July Athlete of the Month || Josiah Smith!!

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.

Our July Athlete of the Month is Josiah Smith! Josiah joined the CFA family in 2019, but he was no stranger to movement prior to that. He came in with a good base and has just progressed from there! Josiah is a pleasure to chat with and works his tail off in (and outside of) class! He has made some really impressive progress in his time here and is always open to growth and feedback from the coaches. We’ve loved being part of the journey with him and celebrating the wins along the way! Josiah, we are honored to have you as our July Athlete of the Month and as an awesome part of this team. Thanks for your all your hard work and we look forward to seeing all you accomplish in the years to come! Congratulations!

State your Name and/or Nickname please:Josiah. Jo

Words to live by?

Event + Response = Outcome. You can’t control the events in life and you don’t have direct control over the outcomes but you do have total control of how you choose to respond.

What is your fitness background?

I’ve always played sports and been active/exercised for as long as I can remember. I did traditional gym workouts and ran for years and then I needed a change/challenge so I started CF.

How long have you been CrossFitting?

Almost 5 years. Ever since I moved to Austin

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

I was excited, probably overzealous to prove I was “fit” because that’s what I thought CF was all about then. Now, my fitness goals are different and I’m more intentional in how I approach workouts. It’s all about fitness longevity now.

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?

Obvious Answer: The community. It’s supportive. It’s the best. IYKYK

Personal answer: the coaches. I’ve been at 3 different CF gyms and I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed the level of personal dedication and investment to each member, as well as the attention to lifting safely/teaching the basics that every coach shows. Just great people all around.

Current Training Goals/PRs?

Run at least 40 miles/month. Come join the run club after class.

Stretch/Yoga 9x/month aka improve my mobility

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

Try not to compare yourself to others. Everyone’s journey at the gym has started differently and most people have been doing it for a long time. How fast you move and how heavy you lift are all relative. We’re all getting better and everyone wants you to get better.

How do you balance staying focused in your training and in your life?

Fitness/training has been a part of my life for so long now that it’s just ingrained into my schedule and routine.  It’s vital to my mental health which then benefits outside life. It would be more difficult not to train at this point and I hope the habit stays.

What is your cheat meal go-to?

I don’t really have cheat meals because I’m not a big diet watcher (shame, shame, i know) but I love pizza and probably eat it 2x a week.

How do you use your fitness outside of the gym?

I use it to keep up with my hobbies (see below).  My goal is to never be too tired or out of shape to enjoy activities.

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

We did Jackie back in April and I have times recorded from 2018, 2019, and now 2021. It’s gone from 10:03 to 8:21 to 7:05. I was pretty surprised. Keeping track of your times really can show you how far you’ve come when you may not even realize it.

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

I could be better about taking rest days. Sometimes I bite off more than I can chew.

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

“UnBearable” 9 Bear Complex – 400 m run – 6 Bear complex, – 800m run – 3 Bear Complex – 1600 m run. (95/65)

Bear complex (power clean, front squat, push press, back squat, push press)

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

Making small goals and finding small victories when the larger ones feel unaccomplishable for the day.

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

Golf, Yoga, Running, Wake Surfing. A lot of live music/concerts/events. Greenbelt. All the Austin things. As far as talents, I make a pretty mean fart noise and can almost rotate my feet around completely backwards.

Tell us something we don’t know about you…

Some may know this but I recently got the opportunity to donate stem cells to some anonymous gentleman and it was one of the cooler/rewarding experiences I’ve gone through. Sign up for BeTheMatch if that’s your thing.

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

“The only normal people are the ones you don’t know very well.” -Alfred Adler.  Get to know your weird, fellow gym goers.

June Athlete of the Month || Lauren Rein

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.

Our June Athlete of the Month is Lauren Rein! Lauren joined the CFA family about 10 months ago and quickly made the 5:30 am class her home. Lauren is such a joy to have in class! She has an awesomely influential personality and really knows how to rally the troops. In fact, she has been crowned “Cash Out Queen” of the morning because she encourages her fellow athletes to give it just a little bit more and complete the cash outs with her! She has made some really impressive progress in her time here and is always open to growth. We’ve loved being part of the journey with her and celebrating the wins along the way! Lauren, we are honored to have you as our June Athlete of the Month and as an awesome part of this team. Thanks for your all your hard work and we look forward to seeing all you accomplish in the years to come! Congratulations!

