APRIL: Tyler Adams

Our athlete for the month of April is 29 year old Tyler Adams, from Tyler. (How's that for a tongue twister?!) He started CrossFit in 2016 and, as a result, is running better than he ever has!

How/Why did you start CrossFit?

Before I joined CFT, I used to jog up and down Grande. I would run past people from CFT doing a WOD -  a bunch of buff ladies with more muscles than me running on Grande! Eventually, I grew tired of all the running and I stopped by the box on the way home and made plans to come back and try it out.

Take us back to your first WOD... what was it, and how did it feel?

I don't remember what it was or how I felt afterwards. What I do remember is I thought the warm up was the actual work out. Once we were done with the warm up I thought it was over. Then I realized we hadn't even started! It was so intense for me during the first 2 weeks, every day I forgot to look at the clock for my score, or count my reps.

What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health, and fitness since starting CrossFit (before/after)?

I can run better than I've ever been able to run before in my life. I noticed that the strength in my legs and shoulders was growing at a very rapid rate. Before CrossFit I could only run 2 miles. After 3 months of CrossFit I was able to run a 5k in 29 minutes. I used to be only able to squat to parallel but now I can squat down all the way comfortably with weight.

What sort of changes in your life have you experienced from taking on CrossFit that were totally unexpected?

It's been a great way to talk to people. It definitely helps with confidence, when people see you with a CFT shirt and they ask if you do CrossFit. Usually it's an open door to encourage them that they can do it as well. Also, I feel in my mind and my soul a great amount of release from stress. Sometimes you will walk into the box feeling a little anxious about life and you leave with that anxiety put back in its proper place.

There are days for everyone when you just don’t want to work out. How do you handle those?

When I used to do weight training, it would get very repetitive, I'd get tired of doing the same thing week after week. CrossFit eliminates that because every week is different with the workouts. Usually in each WOD there is some movement that is appealing me. Try to focus on the thing that you're good at, or be practical in the amount of reps you do per set. Even if you don't want to work out, there is a great satisfaction that comes when the work is completed. And remember your friends are doing it along with you -  if they can, you can too!

Please share with us your favorite CrossFit / CFT moments.

I really enjoy my daily 8:30am class. I have made friends there with all the women and Mike. It has been a class I've stuck with, and even after leaving for almost a year for school, I came back to it and everyone was so happy to see me and have me back.

Any advice for people just getting started?

Get to know the people in your class, ask the coaches for help, especially when you don't understand! Just know that they will work with you where ever you're at. I had such bad form from improper weight training previously, and it seemed like everyday after we do drills with the bars I was asking more questions about things I didn't quite yet grasp. Eventually everything will start to click, the names of the lifts, movements and even how to strategically tackle each WOD. Get a proper pair of CrossFit shoes and running shoes.

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?

Hiking, tennis, fishing, games & movies. Cooking, reading, using creativity and imagination.

What is your superpower?

I often fly in my dreams and have cool dreams about other people and share them with them for encouragement. I would say encouragement is my superpower.