NOVEMBER: CARLA PHILLIPS

Hometown: Brownsboro, TX
Age : 48

Started CrossFitting July 2013

Favorite WOD:
Tabata WOD's and WOD's with a variety of movements.  I actually like lunges and the soreness that comes with them!!   My first star [RX] was with a WOD of 400 meter lunges for time.

It took me 28 minutes, but I finished and was proud of my star!

Least Favorite WOD:
A WOD that involves wall balls. My upper body strength is a work in progress and my short stature doesn't help either!!

Tell us about you sports & fitness background:
I was very active in high school, playing basketball, volleyball and being a cheerleader.
After high school my activities definitely declined.  Over the years I've spent a large amount of money on gym memberships.  Not only were the gyms sometimes intimidating, the various classes offered eventually became boring and monotonous.

How did you first get exposed to CrossFit?
My daughter wanted to try CrossFit and after visiting CrossFit Tyler with her I decided to try it myself

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

Sumo Dead Lifts and Push Jerks. It was tough!!  Thank goodness scaling is an option because weight lifting was out of my comfort zone and challenging to say the least.

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

Before starting CrossFit my activity level was minimal and weight lifting was completely foreign to me. Walking on occasion was what I considered exercise. 
The daily exercise and the variety that CrossFit offers has definitely made me stronger and more excited 
about going to the gym. I haven't lost much weight, however, my clothes fit better and I have more definition and tone.

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

I'm addicted!! Starting off my day with CrossFit has increased my energy level, made me more conscious of making healthy choices and has pushed me to not be afraid to try something new and challenging. I'm actually stronger than I thought!

Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFT moments.

I would have to say my 5:30 am peeps!  Everyone encourages each other and we have a great time. I am one of the oldest and slowest in my class but I have always been treated like I was part of the group and with much respect. 

Feeling like you are a part of the team is one of the greatest benefits of CrossFit Tyler.

Any advice for people just getting started?

Don’t give up!  Go everyday not just the days you want to do the WOD.  Listen to the coaches and listen to your body.

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

Shopping, gardening, college football and watching a good movie.