State your Name and/or Nickname please:

Lauren

 

Words to live by?

“Eventually all things fall into place, until then, laugh at the confusion, live for the moments, and know everything happens for a reason”

 

What is your fitness background?

I competed in synchronized swimming for 13 years, from 8 years old through college. Once my time as a synchro swimmer came to an end I wanted to find something I enjoyed to stay in shape, and found cCossFit!

 

How long have you been CrossFitting?

Almost 10 months now

 

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

I was so excited to get back into a gym and a routine again after 6 months of gyms being closed from Covid. But I was also super nervous to be somewhere new and not know anyone. I remember struggling with the workout, as I still do more often than not, but there are a lot of movements I can do now that I couldn’t before.

 

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?

100% the people! I love the culture at CFA. All of the coaches and members are amazing!

 

Current Training Goals/PRs?

Consistent pull ups and double unders. Improve my handstand push ups. And as always, lift heavy!!


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

Don’t be afraid to go at your own pace, scale as needed, and listen to your body. Just show up with a positive attitude and get it done one way or another!

 

How do you balance staying focused in your training and in your life?

By making Crossfit a priority in my everyday schedule. It’s easy to do when I love coming to the gym as much as I do.


What is your cheat meal go-to?

Pizookies

 

How do you use your fitness outside of the gym?

I love going on hikes, runs and biking on the weekends. Also, the occasional push up competition with my coworkers & the soccer league I’m a part of with work.

 

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

Most recently there was a workout where I was going to do it RX, but then the pull ups seemed impossible at the end of the workout so I was ready to grab a band and scale it. But everyone cheered me on and coached me through it and I was able to finish it RX which I didn’t think I could do. It showed me I’m capable of more than I think sometimes, especially with the awesome support from others 🙂

 

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

Working out used to feel like it was a chore and something I had to do to stay in shape and look good which was always a battle. Luckily since I’ve started crossfit that has changed SO much. I workout now because I love the way I feel after and the people and energy I’m surrounded by.

 

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

It would definitely be a short AMRAP with lots of lifting, especially overhead.

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

What keeps me getting up at 5am to workout is knowing I get to see all my gym friends! Also knowing that everyday I get into the gym is another opportunity to improve and work towards my goals.

 

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

Swimming, photography, anything outdoors, yoga, watching live music, and traveling.

 

Tell us something we don’t know about you…

I grew up celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah with parents of different religious backgrounds which was super cool.

 

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

I’m super grateful to be a part of this community and for all the kindness and support from the coaches and members!! Y’all are the best 🙂

Murph Day 2021 || June 26

CrossFit Austin will be hosting Murph Day Saturday (6/26/2021) honoring the memory of Navy Lieutenant Michael Murphy and all fallen veterans. Lieutenant Murphy was killed in Afghanistan on June 28th, 2005. This workout was one of Mike’s favorites and he named it “Body Armor”. We will honor a focused warrior and great American who wanted nothing more in life than to serve this great country and the beautiful people who make it what it is.

REGISTER HERE

“Murph”

For time:
1 mile run
1
00 pull ups
200 push ups
300 squats
1 mile run

*Partition the pull-ups, push-ups, and squats as needed.
**Teams of 2, 3, or 4 (max 4 people) are welcome.
***All movements can be scaled.
****Be sure to wear your twenty pound vest or body armor if you have it.

 

EVENT SPECIFICS:

REGISTRATION DETAILS

Event Registration + Shirt – Deadline – June 13th

  • $40 for participating athletes
  • Athlete entry fee includes registration & t-shirt costs and donations

Event Registration without Shirt

  • $25 for participating athletes
  • Athlete entry fee includes registration costs and donations

***Shirt ONLY (non-participant) – Deadline – June 13th

  • $25 for shirt only
  • All proceeds from t-shirt sales will be donated

SHIRTS – The image is the concept image and may have some slight changes to the final product.

