Allison and Jason
Please tell us a little bit about yourself
Jason and I have been married 10 yrs. this past August (yes, we got married young!) J We recently moved to Shorewood and are very much enjoying the lake life and community! We love to travel, wine and dine, and boating. We are both self-employed; I own a health insurance agency–Shoreline Insurance Group – focusing on individual/family health plans and Medicare supplements. Jason makes hand forged blades and knives at his shop in Carver, MN – North Star Forge. You don’t have to be a knife enthusiast to appreciate Jason’s work (I can say this because it’s true for me).
When and why did you start doing CrossFit
I started Crossfit in Sept 2014. Jason was a few weeks behind me. He couldn’t deny the results I was seeing with it, plus I wouldn’t shut up about it until he came to try it out! That and he didn’t want me to show him up. J
What made you decide to come to CrossFit SISU
Allison – I was desperate to find a group fitness/bootcamp style place closer to our new home. Prior to CrossFit, I was going to Altman Fitness/Bootcamp in Eden Prairie (which I loved!), but the drive and time involved to get there was getting ridiculous. I’d almost given up the search when I happened to find CrossFit Sisu online (why I couldn’t find it back in June I don’t know. It could have something to do with my poor IT skills…J).
Jason was sold on it after I told him about the rope climbs!
What were you doing before and what apprehensions did you have before starting CrossFit
Allison – I was going to bootcamp in EP 4-5x week – which I loved! It was really hard to give it up, but after a Summer of driving 45 minutes to work out (1-Way!) I was ready to try something new. I had heard about CrossFit before, but from people I talked to it sounded way too intense and I was scared I’d get a ‘complex’. That is, after I got over my initial fear of doing anything upside down.J
Jason hated working out around people (opposites attract eh) and he was really nervous about his knees giving out. He tore his miniscus 10 years ago playing paintball and ever since has had to be very careful not to injure it again.
What were your thoughts after your first CrossFit SISU Intro class
Allison – I was so excited! Still nervous but I could already tell it was exactly what I was looking for. Everyone was so nice and the workout was fun!
Jason was stoked after his 1st Intro class, but very leery on Intro 2 & 3. Probably because he couldn’t tell if his body was just really sore or if the pain was something else. But everyone was so welcoming and J.Johnson was really good about scaling the exercises for him so he was comfortable coming back.
What’s the greatest benefits you see so far since starting at CrossFit SISU
Allison – I was pretty confident in the gym as far as a workout was concerned, but I didn’t really feel like my abilities transferred to real life scenarios…like climbing a tree (I was scared I wouldn’t be able to get down) My first CrossFit class I had to climb the rope, let go, and touch the beam at the top! I called Jason on my way home freaking out- I was pretty pumped! Hence that’s when Jason said’ You get to climb ropes!?! And so, his interest was piqued.
Also, I’ve dropped a full pant size since I’ve started! So that doesn’t suck. J
Jason loves that he can breathe without feeling like he has the black lung! And his rippling muscles. I catch him flexing in the mirror all the time. lol
How has being at CrossFit SISU enriched your life outside of the box
Being new to the area, it’s been really nice to expand our circle with other people who are motivated and like-minded. We both have a new confidence in ourselves that transfers to our daily life activities too. It’s hard to explain, but we both just feel more energetic and excited about life!
Please share any special memories or achievements during your time at CrossFit SISU
Allison – The Hollyman workout – I finally nailed the HSPU! 13 sets of 3! Woot! J
Jason was stoked after he figured out how to kip – he struggled with the movement AND how to say it properly (he would call it krimp for the longest time– ha!)
What advice would you give to a person thinking about joining our SISU Community
Jason says ‘Don’t quit!’ There will always be new pains, but they get better. Plus the pain is worth the results.
Allison – Don’t think about it – just do it. You won’t regret it!
Favorite WOD
Allison – Anything that doesn’t involve too much technique – lol! I love running outside and lunges.
Jason – Rope Climbs and kipping pull-ups.
Secret Ninja exercise is
Allison – Well, I can’t say that I have a ninja move yet, but I really want to walk on my hands.
Jason is excited to do a HSPU, hand walk and a back flip.
My not so secret sucky is
Allison – Pull-ups! I still can’t get a good kip going. Grrr. Can’t wait for that to finally click for me.
Jason –Skipping (lol) & kettle bell swings.
My favorite cheat meal is
Allison – Anything Italian with bread and oil & tiramisu
Jason – Joey Nova’s Supreme Pizza