must partner (no solo option) and you must talk about your dream trips on the way

Row 48 calories – look out the doors at the sky and pretend you are in an actual boat (or you can ski erg and pretend you are in the alps)

Rope climb as slow as you need to – you’re in the jungle and the rope is a vine

Run 400 – breathe the fresh (parking lot air) and try to see a bird or two

50 box step ups – imagine the ancient staircase you’re climbing

Partner suitcase carry – 400 meters, no solo option, and you must share great travel memories

*Now you know where my head’s at during class

What keeps you going on the days you don’t feel like it?

Just get up and go!

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?

I work in education focused on improving schools that serve students from low income communities. I love swimming in Barton Springs. I play Sunday softball.

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…

Thank you all very, very much – I am so grateful for the CFA family.

State your Name and/or Nickname please:

Kelan

What is your fitness background?

I’ve been a weight lifter, wanted to be strong man lifter most of my life until I started doing Crossfit

How long have you been CrossFitting?

I started doing Crossfit in East Texas in 2015. I moved to Austin in 2023 and started working out at CFA in 2024 and started doing Hyrox here shortly after

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?

Big into doing hard stuff that challenges me. Hiking, rucking, long distance bike riding, and meat head weight lifting

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…

Only advice I can give is just keep showing up, show up enough and it will get easier

When did you join the CFA community?

June 2020

What is one of your most memorable moments from your early days at CFA? Any ‘newbie’ stories you’d like to share?

From my early days? Being scared of the barbell. Fast forward 6 years, still scared of the barbell. Haha (but maybe less scared!)

Prior to joining the gym, Matt started during the COVID quarantine and watching him struggling doing double-unders on our balcony through a zoom call was something I will always remember! I am in the other room hearing everyone huffing and puffing on the computer… I was sold! I wanted to try CFA shortly after!

What is it about CFA that you love or that is different from other sports/programs you’ve tried?

I really love the community and the variety of programming the gym has. Everyone has always been welcoming and encouraging. This is very important to me!

What advice would you give yourself if you could go back in time to when you first started CrossFit? 

“Keep showing up! You’ll surprise yourself!”

What was your initial reason for starting (your ‘why’)? How has that ‘Why’ changed?

My initial reason for starting my CF journey was to complement my long-distance running. However, my mindset slightly shifted because I began to truly enjoy lifting weights instead of the monotonous routine of running mileage every day. This is when my hyrox journey began. After having two kids though, my why has changed because I want to be strong for them, and show them what working towards a goal looks like.

How did you create long term fitness/CrossFit success for yourself?

I always grew up being active. My dad introduced me to running at a young age and I found a love for it. Running in college truly helped develop my discipline, resilience, and stubbornness to help me be successful. A huge plus that I have a husband with the same energy to share a fitness journey with!

What makes you come in and train on days when you don’t want to? 

I always tell myself whether it’s a workout, or a run, “You are going to feel so much better afterwards!” Having my workout outfit already picked out the night before really does help. Also, having a husband who is a coach helps motivate me to get out the door. HAHA!

Recent PRs?

Just hit a bench press PR!

Matt and I hitting a mixed doubles Hyrox PR was SO fun!

Current training goals?

Training for Houston Hyrox in March! Would love to snag a little PR!

Tell us about an obstacle you have had to work through in your training. How did you work through it?

I can honestly say, my postpartum journey the first time was a challenge because it involved a lot of unknowns. It was a very humbling experience because I really felt I would bounce back quickly. That was definitely not the case. Having Heidi help me progress from basic foundations to the CF classes was a game changer. Also, being patient.

What is your cheat meal go to?

Chips, queso and a margarita! (maybe 2!)

What does the Iron Buffalo title mean to you?

The Iron Buffalo to me, embodies strength, consistency, and grit. Being mentally tough even when it hurts and showing up when things get hard. Someone who is a leader of a herd by motivating/encouraging everyone so people can push towards the best version of themselves.

Thoughts upon winning the title?

I was very surprised!! Cried happy tears! I am so honored to be an Iron Buffalo. Thank y’all so much.

How will you use your new found Buffalo Strength?

My “Buffalo Strength” will encourage me more to focus on the “little things.” As I am getting older, my body isn’t as resilient as it once was. I have been focusing on exercises at home or outside of the gym to help with this. Also, I want to continue building people up. This is how everyone gets stronger together. I get so much joy seeing people reach their goals!