Bella Canvas Unisex Tee

Bella Canvas Unisex Tank

Bella Canvas Women’s Racerback

EVENT DETAILS

  • This event is open to all – members and non-members 
  • Athletes must arrive at 30 minutes prior to their heat to warm-up, sign-in, and pick up shirts 
  • Heat times start at 8:00 am, 9:15 am, and 10:30 am 
  • Spectators are welcome – dogs are not allowed at the facility
  • Donations are welcome and can be made through eventbrite, Navy SEAL Foundation, GingerCare, or onsite the day of the event.

Donations and proceeds will go to benefit the charity of your choice. As always, you may donate to The Navy Seal Foundation. In addition, we are including a local foundation run by our own, Linzi Newth, GingerCare. You can read more about what they do HERE.

“I firmly believe that any man’s finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle – victorious.” – Vince Lombardi

May Athlete of the Month || Vince Bustillos

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.

Our May Athlete of the Month is Vince Bustillos! Vince joined the CFA family about 8 months ago and has been a pleasure to work with since day one! Vince’s mindset and approach to training is what we as coaches LOVE to see. He has a sense of purpose and intent in each session and that has led him to an awesome improvements! Vince is such a kind, hard working guy and we’ve really enjoyed getting to know him in his time here. We’ve loved being part of the journey with him and celebrating the wins along the way! Vince, we are honored to have you as our May Athlete of the Month and as an awesome part of this team. Thanks for your all your hard work and we look forward to seeing all you accomplish in the years to come! Congratulations!

State your Name and/or Nickname please:
Vince Bustillos
 
Words to live by?
“Patience is bitter, but it’s fruit is sweet” – Aristotle
 
What is your fitness background?
I’ve played sports as long as I can remember with little league football, baseball, and basketball. I started lifting weights in high school and played Texas football (All district linebacker). I went from football to cheerleading in college lifting cheerleaders in partner stunts and tumbling around the field, court, or competition floor. Before covid I played recreational sports like Softball and Flag Football. I went to Gay Bowl for Austin Gay and Lesbian Flag Football League in 2018 and 2019. I’m looking forward to the season starting again. awwww
 
How long have you been CrossFitting?
8 months
 
Take us back to your first day of CrossFit… How did you feel? How do you compare it to workouts today? First day of cross fit I wanted to rush through the wod only to find out I needed to pace myself. Today I pace myself and breathe. Before I thought CrossFit was kind of culty but I have a new found respect for CrossFit and everyone at CFA.
What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?
The coaches, they are knowledgeable, and down to earth. I love knowing their techniques and I try and retain and apply it all on the floor.
 
Current Training Goals/PRs?
Double unders consecutively and Muscle ups.

What advice do you have for folks just starting out in CrossFit?
Take your time, do it right, and go at your own pace.
 
How do you balance staying focused in your training and in your life?
I know that when I am a better version of myself physically it will translate to my home and work life.

What is your cheat meal go-to?
Anything from Plow Buger.
 
How do you use your fitness outside of the gym? I use it while keeping up with and playing with my 130lb Newfoundland pup. I am looking forward to applying it to the rec sports I play.
 
Tell us about a moment you felt most proud of yourself during a workout.
Every moment I realize I am on cruise control and I have control of my pace and breathing. There’s something that clicks and I know when I can pick up the pace or recover.

 
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your fitness journey?
Realizing it’s not always a competition and my journey is unique to me.
 
If you could create a WOD and name it for yourself, what would it be?
“Elle Woods” we would spend the entire class perfecting the Bend and Snap.
What keeps you going on the days you don’t feel like it? My pup, no matter how I feel or how tired I am he wants to play and gets me out of bed. I want to be the dog dad he thinks I am.
 
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?
Training my pup, Flag Football, RuPauls Drag Race
 
Tell us something we don’t know about you…
When I was 6 years old I was the National Duck Racing Champion. I was in a parade in Deming, New Mexico and have a big trophy to prove it.
 
Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…
Thank you so much… this is an honor! I look up to every coach and member for different reasons and CFA is home!

April Athlete of the Month || Nova Lowden!!

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.

