Congratulations to our November Athlete’s of the Month!!
Let’s take a moment to congratulate Adi from Printers Row and Kate from Union Station on being awesome! These two athletes have both participated in our Healthy Habits and found AMAZING results, they come to class 4-5x a week, and both have a really positive attitude towards themselves and others.
Adi is constantly working to get better every day. He listens to and applies coaching cues well; and if he doesn’t fully understand something he will ask the questions, leaving any doubts behind. He is a great class participant, always putting forth his best effort. He even does the extra credit work after class. Adi also recognizes the importance of the basic CrossFit skills, and works on them constantly, making him a better overall athlete. He enjoys being part of the community and will be at the Trodo Games this weekend supporting our teams and volunteering as a judge for Team Trodo!
Kate is a great example of dedication and progress. Over the past 6 months, she has focused on her quality of movement and truly transformed as an athlete. She has become so much stronger, faster, and more confident in her lifts and metcon performances. Kate also participated in our Healthy Habits program, obtaining incredible results in how she looks and feels. She felt beautiful on her wedding day just a few weeks ago (congrats!), and plans to stick to the regimen that got her to that point! Kate is also an active member in the Foundry community, and will be competing in her second Trodo Games this weekend!
Check out Adi and Kate’s Member Spotlights below!
Get to Know Aditya Kemkar
Age: 28
Occupation: IT Professional
In general, what is your background?
I was born in India and growing up as a kid, I played every single Indian sport that was out there to keep myself active and fit. I came to the US for my MBA in 2009. I was on the East Coast for about 2.5 years before moving to Chicago in 2012 for my first job. Since then, I have called Chicago my Home.
How long have you been a member at The Foundry? What is your CrossFit story? How does sharing Crossfit affect your relationship?
I have been a member at the Foundry since May 2014. I used to be 250 lbs back in 2012 (since my primary sports had changed to Beer Pong and flip the cup), I had started running 5 miles everyday to get back in shape and I was able to loose a lot of weight but couldn’t gain enough strength from the workouts I used to do on my own. Varsha (my wife and also a member at Foundry) talked me into trying Crossfit at Foundry and since then I haven’t looked back.
Sharing Crossfit definitely has a positive impact on our (Varsha & my) relationship. We push each other to better our performances every single day. When you workout for a couple of hours after your day job, it’s really important to have a great support system.
Varsha calls Crossfit my 2nd job.
Also sharing Crossfit ensures that I win the argument – “who can lift more” 😉
How has The Foundry changed your life/lifestyle/level of fitness? What do you like most about The Foundry?
Ever since I joined Foundry, my level of fitness has gone up. My strength has increased and my lifts and movements have become stronger. I love the community aspect of Foundry. I have made some really good friends at the Foundry and also had a really great time during the 2015 open season. The energy level at those open workouts was amazing. The coaching staff at foundry is amazing, always providing the right guidance and making sure you don’t slack off. I have dropped in at a number of boxes when I travel and I can definitely say that we have some of the best coaches at Foundry.
What are your short term goals (gym or personal)?
PR my lifts at the Crossfit Lift off & RX the 2016 open.
What are your long term goals (gym or personal)?
Stay fit, travel the world, Never forget WHY I Crossfit!
What is your proudest CrossFit accomplishment thus far?
I don’t have muscle ups yet. The day I am able to knock out 5 unbroken muscle ups, that would be my proudest CrossFit accomplishment.
What is your favorite movement?
Snatch, Clean and Jerk, Bear Complex, Back Squats, Skin the Cat. I can keep going….. I love them all .
What’s your least favorite movement?
I actually enjoy every movement that is out there. I am not good at a lot of them (HSPU, Pistols, MU’s) but I am sure once I get them, they will get added to my favorite list.
What is your favorite WOD or type of workout?
Anything with barbell movements and heavy weight.
What WOD or type of workout would you rather avoid but you know is good for you?
