Congratulations to Kristi Kruppiak from Printers Row and Chris Conner from Union Station for being super awesome and named Athletes of the Month for December! Both of these athletes are great examples of utilizing The Foundry’s many offerings like Mobility, Endurance, and Open Gym to better themselves every day.
Member Spotlight December 2015
Kristi Kruppiak
Age: 28
Occupation: Program Manager – Facilities and Asset Management
In general, what is your background?
Grew up in Southwestern MN. Went to school at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul to study marketing and communications. Stayed in the Twin Cities after college and in 2012 decided to go back to UST for my MBA. I finished the program last January and had a job change so I felt it was time for something new, which led to my move to Chicago.
How long have you been a member at The Foundry? What is your CrossFit story?
I have been with The Foundry for about 7 months but it definitely feels like a lot longer! I got into CrossFit because I unfortunately told a coworker I’d go to drinks with him. He ended up telling me I needed a hobby. The hobby he suggested was CrossFit but then he quickly retracted that saying I probably couldn’t do it. I took that as a challenge so after a few glasses of wine I called an old friend who owned a CrossFit gym to sign up. But I am here now and loving it so maybe it was not all that unfortunate!
How has The Foundry changed your life/lifestyle/level of fitness? What do you like most about The Foundry?
Since starting CrossFit and joining The Foundry workouts have just become a normal part of my routine and I no longer dread going to the gym. I also occasionally like to do different kinds of workouts or activities and CrossFit has definitely pushed me to a new level of fitness where it is easy to pick up something new/different.
My favorite thing about The Foundry is the people. Everyone is always working hard and pushing each other. I also must admit that mobility class is also right up there because who doesn’t love getting personal with a barbell?
What are your short term goals (gym or personal)?
Improve my pull-up endurance, squat more, and develop more strength in general to be able to RX more workouts
What are your long term goals (gym or personal)?
100# snatch, complete more advanced gymnastics skills, and stay committed to health and fitness as a whole (eat less sugar jk, sugar is delicious)
What is your proudest CrossFit accomplishment thus far?
A few weeks ago I got my first HSPU after barely being able to get in a handstand. Marisa, Tyler, Adi, and Jennifer had each provided a few suggestions that night and it finally came together!
What is your favorite movement?
Any of the Olympic lifts and mobility.
What’s your least favorite movement?
Turkish get ups. I am way too uncoordinated for them.
What is your favorite WOD or type of workout?
I love when a workout has a cardio element such as a run or doubles paired with a barbell movement.
What WOD or type of workout would you rather avoid but you know is good for you?
Anything with thrusters or squats because they are not my strongest movements and I am super slow with them but they help me build on my weaknesses.
What is your go-to post-WOD meal/snack/beverage?
Chipotle with chips and guac
What is your favorite movie?
The Proposal, because all you need is some Ryan Reynolds, Alaska, and a cute fluffy puppy
What is your favorite book?
The Hunger Games
You get to choose the music your class listens to this month! What is your favorite style of music, or who is your favorite musical artist?
The Biebs!
Do you have a favorite quote or words to live by?
Consistent action creates consistent results.
What is your spirit animal and why?
I would say a lioness because they spend most of their day lounging around and stretching but also because they are agile. The jobs I have liked most are filled with ambiguity so agility is vital and I love to stretch.
Finish this sentence. I’m passionate about… making tomorrow better, friends, and family.
Get to Know Chris Conner
Member Spotlight December 2015
Age: 33
Occupation: Sr. Financial Analyst
In general, what is your background? As a kid I moved back and forth between Ohio and Atlanta a couple of times. I went to college in South Carolina (Furman University) and then business school at Emory in Atlanta. I played baseball and wrestled in high school and played rugby on a club team in college. I moved to Chicago about 3 years ago.
How long have you been a member at The Foundry? 7 months What is your CrossFit story? I started CrossFit right after I finished business school in Atlanta. After a couple years of being almost completely inactive the first WOD totally kicked my ass. I remember there being jump squats and/or jump lunges. B-school graduation was 2 or 3 days later and my legs were so smoked I was really concerned I was going to fall down as I crossed the stage to collect my diploma. I was instantly hooked.
How has The Foundry changed your life/lifestyle/level of fitness? What do you like most about The Foundry? I’ve definitely been able to train more than ever before and take part in different classes like barbell club and the endurance class. I really like that I’m able to come to the noon classes. I’m not much of a morning person, so that gives me an alternative if I can’t make it after work. I have made significant gains in both strength and conditioning in a pretty short time. I really like the community aspect here – from the Paleo(ish) Friendsgiving to the seven teams that went to the Trodo games to compete hard and cheer for each other just as hard.
What are your short term goals (gym or personal)? To get 200 double-unders in 2 minutes and get butterfly pullups.
What are your long term goals (gym or personal)? To run a sub 20-minute 5k, and get muscle ups.
What is your proudest CrossFit accomplishment thus far? Participating in the Trodo Games.
What is your favorite movement? Deadlifts and rowing
What’s your least favorite movement? Overhead squats
What is your favorite WOD or type of workout? I really like partner WODs. The opportunity to encourage someone else and push myself to make sure I don’t let them down really motivates me.
What WOD or type of workout would you rather avoid but you know is good for you? When running is programmed after squats or anything with toes to bar.
What is your go-to post-WOD meal/snack/beverage? A scoop of Plant Fusion protein powder and a salad or quinoa bowl from Protein Bar
What is your favorite movie? The Godfather/The Sting/Thank You for Smoking
What is your favorite book? The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
You get to choose the music your class listens to this month! What is your favorite style of music, or who is your favorite musical artist? I like the hip hop BBQ station on Pandora. Also can’t go wrong with Outkast or AC/DC.
Do you have a favorite quote or words to live by? “Never half-ass two things. Whole-ass one thing.” – Ron Swanson
What is your spirit animal and why? Honey badger. I’m immune to cobra venom.
Finish this sentence. I’m passionate about… getting the best out of others and myself.