Sunday, August 8, 2010 – Athlete Profile: Vanny Yib

Athlete Profile:  Vanny Yib

1.  In general, what is your background?

I grew in Spartanburg, SC with three siblings; two, Khoung and Pat, also work out at Integrity.  I am the least athletic and competitive of my siblings.  I never played any sports growing up.  We did have a basketball hoop at home; I did learn to dribble and shoot hoops, and that is the extent of my sport activity.  I think it’s because I got the brains in the family , and you can’t have everything!

2.  Age, Occupation?

28 (in exactly two weeks), Inorganic Laboratory Manager for High Purity Standards, a small chemical manufacturing company

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

My friend, Himan Darji, kept telling me about this exercise program that he was in.  I thought he had joined Curves for men, but he insisted that I really liked it, and I would be great at it.  When Himan finally convinced Khoung to try it out, Khoung came home and passed out on his living room floor on the first day!  I was intimidated.  When I finally had the guts to try it out, I was able to do about 8 rounds of Cindy in ten minutes (knee pushups and two bands).  Initially, I felt like it was an “ok” workout and was not impress with just doing pullups, pushups, and airsquats.  Two hours later, I could not move, and the pain lasted for three days.  I never knew that I was a masochist until the first day of Crossfit.  I enjoyed the three days of pain so much that I couldn’t stop coming to Crossfit!

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

I was raised in the South, so I grew up loving all the fried food, casseroles, and sweet tea (basically all the unhealthy stuff).  I gained about 25 pounds after high school (the freshman 15 times two L).  I finally decided to join a gym when I started my career in 2005.  I was exercising 3-5 days per week for about 1-2 hours a day.  I was able to lose a couple inches and five pounds.  When I started Crossfit in December 2009, I instantly lost 5-10 pounds the first month and several inches everywhere.  I was happy that I tried the Paleo challenge, which I lost another 10 lbs and several more inches.  I went from a size 10 to a size 4.  I have also been able to PR many WODS (both metcon and strength), which are the benefits from eating Paleo.  When I took a month or two off of Paleo, I noticed the weight gain, but I was able to lose another size.  My metcon times began to decline, so I back on track with Paleo , but I’m allowing myself a cheat one meal per week!

5.  Name one goal and/or personal record you would like to accomplish through CrossFit?

I would like to have that crazy, mental drive to push through a WOD without taking breaks.  Any ideas guys?  Until then, I would like to be Number One on a board WOD.

6.  Favorite CrossFit moment so far?

After the Paleo Challenge, I was able to PR my mile run by 1:11 and “Christine” by 4:07.  It was an incredible feeling!

7.  What do you like most about CrossFit Integrity?

I like how everyone is so supportive even though we are individually competing amongst each other.  All members are willing to cheer one another and provide tips for improvements.

8.  Favorite WOD?

I love to breaks, so I’m going to say any strength WODs.

9.  Least favorite WOD?

Anything with my least favorite movements

10. Favorite movement?

Every time I decide that I like a certain movement, a ridiculous WOD is programmed with 50+ reps of that movement, so I’m going to say, “Laying down when I hear/yell the word “time.”

11. Least favorite movement?

Running, rowing, and box jumps.

12. Favorite place to eat in Charleston?

My house!  I love homemade food, and its a bonus because I get to cook what I want and how I want it cooked especially during Paleo season.

CrossFit Integrity, Charleston, SC