AUGUST: TERESA ADAMS

ETX Games 2016 | Image: Tenton Mosley Photography

This month, we celebrate Teresa Adams as our CFT Athlete of the Month.

This 52 year-old powerhouse from Bullard TX is the embodiment of dedication. Teresa's been CrossFitting for 3 and half years.

And she never misses a workout. She sweats with a smile on her face.

And here, she tells us why!

Favorite WOD: I would have to say my favorite WOD is a Tabata Mash-Up.

Least Favorite WOD:  My least favorite WOD would have to be Fight Gone Bad.

How/Why did you start CrossFit?  

​I was invited to come and watch the Open at Crossfit Tyler. I sat and watched in amazement, wondering why would you put yourself through that rigorous a workout. I was out of breath just watching. I thought, Dear Jesus, there is no way I could do that. Finally on April 2nd, 2013, with much convincing from a friend, I showed up for my first WOD.

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

My first WOD was a "For Time" WOD. The WOD was a 500 M Row, 40 squats, 30 situps, 20 pushups, and 10 pull ups. I had to scale the pushups and the pullups. It took me 8:44 to do that WOD. I had been training with a personal trainer out of my home, but realized very quickly into the WOD, I was not in as good a physical condition as I thought I was. But I had already drunk the CrossFit water, and I was hooked. I could not wait for the next WOD!

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

The changes I have seen in my body, health and fitness since I started CrossFit have been phenomenal! I saw changes in two weeks that I had not seen in several months of training with a personal trainer, and my personal trainer was very tough on me! CrossFit has challenged my strength, cardio and endurance way beyond what I thought I was capable of. In just two weeks I felt stronger and more energized.

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

The changes I have experienced in my life since taking on CrossFit have been eye-opening!
I am able to squat, lift, run, jump and climb like I was a kid again! What an amazing feeling at 52 years of age. I have always been athletic, but CrossFitting has taken my athletic ability to new heights! 

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

The way I handle the days that I just don't want to work out is very simple.....I just don't have those days. Working out is the best part of my day. It's like the air I breathe or the water I drink. It is something I have to have to stay alive.

Please share with us your favorite CrossFit / CFT moments.

One of my favorite CrossFit moments was the day I got my first toe to bar. Sarah Nichols met me on a Sunday at CrossFit Tyler and worked with me for several hours until I got my first toe to bar! I was elated!

​Another favorite would have to be competing in the 2016 East Texas Games and taking 1st place in my division. What a humbling experience. I would have never imagined that 3 years after starting CrossFit, I would be competing! Especially at my age. That experience changed my life forever. I realized at that point, that no matter my age, I would always be a CrossFitter.

ETX Games 2016 | Image: Tenton Mosley Photography

Any advice for people just getting started? The advice I would give to someone just getting started is to always remember that showing up is the hardest part of the workout. Everything beyond that is scale-able to your ability. Fear will be the heaviest load you will ever carry. So unload the weight of fear and intimidation and take that step that will change your life forever!

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

A new found love for paddle boarding! Who would have thought! I have always had a fear of water, but I decided this was a "face my fears" year, and I am so glad I did because I never knew how relaxing and peaceful paddle boarding was. I also love spending time with my family and traveling.
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What is your superpower? My inner strength.