Each month we spotlight a different CFA athlete who stands out and shows just how awesome they are. What is it that makes up an Athlete of the Month? It may not be the person that finishes the fastest, Rx’s every WOD, or gets a PR every time they walk in the gym. Although we love and celebrate when those things happen, the Athlete of the Month is made up of much more than physical ability. This person shows up, gives their best every time, and then gives a little more. They are hungry to learn and always ready to do the work. They support their fellow classmates and encourage them to reach their goals. This athlete embodies what we believe the CrossFit Austin Community should be about.
Oh, April… where do we even begin? WE LOVE HER.
She first came to us in 2023 as a referral from one of our former coaches (shoutout to Erica Cuellar!), and we’ve been so grateful to have her as part of our CFA family ever since. From day one, she’s brought enthusiasm, heart, and a whole lot of spirit to the gym.
But let’s be clear: April isn’t just sunshine and rainbows. She shows up with depth. Her life outside the gym includes some major care-taking responsibilities, and we know that can be exhausting on so many levels. And yet, when she walks through our doors, she brings her best — whatever that looks like that day. Sometimes that means crushing a workout. Other times, it means scaling with intention, making smart choices, and staying present. That’s the kind of growth-minded attitude we love to see.
April is a joy to coach, a supportive teammate, and everyone’s favorite judge at our annual Intramural Open. She’s quick to offer a helping hand or kind word, and she embodies what COMMUNITY means at CFA.
Thank you, April, for being such a bright light and steady force. We’re so proud to honor you this month! – Coach Heidi & The Team
State your Name and/or Nickname please:April Godwin Words to live by?“If it jiggles, it’s fat”-Arnold Schwarzenegger ; “It is better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it’-my dad; Life is short, wear pink! What is your fitness background?I grew up dancing, cheering, and practicing Tae Kwon Do. I was always active, but never just active to be active. After years of trying and quitting to work out at globo gyms, I met a physique competitor at work in 2013. She offered to train me for FREE but I had to meet her at the gym at 5:30am every morning. Once I graduated to working out on my own, I worked out for years at HT Fitness. After endless encouragement, I tried Crossfit. And I was hooked. I’m now a Level 2 Certificate holder in Crossfit and I just recently let my Weightlifting I credential expire. How long have you been CrossFitting?I’ve been Crossfitting since December of 2017. Take us back to your first day of CrossFit… How did you feel? How do you compare it to workouts today?The poor Crossfit coach….I was horribly demanding. I didn’t jump, didn’t go upside down, didn’t put anything behind my head, didn’t do burpees…..but he took it all in stride. It was an early morning class, and I had zero knowledge of anything Crossfit. It was like learning a foreign language-the acronyms, the names of movements, the abbreviations…..whew! What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?My favorite part of Crossfit Austin is the coaching staff. They are so knowledgeable, caring, empathetic, and genuine in their beliefs, their practices, and their coaching. Current Training Goals/PRs?My current training goals are to get my double unders back and to get my toes to bar back. I had them pre-covid, and then poof! they disappeared. I also want to start jumping on boxes without 5 minutes of hesitation and self-doubt. What advice do you have for folks just starting out in CrossFit?Trust the process. Everyone was a first timer. We all remember what that felt like. Go in, conquer your fear, and walk out a warrior. How do you balance staying focused in your training when life gets busy?This is the most difficult part of life for me right now. I am a full-time caregiver for my sister with no outside help. So if I don’t have someone who can stay with her, I don’t get to leave the house. Not every day is going to be a perfect day to get to the gym, but every day is a good day to practice gratitude, positive thinking, and range of motion. So I wake up, and do what I can. And sometimes, that is working on breathing, posture, and core work. What is your “cheat meal” go-to?Without fail, I will eat McDonalds in a heartbeat. I love love love McDonalds. Chicken nuggets and double cheeseburgers will always be my comfort foods! How do you use your fitness outside of the gym?My sister is 100% physically disabled. I use every single part of my functional fitness in my everyday life. I have learned how to brace my core to protect my lower back when lifting and moving her. I’ve learned how to engage my lats when having to pull her up or move her when repositioning her. What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your fitness journey?The biggest challenge I’ve faced is getting to the gym. Some days, it just isn’t possible. Other days, I just have to go and get it done at a different gym, on my own. My ideal workout time will always be 5:30am. So if you see me outside of that class, know I’m just trying to get in my workout. Tell us about a moment you felt most proud of yourself during a workout.My very first Open, I hadn’t been able to jump rope. I couldn’t do single unders. One of the first Open workouts was 100 single unders (scaled, of course), and I did all 100 UNBROKEN!!!!! If you could create a WOD and name it for yourself, what would it be?It would be all heavy lifting!!!! Deadlifts, front squats, and bench press!!!!! What keeps you going on the days you don’t feel like it?I remember that some people took their last breaths and would give anything to trade places with me. Some people would love to walk into the gym and aren’t physically able to. Others would jump at the chance to be able to afford going to a gym. I count my blessings and go. What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?I love to read and love going to the movies with my hubby. Tell us something we don’t know about you…I ride motorcycles, just not nearly as much as I used to. I have a pink and cream Harley Davidson 883. Her name is Cupcake and she’s gorgeous. Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…I always say, “my dad paid for my smile, so the first one is free. The next one is up to you”. |
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