Featured Athlete: Celeste A.

I still remember when Celeste first started at the Sweat Shop.  She started in the class we had for CrossFit beginners, called Fit for CrossFit.  For the first month or two she would only lift the wooden dowel…. even for exercises like the back squat!  Eventually I would add 2 1/2 lb. plates to the wooden dowel, and secure them with rubber bands!  Now days Celeste can be found hitting full depth squat snatches… with a barbell….. and bumper plates!!  Needless to say, I’m super proud of how far Celeste has come, physically, and mentally, since she first started CrossFit.  Read more about her below.

Name:  Celeste A.
Age:  39

Q.  How long have you been doing CrossFit?

A.  Cumulatively, about 2 years. I left for almost a year then came back.

Q.  What were you doing for exercise before CrossFit?

A.  Mostly running and going to the local gym to lift weights

Q.  How did you begin training at CrossFit Sweat Shop?

A.  I was looking for something different, something more fun.  I’m not sure what it was, but something drew me to try crossfit.  I chose Sweat Shop because of the great reviews on yelp and it didn’t mandate newbies taking an On-Ramp class. On-Ramp classes didn’t fit my work schedule. I signed up and became one of the regular Fit For Crossfit class attendees.

Q.  What has been the most significant benefit or change since you’ve been a member of the Sweat Shop?

A. I’m slowly, but surely getting stronger. I also have more confidence in myself thanks to Sweat Shop’s supportive and nonjudgmental environment.

Q.  What is your favorite exercise or workout?

A.  Probably rope climbs. It’s fun for me.

Q.  What is your least favorite exercise or workout?

A.  I don’t have one that I completely despise yet.  But if I had to pick one, I’d say strict press.

Q.  What is your favorite cheat meal/snack?

A.  In-N-Out cheese burger and fries with an extra sauce packet on the side.



Q.  What do you enjoy most about training at CrossFit Sweat Shop?

A.  It’s like a big playground to me.  As difficult as the workouts can be, they’re pretty fun.  I also appreciate the supportive community.  You have people with such different fitness levels and goals working out together, cheering each other on. You won’t be left out even if you have certain physical limitations, or any previous or current injuries. The coaches are so knowledgeable – they can modify the workouts to fit specific needs.

Q.  Now that you’ve been doing CrossFit, what’s one thing you could never see yourself doing again?  (workout, nutrition, lifestyle, etc.)

A.  Doing CrossFit has helped me realize that getting healthy and fit does not have to suck.  I will never again go back to boring, monotonous workout regimes.  Those days are over.

Q.  What is your proudest exercise related achievement?

A.  My first half marathon.

Q.  What advice would you give someone who is hesitant to try CrossFit?

A.  Don’t let it intimidate you.  Instead allow it to inspire you. The only way to find out if CrossFit is right for you is to try it.

Q.  What is your most sought after exercise goal?

A.  I have quite a long list of goals right now, but I’m most excited about being able to do handstand walks and the splits.

Q.  What do you enjoy doing outside of CrossFit?

A.  I love to cook.  But I also get excited going out to eat good restaurant food. I run sometimes as I still enjoy it, and I’ve recently taken up hiking.

Q.  What is something you have recently purchased for less than $100 (or acquired for free) that you thoroughly enjoy and would recommend to others?

A.  My crockpot. It can make meal prepping so easy and convenient.

Q. Any advice you would give your 25 year old self?

A.  Take a salsa class, travel the country… just get out the house and have some fun.