Name: Vanessa Rodriguez
Age: 36
Occupation: RN
Which class time do you usually attend? 9:30 a.m. (aka 9:35)
Favorite WOD: Anything with weights
Favorite Lift: Cleans
Deadlift Max: 200
Back squat Max: 125, soon to be 185 🙂
Fran: 8:23 with bands
Cindy: n/a
Got Muscle-ups?: not yet
1 mile run: n/a
How long have you been CrossFitting? Did CrossFit for six months, took off for a while…now its been 8 months straight.

What keeps you coming back/motivated?
“Our community and seeing changes with myself and others.”

How did you find CrossFit?
“My uncle is in the military and introduced me to it.”

What is your athletic background (If applicable)?
“Participated in high school sports — soccer and softball.”

How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, level of fitness?
“I feel great and have so much more energy. I try my best to eat well as well as get enough rest.”

What is the one thing you have done here that you never thought you could do? (muscle up, double unders, heavy deadlift, run a mile, etc.)
“A handstand.”

What motivates/inspires you?
“Other people around me that continue to accomplish goals and make new ones.”

“What is your proudest CrossFit achievement?
“Losing my fear of being upside down.”

Name one goal/personal achievement you would like to achieve through CrossFit?
“To be able to snatch 100 pounds.”

What goals have you achieved in CrossFit?
“Losing 22 pounds of body fat and gaining eight pounds of muscle in four months :)”

Hobbies/Interests outside of CrossFit?
“Hiking, mountain biking, adventure races.”

What is your favorite meal?
“Anything with bacon or chocolate.”

Any advice for new members?
“Focus on small goals, keep records of your workouts to see how you improve over time. Clean up your diet it really makes a difference.”

Coach Brandon’s comment:
When Vanessa first started with CrossFit, she kind of went through the motions of the exercises. You could tell she wanted to get better, but she didn’t know how to get there. Vanessa had to take some time off from CrossFit, but when she came back she had a burning desire to get better everyday in the gym. She has greatly improved not only her WOD times and lifts, but also her body and everyday lifestyle. She’s also early to class, which is a bonus. 🙂 It’s been a pleasure to watch Vanessa improve so much over the last few months.