Most of the Hero WOD’s on Saturday. I end up working out almost 35+ minutes everytime. I remember this one time when I ended up finishing one of the Hero WOD’s in 80 minutes.
They constantly remind me that I need to put in more work to get a better time.
What is your go-to post-WOD meal/snack/beverage?
I usually eat a serving of sweet potato and a serving of some kind of protein (meat) as my post WOD meal. Sometimes Fuel For Fire is my go to beverage too.
What is your favorite movie?
The Dark Knight
What is your favorite book?
I am not that big of a reader, but I love to read recipes and try out new dishes. 😉
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?
Any kind of music that has a fast pace works for me. Few minutes into the work out, I am in my zone so music really doesn’t matter to me.
Do you have a favorite quote or words to live by?
– “Every Champion was once a contender that refused to give up.”
What is your spirit animal and why?
I would say, Tiger is my Spirit animal. Primal instincts, unpredictability, and ability to trust yourself.
Finish this sentence. I’m passionate about… my family, competing and traveling.
Get to Know Kate (Eldred) Kiely
Member Spotlight [November,2015]
Age: 30
Occupation: Sr. Talent Acquisition Associate at Rise Interactive
In general, what is your background?
Just a small town girl, living in a loooonely worrrrld…(kidding) Grew up in Indiana, moved to Chicago after graduating from IU, decided to move to So Cal for a bit but realized I was a Midwest girl at heart. Came back to Chicago last year and here I am! I also just got married 🙂
How long have you been a member at The Foundry? What is your CrossFit story?
I have been a member at the Foundry for about a year. I tried Crossfit initially because I had several friends that really liked it and I wanted something that would help me get fit but also meet new people. I was nervous as hell but I am so glad I pushed past my fears and tried it. Best decision ever!!
How has The Foundry changed your life/lifestyle/level of fitness? What do you like most about The Foundry?
Words can’t describe how happy I am that I joined the Foundry! I continually push past physical feats I didn’t think I could do! I can sometimes be a little bit of a self doubter but when Maria and Zack continually coach and motivate me, it feels awesome to reach a new PR or goal! Coach Matt’s Healthy Habits program helped me with my “shedding for the wedding” goal and during the program I lost over 16 lbs and several inches! It helped me feel my best on my big day! My absolute favorite thing about the Foundry is the people! The morale and team unity I find in each class not only hold me accountable but makes me excited to come class! I have met so many amazing people that I look forward to seeing everyday!
What are your short term goals (gym or personal)? Handstand push-ups and continuing Healthy Habits 80% of my week.
What are your long term goals (gym or personal)? Pull-ups and run the Disney Princess Half Marathon 🙂
What is your proudest CrossFit accomplishment thus far?
Trodo Games- I was super nervous to do it but it was SO fun! The energy from the games and support of the Foundry family was exhilarating. I signed up the first day possible for the upcoming games!
What is your favorite movement?
Clean and jerk (split, to be exact)
What’s your least favorite movement?
Wallballs…woof
What is your favorite WOD or type of workout?
I really enjoy Chippers, even though they can be daunting, I like breaking down the numbers and movements.
What WOD or type of workout would you rather avoid but you know is good for you?
Rowing and running or a combo of the two.
What is your go-to post-WOD meal/snack/beverage?
Kill Cliff Tasty !
What is your favorite movie?
Stepbrothers makes me laugh EVERY time I watch it.
What is your favorite book?
I am a bit of book nerd and read a lot. I recently read Big Little Lies and it was fantastic! A favorite was also the Hunger Games trilogy.
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 am a big Taylor Swift and Katy Perry fan but I always enjoy the “Hip Hop Barbeque” channel in class. It makes me want to dance in between sets!
Do you have a favorite quote or words to live by? “The grass is greener where you water it.”
What is your spirit animal and why? A dog, I care deeply about my friends and family so I am a great companion but also a protector.
Finish this sentence. I’m passionate about…Living a life with more intention and less out of habit.