What are you most excited about in the upcoming year? Gym related and/or personally?

I am most excited about focusing on my strength this year! I really want to hone in on the strength segments in Crossfit. This will help translate to the strength I need for Hyrox racing/road racing. Maybe dabble into some road racing this year, TBD. But really trying to work on my mobility and ancillary exercises to help keep “the car” running smoothly.

Leave the fine folks of CFA with some parting wisdom.

ALWAYS bet on yourself. You’ll be surprised how much you can grow if you keep believing in yourself. Keep showing up!

When did you join the CFA community?  

June 2022

What is one of your most memorable moments from your early days at CFA? Any ‘newbie’ stories you’d like to share? 

I’m warming up for an open workout with KG in the weightlifting area. You had to pick your first weight and work up to a max in the workout. That first pull went up unbelievably easy! I thought I was a beast, until I realized the plates in the back are KG.

What is it about CFA that you love or that is different from other sports/programs you’ve tried? 

Coaches and community that help you stay accountable and welcome. This has created new friends and with it a love of running.

What advice would you give yourself if you could go back in time to when you first started CrossFit?

Just pick one area and focus there without trying to get there overnight.

What was your initial reason for starting (your ‘why’)? How has that ‘Why’ changed?

Initially my why was being able to play just as hard as my kids without losing breath in five minutes. Now it’s about identity, longevity, and mental health to always show up for my family and self.

How did you create long term fitness/CrossFit success for yourself?

Consistently showing up, remaining curious, and being open to coaching.

What makes you come in and train on days when you don’t want to?

My alarm clock and sheer willpower. I’m also deeply tuned into what consistency creates for me personally, and I love the results.

Recent PRs?

Just over 17 hours to hit a 200k meter row in month of December.

Current training goals?

Mobility, form and pacing. Getting a sub 4 marathon would be cool.

Tell us about an obstacle you have had to work through in your training. How did you work through it?

The biggest obstacle I had to work through was myself! I tried to do everything at once: get a muscle-up, improve my distance running, hit RX in workouts, and increase flexibility. It was simply too much. I ended up overtraining and achieving none of it.

What is your cheat meal go to?

Going out to eat.

What does the Iron Buffalo title mean to you?

To me, the Iron Buffalo represents a milestone of shared resilience in my fitness journey. It’s not just an acknowledgment of my personal growth, but proof that the members around me endured and succeeded collectively. I am truly honored and proud to be recognized as that person.

Thoughts upon winning the title?

I was surprised. When I look at the past Iron Buffalo recipients, I didn’t think I had enough experience to be counted among them.

How will you use your new found Buffalo Strength?

Well, I was thinking I might just retire from fitness and sit on my porch in all the glory! Kidding, of course. But it really does feel different being honored with an award like this. My Buffalo Strength will be used to double down on the principles this award stands for. Inspire those around me just as past recipients have for me.

What are you most excited about in the upcoming year? Gym related and/or personally?

2025 was incredibly tough. Switching to a new job in February meant way more hours, sleepless nights fighting hackers, and constant worry about the companies’ technology stability. Trying to maintain my fitness journey and lead my family through all that felt like a continuous battle. For 2026, I am most excited about the shift from surviving to truly thriving. My focus is on stability and growth. I’m excited because I’ve found ways to endure the demands of the new role while staying firmly focused on my fitness and continuing to build strong, happy memories with my fam. This year is about building upon the solid foundation I’ve fought so hard to lay.

Leave the fine folks of CFA with some parting wisdom.

Three simple truths: You can’t have all the PRs at once, your willpower is sometimes a liar, and listen to your body when it asks for a rest day! Future self will thank you.

State your Name and/or Nickname please:

Scott Glenn

Words to live by?

Know Thyself.

What is your fitness background?

Some lifting & sports in high school and inconsistent jogging since then.

How long have you been CrossFitting?

A little over a year.

Take us back to your first day of CrossFit… How did you feel? How do you compare it to workouts today?

I don’t really remember! I know it was close to my birthday. All I know is I’ve felt progressively better since my first class.

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?

The community.

Current Training Goals/PRs?

Since we’re so close to the new year, my goals in 2026 are to get a handle on my nutrition and to compete in some sort of race (I think).

What advice do you have for folks just starting out in CrossFit?

Fitness is a journey! It’s ok to go slow and figure out what works for you (although a coach may tell you what works for you). Focus on longterm goals and not whether you can throw around a bunch of weight.

