Sunday, April 17, 2011 – Athlete Profile: Anna Caldwell

The gym will be open from 10:30am-12:00pm today.

Athlete Profile: Anna Caldwell

1.  In general, what is your background?

I was actually born in China, but grew up in Dayton, Ohio. I’m the youngest of three, a proud aunt, and as of December, happily married. I never was in to exercise/sports/being physically active at all growing up. I never really had the competitive desire and my sister was an incredible athlete, so I chose an opposite route and participated in creative arts. Actually when it came to exercise, my mom had to bribe me to do anything.

I went to a tiny private college in the middle of nowhere, Indiana. I graduated with a double degree in English and Education. Senior year I got the itch to move away and try to figure out life (youngest child and all), so I started looking for jobs up the East Coast. My job in Charleston kind of fell into my lap. I took the offer, moved a month later and here I am today!

2.  Age, Occupation?

24, 7th grade English teacher (and counselor, transporter, solver of drama, life skills coach… everything the goes with being a junior high teacher).

3.  How did you get to know CrossFit and why did you start?

I wasn’t interested in fitness until college. Senior year, a friend asked if I wanted to run a half marathon with her, and since I had never done it, I thought why not. That began a strong love of running in my life. I trained and ran 3 half marathons over that year. However, due to lousy knees and lack of time, I had to reconsider my exercise options. The problem is, once you hit that level of fitness, nothing works! I tried everything, but I’m not very good at self-motivation, so I got stuck in a severe exercise rut.

Zack (my husband and fellow CrossFitter) and I were driving downtown when I happened to look over and see a bunch of people running around in a parking lot. I asked him what it was and he made some kind of comment about a CrossFit. I had never heard of that, so I went home and youtubed it. What I discovered was a bunch of insanely fit people doing incredible things! I went to the Saturday morning class, where Chris P. ran me through half of Cindy. I went home, slept for 2 hours, joined CrossFit Integrity, and one year later, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

4.  How has CrossFit changed your life, life style, level of fitness?

You mean besides obsessively checking a website? No, really. But beyond that, CrossFit has changed me in so many ways. I had NEVER lifted before CrossFit. Now, the body strength I have (especially upper body) is so exciting! I can honestly say this is the best shape I’ve ever been in and I can’t believe I can do what I do! I still have a long way to go, but I know CrossFit will get me there.

Oh yeah. And food. Though it’s been a kicking and screaming process, CrossFit has made me think much more carefully and make better decisions concerning what I put into my body. Though I hate to admit it, it has made a huge difference in my overall fitness and health.

5.  Name one goal you would like to accomplish through CrossFit.

I want to be able to RX every workout, especially when the women’s weight is 95 or above. I would also like to get better at handstand push-ups and rope climbs.

6.  Favorite CrossFit moment so far?

There are way too many. One of my top ones was when I RXed my first WOD with pull-ups. Also, the fundraiser. That was so much fun and such an amazing cause!

7.  What do you like most about CrossFit Integrity?

Everybody says it, but the atmosphere. There is no way I would EVER do what we do without the support, encouragement, and PUSH from both the coaches and athletes. Knowing that someone will be encouraging/yelling at me helps motivate me to work harder then I ever would on my own.

8.  Favorite WOD?

That’s a tough one. I like anything with pull-ups, push-ups and squats (of any kind, though I would say it’s more a toleration than a like with overhead squats). I also like the days when we find our 1 rep max of something. Those are fun!

9.  Least Favorite WOD?

Anything with double unders. I hate them. Probably because I’m really terrible at them (watch me sometime, it’s pathetic). HOWEVER, I am working on them because I know when you suck at something, its all the more reason to do them.

10. Favorite Movement?

Handstand pushups and thrusters are really growing on me. I also love slam balls!

11. Least Favorite Movement?

See question 9

12. Favorite place to eat in Charleston?

I really like food, in all it’s many and delicious forms.

CrossFit Integrity, Charleston, SC