Our April Athlete of the Month is Nova Lowden! Nova joined the CFA family in June of 2020 and has been killing it since day one! Nova is such a hard worker! When she gets a goal in mind, you better believe she’s willing to put the work in to get there. It’s that kind of focus and drive that makes her such a dream to coach. Don’t let her hard working attitude fool you though. She also knows how to have fun! She has such a fun loving and welcoming personality that would make any newcomer feel like part of the family. We’ve loved being part of the journey with her and celebrating the wins along the way! Nova, we are honored to have you as our April Athlete of the Month and as an awesome part of this team. Thanks for your all your hard work and we look forward to seeing all you accomplish in the years to come! Congratulations!

State your Name and/or Nickname please:
Nova
Words to live by?
‘Do Epic Stuff, Just Send It, Don’t Freaking Die’, edited to be G versions of the sayings 🙂
 
What is your fitness background?
I’ve been an athlete my entire life. My mom put me in softball at age 4, and then I played every sport I could through high school. Then as an adult I have played roller derby for the last 8 years.
 
How long have you been CrossFitting?
Since May 2018
 
Take us back to your first day of CrossFit… How did you feel? How do you compare it to workouts today?
I was in roller derby shape, so leg workouts were awesome, but I had less than zero upper body strength. Learning all of the lifts properly was extremely difficult for me. I like that CFA has different scaling options written out. It helps me push myself without feeling like I’m not going hard enough.
What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?
The people. Hands down. This is my second family, and is very much a similar feeling to the community I had with roller derby.
 
Current Training Goals/PRs?
Actually achieve a strict pull-up, find my running endurance again, be consistent doing crossfit 3x a week and running 3x a week.

What advice do you have for folks just starting out in CrossFit?
If you’re nervous, bring a friend. If you don’t have a friend willing to show up with you, don’t be afraid to ask someone in your class to be your buddy for the day. It helps when you get confused or overwhelmed by all the acronyms.
 
How do you balance staying focused in your training and in your life?
I block my work calendar for training time…then it’s a meeting I have to attend and can only be moved for extreme work emergencies.

What is your cheat meal go-to?
Biscuits and Gravy
 
How do you use your fitness outside of the gym?
Primarily used to be roller derby, but these days it’s just anytime I’m trying to be active outside.
 
Tell us about a moment you felt most proud of yourself during a workout.
Deadlifting 325#, it was a 45# gain over my previous PR…I still can’t believe it.
 
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your fitness journey?
My own self doubt.
 
If you could create a WOD and name it for yourself, what would it be?
I’ve always been a fan of “Death by…Anything”. Pick your movement and do an EMOM for as long as possible. 1 rep in min 1, 2 rep in min 2, 3 rep in min 3…etc.
What keeps you going on the days you don’t feel like it?
Alien.
 

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?
Roller derby, learning to ride my motorcycle, and I’m a massive geek.
 
Tell us something we don’t know about you…
P.O.D. shot footage with my former roller derby team for a music video that was never used. I’m somewhere in that footage.
 
Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…
I’m thankful and grateful y’all are in my life!

March Athlete of the Month || Diamond Horton!!

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.

Our March Athlete of the Month is Diamond Horton! Diamond joined the CFA family a little over a year ago and has been on that steady growth track from day 1! Diamond is such a focused and driven person, there is no way he won’t succeed if he puts his mind to something! To top it all off, if you ever need a smile or a friendly face, he’s your guy!  Diamond has always been a hard worker, but he’s been kicking that into high gear the last few months and it shows! He’s a great example of working through the hard stuff and coming out better on the other side. Diamond has been such an incredible addition to our CFA family and it’s been a joy to watch his growth in his time here. Diamond, we are honored to have you as our March Athlete of the Month and as an awesome part of this team. Thanks for your all your hard work and we look forward to seeing all you accomplish in the years to come! Congratulations!

 

State your name or nickname please:
Diamond (Thanks Mom). I also go by Dee.

 

Words to live by?
“Where there is no struggle, there is no strength”. I’ve basically adopted this quote from Oprah.