How do you balance staying focused in your training when life gets busy?

Practically speaking, I build flexibility into my schedule so if I need to miss a class I’ve got other days that I can get a work out in. Other than that I take the long view into account and know that I’ll get back to CrossFit even if life takes me away from it for a little bit.

What is your “cheat meal” go-to?

Right now all of my meals are “cheat meals” so I don’t really know how to answer this question.

How do you use your fitness outside of the gym?

My job requires that I sit all day. CrossFit helps counteract being sedentary for extended periods of time. And I’ve got a really big dog that needs a lot of exercise.

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your fitness journey?

Shoulder rehab after a surgery.

Tell us about a moment you felt most proud of yourself during a workout.

When I did my first pull-up post shoulder surgery

If you could create a WOD and name it for yourself, what would it be?

I’m not entirely sure but it’d probably have some rowing, some power cleans, farmer carries, some wall balls, no sit-ups, and whatever Graham dislikes.

What keeps you going on the days you don’t feel like it?

The people that I’m going to interact with at the gym and knowing I’m probably going to feel better after a work out.

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?

Music, cooking, and engaging with art in some way.

Tell us something we don’t know about you…

I’m generally pretty curious about everyone one around me; I usually have to run out of the gym to get to work, but if I’m not pressed for time, I’m up for a chat.

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…

Life’s hard so don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health provider if you need some extra support. Also, y’all are awesome.

State your Name and/or Nickname please:

Steph

Words to live by?

Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.

What is your fitness background?

Soccer as a kid, cycling (mountain, road, gravel), and yoga throughout my 20s-30s and currently.

How long have you been CrossFitting?

Since December 2022?

Take us back to your first day of CrossFit… How did you feel? How do you compare it to workouts today?

I remember thinking the warm-up was incredibly hard and terrified that we hadn’t even started the work out yet! Today I have just learned that suffering is a part of life, even if it’s self-induced, (and the warm-ups are a little easier). 🙂

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?

The Community, I’ve met some really great folks! It’s nice to see a gym where all different types of people can come together for at least an hour and share a WOD.

Current Training Goals/PRs?

I signed up for the bike relay for the Half Ironman in March (Little Elm), I should probably start training for that. In general, just trying to get better by slowly moving my way out of the modifications (like up-downs instead of burpees, step-ups instead of box jumps). One day I will be like Jo and do 50 burpees a day (but not today).

What advice do you have for folks just starting out in CrossFit?

Stick with it, don’t get discouraged. Sometimes it’s hard to see progress at first but you will over time!

How do you balance staying focused in your training when life gets busy?

I just go to the 530 am class, thankfully no one is asking me to do anything (work or social) even close to that time! I haven’t really had time to do anything before the class (and I’m half asleep), so there’s nothing else to focus on but the WOD.

What is your “cheat meal” go-to?

Pizza

How do you use your fitness outside of the gym?

I think I use it all the time and I don’t realize it. I can open a jar much more quickly now than I could before.

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your fitness journey?

Psyching myself out – not putting enough weight on the bar! (Thankfully, the coaches have all discussed and just add more weight for me :))

Tell us about a moment you felt most proud of yourself during a workout.

The workout consisted of a decent amount of box jumps (I think it was 120), and I did them all! Did not resort to step-ups. It was a partner workout, so that made it a little easier and made me more accountable.

If you could create a WOD and name it for yourself, what would it be?

I don’t know, something with weightlifting in it.

What keeps you going on the days you don’t feel like it?

The guilt I will feel by not going.

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?

I’m a volunteer with Big Brother’s Big Sister’s and I currently have a 16-year-old “little” sister that I am getting to know.

Tell us something we don’t know about you…

I don’t get kickbacks for politely forcing unlimited memberships on the 2X a week folks. 🙂

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…

Thank you all for adding to the great community that is CFA!!! Let’s keep it going strong!

State your Name and/or Nickname please:

Praveen Reddy

Words to live by?

For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it, if only we’re brave enough to be it

What is your fitness background?

Back in High school used to play Volley Ball & Cricket. Later got busy with life and stuff, but whenever get to I go for a hike.

How long have you been CrossFitting?

10 Months

Take us back to your first day of CrossFit… How did you feel? How do you compare it to workouts today?

It was overwhelming and I was breathless.

I think now I understand the workouts and how to scale my workouts depending on my progress but still I’m breathless on most days.

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?

