Sunday, March 20, 2011 – Athlete Profile: Brooke Bentley

Athlete Profile:  Brooke Bentley

 

1. In general, what is your background?

I was raised in Augusta , GA.   I went to University of Georgia for undergrad, changed my major just about every year, and then, finally, settled on  Nursing School at MCG in Augusta .   I grew up involved in team sports like swimming, gymnastics, softball, cheerleading.  I am the oldest of three girls, so my poor dad was forced to have a girl as his sidekick.  He instilled a love of the outdoors and working hard in me at an early age.  I moved to Charleston about 2 years ago after working in Augusta for some time.  After I moved, I decided I wanted a break from CrossFit, so I tried a local outdoor bootcamp group, but quickly realized that CrossFit had gotten me to a level where I was kind of running circles around the bootcampers.  I didn’t feel that I was being pushed to my max, and so, back to CrossFit i went, joining Brian and his group for some WODs at his old place every now and then.  Once he made the move to where we are now, I joined the CFI family!

2.  Age, Occupation?

30, Registered Nurse- Vascular access, Interventional Radiology, ER

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

I was working in the ER in Augusta , and one of the nurses I worked with started raving about this workout where you flipped tires, threw kegs, did swinging type pullups, and all kinds of crazy things.  It sounded awesome to me.  I grew up doing sports where there was a lot of conditioning work at the end of already hard workouts, and so this seemed like it would be perfect for me.  I have never been much of a “gym” girl, all those machines always intimidated me, and I preferred to be outside.  Before I got involved with CrossFit, I was just doing a lot of running because I had a Golden Retriever that I had to exercise too.  I was never much of a runner, but at least it worked us both out.  I always thought i was in decent shape, but as we all know, being in shape is not the same as being in “CrossFit shape.”  So, I started going to CrossFit in North Augusta (now CrossFit Downtown Augusta) with my sister, father, and good friend.  While bringing out the already competitive nature between me and my sister, it also brought us closer, having to do those grueling workouts together.  That was August of 2008 when i started….been in CrossFit pretty much ever since!

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

Because of CrossFit, I am in the best shape of my life.  I dont really classify myself as a runner, but since starting CrossFit, I have been able to run distances like I was never able to do before…and I don’t even have to be running regularly to do that.  I ran the Bridge run for the first time in 2009, the longest distance I had ever run, and I did it in under an hour!  I know it doesn’t compare to a marathon or anything, but for me, that is awesome!  I am much more of a sprinter than a long distance person.  This year, I am not even training for the Bridge run as far as running goes…just going to CrossFit!!

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

I would really like to get involved in the Mobility workouts.  I would like to get some of my flexibility back.  I also want to be more Paleo with my food choices.

6.  Favorite CrossFit moment so far?

I just love it when we all get in there cheering each other on!  I have always loved being part of a team, and I really enjoy those moments where we all come together.

7.  What do you like most about CrossFit Integrity?

There are so many things i love about it…the people, the intensity, the variety of workouts, to name a few.  I love that at the end of a workout, I ALWAYS feel totally worn out!  Also, CFI got me to a point personally, where I felt like I belonged to the community.  Before joining CrossFit here, I debated moving out of Charleston all together because after six months of living here, i just didnt feel like it was “home” yet.  I joined CFI in December of 2009, and felt so much a part of something that I up and bought a house four months after that!

8.  Favorite WOD?

I LOVE Filthy Fifty, Dirty 30, Fight Gone Bad, or any “chipper” type workouts that have a good cardio burn in them.

9.  Least favorite WOD?

AMRAPs and heavy lifting.  But, Coach Brian says that lifting is part of being a better athlete all around, so i will try to like lifting days more.

10. Favorite movement?

DOUBLE UNDERS! but i guess that wasen’t a surprise to most of you because I am always doing them.  I also really like kipping pullups, but they just hurt my hands terribly.  I love handstands too!

11. Least favorite movement?

Burpees, for sure.

12. Favorite place to eat in Charleston?

Rue de jean, Lost dog cafe, Wild Olive, Santi’s, Fat Hen, Monza , my sister’s house, or anywhere you can eat outside, drink cold beer, and enjoy the warm weather!

CrossFit Integrity, Charleston, SC