 

 

What is your fitness background?
Fitness has pretty much been a part of my life in varying degrees. In high school, I played for the football team as a corner back and kick returner. I ran for the track team, running the 200m and 4×4 relay. After high school, I joined the Army National Guard, and of course, you have to keep up with your fitness in order to stay fit for duty.

 

 

How long have you been CrossFitting?
I have been crossfitting since I joined CFA, so that would be just 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 was pretty nervous on my first day of CrossFit. I felt like a freshmen with no skills who somehow made the Varsity team. I did not want to embarrass myself. In comparison from then to today, I believe I have progressed greatly. This is the most productive and consistent I have ever been when it comes to my fitness. Definitely don’t feel nervous about getting after it with everyone now.

 

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?
The group sessions. It’s one of the main reasons why I joined. I am terrible at working out by myself so being with others, motivating each other through action and words gets me hyped. Gotta love all the coaches too!

 

Current Training Goals/PRs?
 Become more proficient with cleans and snatches. And be able to do a muscle up by the end of the year. I’m dabbling more in performing WODs at the performance level as well after a year of mainly doing them at the athletic level.

 

What advice do you have for folks just starting out in CrossFit?
Give it time and patience. CrossFit is definitely not something you can just jump into and dominate as a newbie whose never done it before. Don’t give up and remain consistent.

 

 

Things look a little different right now, how are you staying focused in your training and in your life during this time?
 Without training, I don’t feel at my best and that alone usually motivates me to stay on top of my fitness. Also, family keeps me going. They are my backbone.

 

What is your cheat meal go-to?
Oh, I love me some pizza, especially Dominoes black box pizza.

 

 

 

How do you use your fitness outside of the gym?
I do it to keep up with the kids. I like to be active with them, play basketball, volleyball, throw the football around, etc. I also do it for work. I love what I do and I want to be able to do it for as long as I can. As a paramedic, there is a lot of lifting and moving involved. I feel as a healthcare provider, I have to “talk the talk and walk the walk”, and fitness puts me in that position. Fitness is also my therapy when it comes to dealing with traumatic events in my field. I’m not a big talker about my emotions, so sweating it out works better for me.

 

 

Tell us about a moment you felt most proud of yourself during a workout.
 I felt most proud of my deadlift Max, which is 315, because I’ve never lifted that heavy in my life. It felt rewarding. Now I can’t wait to see what else I can achieve.

 

 

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your fitness journey?
Dieting. That is something I’m constantly working on, and I feel like I’m making some progress. Snatches and cleans are a pain for me, but I also feel like I’m making some headway with that. Overall, I’m just working on pushing myself past that comfortable limit where you want to just stop and rest. I want to continue working past that limit, safely of course.

 

 

If you could create a WOD and name it for yourself, what would it be?
“Dig Deep”
7min AMRAP:
10 Goblet Squat,
10 burpees
100m sprint

 

What keeps you going on the days you don’t feel like it?
I usually just find a way to motivate myself. I do quite a bit of positive self-talk when it comes to that. Remind myself of the goals I want to achieve.

 

 

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?
Spending time with family, my dogs and friends. Huge fan of horror movies. Hiking. Camping. And I just started getting into woodworking so I’m currently getting my little shop set up in the garage.

 

Tell us something we don’t know about you…
I was trying to think of something less depressing, but I was homeless as a child, but eventually found a loving home as a teenager.

 

 

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…
I am really glad to find such an awesome community. Lets all continue kicking ass and crushing goals.

February Athlete of the Month || Dariana Lua!!

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.

Our February Athlete of the Month is Dariana Lua! Dariana joined the CFA family a little over a year ago and has grown so much since she started! From day 1, she has been focused on her form and improving technique and it shows! This girl can move!! Dariana has been such an incredible addition to our CFA family and it’s been a joy to watch her growth in his time here. Dariana, we are honored to have you as our February Athlete of the Month and as an awesome part of this team. Thanks for your all your hard work and we look forward to seeing all you accomplish in the years to come! Congratulations!