Definitely “People” everyone is friendly

Current Training Goals/PRs?

Increase the Strength & Ring Muscle Up

What advice do you have for folks just starting out in CrossFit?

Keep showing up and slowly it will become part of your life.

How do you balance staying focused in your training when life gets busy?

I plan my workouts first thing in the Morning as I know my rest of the day will be be busy and I tell myself just get done with it.

What is your “cheat meal” go-to?

Burger / BBQ

How do you use your fitness outside of the gym?

During my trail walks building the endurance helps me

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your fitness journey?

My wrist injury and it took me a lot time to recover.

Tell us about a moment you felt most proud of yourself during a workout.

Completing my First Intramural Open

If you could create a WOD and name it for yourself, what would it be?

24 * 7
24 Deadlifts
24 Push Press
24 Cal Row

What keeps you going on the days you don’t feel like it?

Tell myself just show up

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?

I like cooking and exploring new food. I like stargazing & dogs

Tell us something we don’t know about you…

I like Anime & reading Manga

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…

Appreciate the positive vibe and motivation you all bring every single day

State your Name and/or Nickname please:

Anna, or Chaos if I’ve got skates on

Words to live by?

Don’t think of things in terms of if it can be done. Think in terms of how it can be done.

What is your fitness background?

I ran track in high school and then joined the Army, which had its own approach to fitness. After that, I played rugby when I was in college. Then I got really sidetracked and did very little for years. I started playing roller derby in 2021 and took skills lessons from our very own Coach Alien, who encouraged me to try CrossFit because I mentioned wanting to get in better shape. Glad I took him up on it!

How long have you been CrossFitting?

3 years

Take us back to your first day of CrossFit… How did you feel? How do you compare it to workouts today?

My first class, I was nervous but also excited. Everyone seemed so strong! (Seriously, y’all have no idea how easy you make this stuff look!)

Now I still scale a ton of stuff, but I also have a few skills I can Rx now, which is exciting. I’m a lot more chill about workouts now because I can feel the progress that I’ve made and know that if something is difficult I’ll get it eventually if I just keep trying.

The one thing that hasn’t changed is that I have always loved rowing!

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?

The people, no question. I love working out with every one of you. It’s the best way to start my days.

Current Training Goals/PRs?

I’m trying to get my ski erg times to equal my rowing times, and to generally improve at running, especially while fatigued.

What advice do you have for folks just starting out in CrossFit?

The more you do, the better it gets, so keep showing up. And even if you’re brand new, do the Intramural Open. It’s such a vibe and you will probably love it!

How do you balance staying focused in your training when life gets busy?

I get up really early. I’m a single mom with a demanding career, and I try to be consistent with workouts, so my days can be a bit of a juggling act. By the time I reach the gym in the morning, I’ve already done any needed house chores, answered work emails, and checked my kids’ homework. I’m a big routine person. Once something becomes a habit I don’t tend to deviate from it much, so I use that aspect of my personality to my advantage.

I’m also lucky enough to live biking distance from most of the stuff I do, so I’ve always got the opportunity to build a little more activity into my days while doing stuff I do anyway.

What is your “cheat meal” go-to?

Anything from Moreno BBQ, especially if brisket is involved.

How do you use your fitness outside of the gym?

I love to ride my road bike. I also like to skate and play basketball with my friends. Most of all, I love being able to do anything my kids want to do, whether that’s snowboarding, surfing, or difficult hikes to beautiful places, I’m right there with them.

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your fitness journey?

I had a shoulder injury (unrelated to CrossFit) in late 2023 that took months to heal and rehab with PT. It was a major challenge to trust my body again after that. Time and intentional scaling helped a lot. It was a setback to my progress in CrossFit for a while but it also taught me that I can overcome that sort of thing and eventually be stronger than I was before.

Tell us about a moment you felt most proud of yourself during a workout.

I completed my first Murph this year!

If you could create a WOD and name it for yourself, what would it be?

Row a 5k for time

What keeps you going on the days you don’t feel like it?

Mostly just well established habits and routines, but also my goal to live a long and healthy life and have fun doing it.

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?

I like gardening, mostly veggies. I’m also a pretty ok skater. Otherwise, I’ve learned a lot of DIY skills in recent years, and can now fix my bike and car by myself more times than not.

Tell us something we don’t know about you…

I love mustard so much that it should probably be illegal. Extra mustard on everything!

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…

You’re the best, keep being you!