Mike and Vanessa Smith
MIKE SMITH (V is detailed below)
Please tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’m a 44 year old average guy, that thought I was in shape before I joined Crossfit. I have a wonderful wife “V” and two great kids Riley (16) & Megan (14).
When and why did you start doing CrossFit?
In May 2013, I started to notice that my good friend Amir was starting to bulge out of his shirt, so I made the mistake of asking him what he had been doing for exercise. Like all Crossfitters, it’s all they can talk about. Amir talked me and a few other friends into joining him for the Memorial Day Murph at the Plymouth facility. It was brutal. I couldn’t even do a pull up and some crazy gal was in my face for not doing burpees correctly. I was sore for at least a week, but somehow decided that my body needed a drastic change from sitting at a desk, eating poorly and being far too busy to work out hard. If it wasn’t for Amir and his encouragement, I would have never stuck it out.
What made you decide to come to CrossFit SISU?
Over the past 1 ½ years I’ve been to 4 different CF boxes. Hands down, the coaching and overall program are far superior. I feel like I have a personal connection with all 4 coaches (Pat, Jason, Alye, and Tyler). Each one of you are intense and passionate about what you do and you truly care about your members.
What were you doing before and what apprehensions did you have before starting CrossFit?
I liked to run and do your standard workout of bench press, curls, and generally walk around Lifetime and look for someone to talk to.
What were your thoughts after your first CrossFit SISU Intro class?
What the #@$#? I can’t even lean down and tie my own shoes and you want me to squat until my butt touches my ankles? You’re joking right?
What’s the greatest benefits you see so far since starting at CrossFit SISU?
In addition to meeting some GREAT people, I wrapped out 21 unbroken pull ups the other day and I’m in better shape than I’ve ever been.
How has being at CrossFit SISU enriched your life outside of the box?
Again like all Crossfitters, I would come home and go on and on about the workout. My wife decided to give it a shot and now we often work out together. It’s one more thing that we share as a couple. We have fun discussing the workout, the next days WOD’s, and….how sore we are. But it’s a good sore, right? AND……I’m pretty sure that my wife likes my butt now.
Please share any special memories or achievements during your time at CrossFit SISU?
What advice would you give to a person thinking about joining our SISU Community?
If you want to get out of your comfort zone, experience the hardest workout you’ve ever done on a day to day basis, enjoy great coaching, and meet some truly amazing people…..Join crossfit SISU!
Favorite WOD?
I generally dislike all the WOD’s but I do like Strict and Push Press.
Secret Ninja exercise is?
I can do the breakdance worm like nobody’s business.
My not so secret sucky is?
OVERHEAD SQUATS SUCK!!!
My favorite cheat meal is?
A BIG MAC!!
VANESSA SMITH (aka- V)
Please tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’m a 43 year old wife to an amazing husband of 21 years, mom to 2 fun teenagers Riley (16) and Megan (14), and a crossfiter. I love my life it’s as simple as that.
When and why did you start doing CrossFit?
I’ve been at Crossfit for about 11 months. Why did I start? I was living with a CrossFit athlete, how could I not join him. Mike would come home and tell me about his workout. With a smile on his face he would tell me about how awful it was but at the same time how great it felt. I was intrigued so I thought I would give it try.
What made you decide to come to CrossFit SISU?
My husband was working out at this location. He told me how great the coaches were and how friendly everyone was. I completely agree with him.
What were you doing before and what apprehensions did you have before starting CrossFit?
I have worked with a couple different personal trainers in the past. My only form of “exercise” at the time I started Crossfit was pilates once a week. The thought of going to pilates now seems more like a day at the spa. I had every apprehension possible before starting crossfit. I’m not athletic, I had never touched a barbell before crossfit, and cardio is my worst enemy. I obviously needed a change. I honestly didn’t know if I was cut out for Crossfit, but I wanted to give it a try.
What were your thoughts after your first CrossFit SISU Intro class?
What have I done? I almost thew up, came even closer to passing out, and wanted to cry. Stubborn is my only strength with CrossFit, so the next morning I cussed as I tried to get out of bed and literally limped into my next intro class. Oh and did i mention that I did all three classes as a single student. Can you imagine a class alone with Jason Johnson? I was confused that he thought my first name was “NO REP”
What’s the greatest benefits you see so far since starting at CrossFit SISU?
Mike would say it’s my butt that has lifted a couple inches 🙂 For me it’s not the changes in my body or the added strength, but the fact that I can do this! Its the confidence that the coaches give me when they make me put more weight on the bar because “come on “V”, you can lift more than that”. Crossfit is a huge confidence booster. Just when you think you can’t, you can!
How has being at CrossFit SISU enriched your life outside of the box?
New friendships. I can’t say that I have ever formed a friendship with trainers I’ve worked with in the past, but at SISU it’s different. The coaches and other athletes actually want to get to know you and form friendships.
Please share any special memories or achievements during your time at CrossFit SISU?
Okay…Hand Stand Push Ups, its something I knew I would just never do. I avoided any WOD that included them because I just don’t have the upper body strength. One day I didn’t look at the WOD before class and sure enough there they were. Pat worked with me and was adamant that I COULD do it. With Pat’s coaching and encouragement I did a kipping HSPU!
What advice would you give to a person thinking about joining our SISU Community?
DO IT! If I can do it, anyone can do it. SISU is the crossfit box to be at. I have visited other boxes when traveling and really appreciate our awesome coaching staff and the other athletes. It’s a great environment and you won’t regret it.
Favorite WOD?
Is there such a thing? I guess its a WOD that starts with high reps and ends with low reps. I hate when WODs start with low reps and ends on high reps…its just mean!
Secret Ninja exercise is?
Seriously? If you know me, you know I am laughing and I have no answer to this question.
My not so secret sucky is?
The choices are endless… I’d have to go with running, yep, that’s my super sucky
My favorite cheat meal is?
Sugar! Yes, unfortunately I can make a meal out of sugar