State your Name and/or Nickname please:
Dariana or Dari for short =)
 
Words to live by?
“Hard work pays off”
 
What is your fitness background?
I used to try Gym Training without results for the goals I had in mind but 15 months ago i decided to join Austin Cross-fit and was one of the best decisions i ever made
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? The first day of CrossFit… i was kinda nervous and it was pretty hard at first but once i got the hang of it, i loved it! i love the feeling of being able to meeting my goals
What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?
I would have to say my favorite part of CFA would be the community and the motivation
 
Current Training Goals/PRs?
A new goal i am working on is getting a handstand push-up and also working on squat snatch but taking it day by day, slowly but surely:)

What is your cheat meal go-to?
 One of my go to cheat meals would have to be pasta it’s my favorite lol !!! 
 
Tell us about a moment you felt most proud of yourself during a workout.
A moment i felt the proudest at myself was when i PR squat clean @115 i was so hyped and happy, that day was a good day
What keeps you going on the days you don’t feel like it?
Something that’s keeps me going when i don’t feel like it would be… i think about where i was when i started, to how i am now and motivates me to keep wanting to get better and better
 
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?
Something i like to do outside of CF would be go on hikes or enjoying nature.

Happy New Year || Whole Life Challenge with Team CrossFit Austin

Image result for challenge

 

REGISTER HERE

Change can be challenging. We like to think of change as an opportunity for growth. With the New Year right around the corner, many of us are beginning to think about those resolutions. Why wait until January to make a commitment to yourself?! You can start now and set yourself up for success by committing to focus on yourself and your habits for 6 weeks. You can do the prep work between now and the start of the challenge to not only get through the holidays with a healthier mindset, but roll into the challenge likes it’s no big deal with some major growth to look forward to.

We also hope that this challenge will create habits that cover the usual resolution suspects like weight, working out, eating well, etc… so you can shift your New Year’s resolutions away from health and fitness goals (because they’ll already be in place!) and make more goals surrounding having fun in 2021!

During our last challenge, we saw some awesome results and had great time working through the challenges & celebrating our weekly wins with our teammates. We hope you’ll consider joining us on this journey again!

Whole Life Challenge is part fitness, part nutritional and body composition, and part accountability challenges. Our goals for each New Year 2019 Whole Life Challenger are:

  • Mental + emotional preparation for the longevity of a healthy lifestyle {awareness + action}
  • Individual fitness gains
  • Deeper knowledge and understanding of your own make up, so you can create more specific goals
  • Creation of lasting habits for individualized nutritional and body composition success
  • Physical & nutritional preparation to get you through LIFE and be the best version of yourself

You + Whole Life Challenge = Team CrossFit Austin

Challenge = Change // Goals = Gains

{What is it?}

While everyone wants to look and feel better, it can be a challenge to know how or where to start. The Whole Life Challenge focuses you on the key areas of your life that produce real, life-long changes. Playing together with your friends and family in a fun and motivating daily game, you’ll create new healthy habits that last long after it ends.

The Whole Life Challenge focuses on 7 daily habits that you will learn and create for yourself as you journey through.

These 7 Daily Habits are:

    • Nutrition. Your food choices have the single greatest impact on your health, well-being, and community. When you make choices that keep you healthy, you give yourself the fuel to fulfill all of who you are. There are 3 levels to choose from that allow you to start making changes in a realistic and attainable way.  {Choose the level that is right for you}
    • Exercise. Humans are designed to move daily. Whether through workouts, activity, or simply enjoying the full use of your body, daily movement keeps you healthy and vital. You’re already moving regularly with us!
    • Mobility. In a sedentary world, our bodies get stuck. Daily mobility and stretching helps you move the way nature intended and continue enjoying freedom of movement into your later years.
    • Sleep. Modern schedules tend to dictate how many hours of sleep we’re entitled to. A practice of increasing that time, even by a little bit, can make big strides in robust health. You set the sleep goals that are right for you.
    • Hydration. More than anything, your body is made of water. This habit ensures that your body gets enough of its most basic resources for life.
    • Lifestyle Practice. The {WLC weekly lifestyle practices}turn a life into your life. Learn to step back, take stock, connect, and turn your attention to what is really important to you.
    • Reflection. Looking back, looking inward, or looking forward, daily reflection draws your awareness to what is working and what needs your attention today.

 

{How Do I Play?}

The {Challenge} begins with taking your preliminary measurements and completing a workout (that can be scaled to your level) that will be repeated at the end.

