Congratulations to our Athlete’s of the Month for October: Steven Foiles out of Union Station and Jen Rice out of Printers Row! These two recognize that consistency is key, and they have seen some crazy awesome results in the past few months.
A regular nooner, Steven started with us a 3x/week athlete just trying to get back into the flow, and quickly upped his membership to unlimited because he wanted to get better, faster, and stronger. He challenges himself every single time he walks into the gym (skill and strength-wise), and it pays off. In just a few short months, Steven has been able to RX more and more WoDs and even RX+ a few as well!
For Jen, exercising is only one part of the equation when it comes to a healthy life style. She is an athlete who exercises, is conscious about her nutrition, and keeps a positive attitude. She was a successful participant of the Healthy Habits program and has shown great energy in team and beach workouts. During classes she always gives her best and is an example to follow. Her dedication is paying off and we all can see it by her great results which constantly place her on the top 10 scores of the WOD!
Get to know Steven and Jen a little better by reading their “Member Spotlights” below…
Get to Know Steven
Member Spotlight October, 2015
Age: 31
Occupation: Rockstar and Salesforce.com Analyst (mostly the ladder, for now)
In general, what is your background? Grew up in north suburbs (not sure if they’re considered suburbs of Chicago that far north). Moved downtown for work and love it here.
How long have you been a member at The Foundry? What is your CrossFit story? I originally signed up when Union Station first opened but only went a handful of times for a couple months. I rejoined and have been back at it for eight months. I would not have been at it this long and going so much if it wasn’t for Zack and Maria – they rock!
How has The Foundry changed your life/lifestyle/level of fitness? What do you like most about The Foundry? I was never into strength training. I was always into cardio (I still am) but the Foundry has taken my strength well above what I expected and I enjoy strength training a lot now. I also like the community; everyone is supportive. Honestly, if it wasn’t for the coaches and members I would not have had these results. Thank you all.
What are your short term goals (gym or personal)? Gym: Back squat in the 200s and maybe just a little itty bitty ring muscle up.
What are your long term goals (gym or personal)? Gym: Maintain healthy eating habits.
What is your proudest CrossFit accomplishment thus far? Completing an RX+ WOD. I never tried the bar Muscle Up, I went for it and got them. Next day I did a workout RX+ because it had MU for RX+. I was very surprised I was able to do this.
What is your favorite movement? Toes to Bar!
What’s your least favorite movement? Overhead Squat. I vote to have this removed for good. I think we can go on without it, right?
What is your favorite WOD or type of workout? Ascending ladders or death by…
What WOD or type of workout would you rather avoid but you know is good for you? Heavy weights low reps; they scare me, eeeeeeek
What is your go-to post-WOD meal/snack/beverage? Cocotein or Kill Cliff or Amino X and almonds.
What is your favorite movie? Dumb and Dumber.
What is your favorite book? Big fan of 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? Classical, Indie, Pop, Country, Classic Rock, list goes on. How about for this month all music choices must be unanimous by all members at class? I’d like to see how long this would take.
Do you have a favorite quote or words to live by? “Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow”. – Plato
What is your spirit animal and why? I never got one, how about a Panda Bear? Who doesn’t love a Panda?
Finish this sentence. I’m passionate about… anything music, writing, playing, listening, etc.
Get to Know Jennifer Rice
Member Spotlight September 2015
Age: 31
Occupation: Corporate Paralegal
In general, what is your background? Born in South Korea, grew up in Michigan, came to the Chicago area for college and have called it home ever since.
How long have you been a member at The Foundry? What is your CrossFit story? How does sharing Crossfit affect your relationships? I went to my first CrossFit class with a coworker 3 years ago and can’t remember ever being so sore after a workout. I joined a gym in the suburbs near my work and found the style of working out addicting. I moved to the South Loop area last year and joined the Foundry in November. Over the last year I’ve made some great friends and love the community and coaching at the Foundry. Crossfit feeds my competitive nature and allows me to push myself in a way I’d never do working out on my own.
How has The Foundry changed your life/lifestyle/level of fitness? What do you like most about The Foundry? The community at the Foundry has helped me get back into shape. A year and a half ago I had surgery and had to take time off the gym. I was really discourage about how out of shape I had begun and starting at the Foundry was humbling as I worked my way back to old one rep maxes and eventually new PRs. I love that I can attend a 6 AM class or a 6:30 PM class and there will be someone to push me and encourage me to get the most out of a work out. I also begrudgingly like the heavy lifting shame Andrew provides, It’s good to have someone push me out of my comfort zone.
What are your short term goals (gym or personal)? Become more competent/confident with rowing. Challenge myself to go Rx for as many work outs as I can.
What are your long term goals (gym or personal)? 100# Snatch, Consistent double-unders, strict pull ups without a band.
What is your proudest CrossFit accomplishment thus far? Getting my first toes to bar. I also ran a 6:46 mile in a work out, I’ve always considered myself to be a distance and slower runner so breaking 7 minutes was a huge personal victory.
What is your favorite movement? Active Recovery…Thrusters and Squats (Air squats in a Metcon).
What’s your least favorite movement? Push Ups. It’s humbling to get slowed down by your own body weight.
What is your favorite WOD or type of workout? I like workouts with barbells and a variety of movements. Chipping away at list of movements makes me feel accomplished. I also have a better chance at being on the top half of the whiteboard if there is some weight on the bar.
What WOD or type of workout would you rather avoid but you know is good for you? Any workout with wall balls. My first day at the Foundry I wasn’t warned that the balls bounce off the rack and took a wall ball to the top of my head. I know they are a great full body movement but generally I take at least one wall ball to the face per workout.
What is your go-to post-WOD meal/snack/beverage? Water lots of water and usually protein and veggies. Some of my healthy habits have stuck.
What is your favorite movie? Mean Girls
What is your favorite book? The Lord of the Rings Trilogy or Harry Potter.
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? 90s/Early 2000s rap. Rap Trivia with Ryan Curry.
Do you have a favorite quote or words to live by? Exercise gives you endorphins, endorphins make you happy, happy people just don’t shoot their husbands, they just don’t. – Elle Woods
What is your spirit animal and why? A Red Panda.
Finish this sentence. I’m passionate about…ice cream, friendship and family.