Throughout the 42 day challenge you will post your scores in the 7 categories listed above. The Challenge is designed in a way that we can work as a team to check in with and support each other on a daily basis.

To close out the Whole Life Challenge, you will repeat the preliminary measurements and workout to gauge how far you’ve come! But, it doesn’t end there! The Whole Life Challenge is designed to help you make healthy lifestyle changes that last.

{How Do I Register?}

You can register and join Team CrossFit Austin through the Whole Life Challenge Website. Make sure you do join our team to participate with the community!

CHALLENGE BEGINS || CHALLENGE ENDS
January 16, 2021       February 28, 2021
Registration
Open Now
Price: $49.00

{What’s New This Year?}

We have partnered with BodySpec to offer fast, accurate body composition testing. They use a DEXA scan system which will give you a comprehensive breakdown of your body composition. You can read more about it HERE

This will be an additional service offered at CrossFit Austin both pre & post WLC.

Pre WLC – January 21 from 4:00 – 8:00 pm – REGISTER HERE

Post WLC – March 1 from 4:00 – 8:00 – Registration coming soon 

There are still more exciting things to come for the New Year challenge (stay tuned)! Commit to yourself for 2021 and start your year out right by joining Team CrossFit Austin!

 

December Athlete of the Month || Tino Guerra!!

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.

Our December Athlete of the Month is Tino Guerra! Tino joined the CFA family in June of this year and has grown so much since he started! Lately, he’s been expanding his training with a focus on weightlifting and lots of recovery/rehab work to keep his body moving to the best of his ability! Tino has been such an incredible addition to our CFA family and it’s been a joy to watch him growth in his time here. Tino, we are honored to have you as our December Athlete of the Month and as an awesome part of this team. Thanks for your all your hard work and we look forward to seeing all you accomplish in the years to come! Congratulations!

 

State your Name and/or Nickname please:
Tino Guerra

 

Words to live by?
I don’t have a mantra or anything like that, I just believe in keep challenging myself and take chances.

 

What is your fitness background?
I played football growing up and was part of a swim team for 7 years.

 

How long have you been Cross Fitting?
Since June 2020

 

Take us back to your first day of CrossFit… How did you feel? How do you compare it to workouts today?
My first class was the 6am class with Coach Heidi, I remember I was super tired because I couldn’t sleep the night before, but Heidi had great energy, she made me feel welcomed and led a fun class. I can’t compare that workout to any other that I’ve had since because it was practicing rope climbing and I haven’t done it after that.

 

 

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?
The same as anyone that sticks around, I think we have a great community of people trying their best to improve themselves and help others achieve their goals.

 

Current Training Goals/PRs?
I’m currently trying to take a step back from pushing myself into going harder/heavier and trying to focus more in learning proper lift techniques and working on my shoulder mobility.

 

What advice do you have for folks just starting out in CrossFit?
Take it slow, I tried CrossFit a couple of times before joining CFA and always ended up injuring myself for trying to go all out from day one. Progress takes time but eventually you start getting better.

 

 

Things look a little different right now, how are you staying focused in your training and in your life during this time?
By finding ways of having fun while trying to live healthy lifestyle.

 

What is your cheat meal go-to?
VIA 313 four cheese pizza

 

How do you use your fitness outside of the gym?
I’m the Chef of a local meal prep company, so I’m on my feet all day. Doing CrossFit has made my day to day easier in every way also I’ve been hiking more lately.

 

Tell us about a moment you felt most proud of yourself during a workout.
I think it has to be the first day that I “successfully” did a squat snatch, it looks so easy, but I’ve been struggling with shoulder mobility issues, so the overhead position while trying to squat was something that I couldn’t see myself doing when I started.

 

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your fitness journey?
I’ve always struggled with consistency due to injuries, so lately I’ve been trying to listen to my body, if I feel I’d benefit from an extra rest day I’ll take it.

 

If you could create a WOD and name it for yourself, what would it be? What keeps you going on the days you don’t feel like it?

 “I Want to Believe”

x5 Rounds for time
40ft Overhead BB Lunges
10 Burpee OBB
10 Wall Balls
400MT Run

 

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?
I love everything food related; lately I’ve been doing more small private dinners & corporate zoom cooking classes. I like to work on old motorcycles & checking out national parks.

 

Tell us something we don’t know about you…
Before I moved to Austin, I had a food truck in Mexico and got awarded best new food truck of the year.

 

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…
Just to say thanks to everyone that I’ve met at the gym for sharing words of advice and helping me keep motivated. I see how much hard work everyone puts into their training and that makes me want to push myself.

Kitchen Adventures || Fiesta Chicken Foil Pouches & Heidi Childers Jones (in the role of Doula)

Hey friends! It’s been a minute! Life has been a bit on the busy side lately and I think will continue to be so through the end of the year at least! My meal prep game is still going strong, but I’ve definitely been searching out more ways to make things easier. Y’all know I’m the queen of “dump recipes” where I can just put everything together in one device to cook. This week’s recipe feels like the true definition of a “dump” dinner haha! It may not look pretty, but it was EASY, tasty, and got the job done!

Before we get there, I want to introduce this week’s feature. Now, if you follow CFA in any of our adventures, you are already familiar with this spectacular human being. You may not know, however, that she is among many things, a doula! In fact, she is OUR doula! (Oh yes, we are pregnant! Well… I am… but Tim helped). We could not be more elated to have such a special person helping to guide us through growing our first little human. It truly is such an honor to have Heidi on our birth team. She has already made us feel so informed and empowered and we’re only 21 weeks in! We feel confident that her knowledge and energy will help us guide our little guy confidently and powerfully into the world.

If you’re looking to become pregnant or ARE pregnant, I really can’t recommend more that you get a doula to help you in the journey. Heidi is the perfect fit for our family, but if you’re not in the area or not into the virtual thing, you can still reach out to her and she can likely connect you to someone in her incredible birth network

Just a little flash of all the things Heidi does: Coach/Private Trainer, Massage Therapist, Prenatal/Postpartum BirthFit Coach, Clean Beauty & Skincare Rep, Mother, etc, etc, etc… She really does it all, y’all. If you would like to learn more about her, check out her WEBSITE which also has links to her social. There’s a little something for everyone and if she personally doesn’t do what you’re looking for, she’s also just an excellent resource and wealth of knowledge. 

 

Ok, so let’s get cooking…

FIESTA CHICKEN FOIL POUCHES

4 Large Chicken Breasts – pound with a meat tenderizer until about an inch thick
1.5 cups uncooked quick brown rice (it MUST be quick rice – I used Minute Instant Brown Rice)
1.5 cups water or broth (for rice)
1/2 cup salsa – I used roasted red salsa
1/2 cup shredded cheese – I used a Mexican blend
1 medium onion (I used yellow) – sliced
2 Bell peppers – seeds removed & sliced (any color)
1 poblano pepper – seeds removed & sliced
2-3 cloves of garlic – minced
1 can black beans – drained and rinsed
1/2 cup frozen corn
1 package taco seasoning
Olive oil
Lime juice to finish
*Optional – greek yogurt or sour cream to top

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 400. While the oven preheats, mix the rice, water or broth, and about half of the taco seasoning in a bowl and let sit for 10 minutes.

Line a baking sheet (I had to use two) with foil and prepare four pieces of foil large enough to accommodate a chicken breast and other ingredients folded into a pouch.

After the rice has soaked, divide it and the remaining liquid between the 4 pieces of foil. Lay a chicken breast on top and surround with peppers, onions, beans, corn and garlic.

Sprinkle the remaining taco seasoning evenly on the four chicken breasts. Top with a couple of tablespoons of salsa each. Drizzle each with a little bit of olive oil and top with cheese.

Create pouches around the ingredients and seal on all sides. They don’t have to look pretty! Baking time will vary from 35 minute to an hour based on how large your chicken breasts are. Mine took about 45 minutes. You can open a pouch and check to see if the chicken is done. The internal temp should be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

*Optional – open each pouch and finish off with a few minutes under the broiler to make the cheese nice and melty.

Top with lime juice, sour cream, cilantro, etc… and enjoy!

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