Sunday, May 9, 2010 – Athlete Profile: Samantha Workman

Athlete Profile: Samantha Workman

1.  In general, what is your background?

I was born and raised in small town Indiana (just like the John Mellencamp song) as the older of 2 children. After graduating from high school, I moved downstate to attend Indiana University, and earned a BS in Management/Finance.  After college, I moved out to the east coast and worked in DC for about 1 year and then moved to Winston-Salem and started my career in banking.  I worked in Winston with BB&T for 1 1/2 years and then got transferred to Wilmington, NC where I lived for 7 years.  I changed companies to Wachovia in 2006.  I was offered a new job to move to Charleston and be the SBA lender for eastern SC last summer, and I jumped all over it.  I have always loved Charleston and thought it would be a great place to live and work.  Outside of CrossFit, I enjoy playing tennis, golf, skiing, scuba diving, and traveling.

2.  Age, Occupation?

32 years old.  I have been in banking most of my professional career.  I currently work at Wells Fargo as an SBA Business Development Officer.  Basically, I lend money to businesses and business owners to acquire businesses, expand their current businesses, and buy real estate and equipment through a government guaranteed program.

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

My first CrossFit workout was in the summer of ’08 in Wilmington, NC.  My friends Ed and Mark were telling me about this new hardcore workout they were doing at the UNCW track. Since I am always game for a physical challenge, I showed up one Saturday.  Helen was my first workout.  I got through round 1 ok, but I was walking the 400m run by the 2nd round.  I was very impressed with the fitness level of these athletes and how they were so encouraging even though I was getting my ass handed to me and in obvious physical pain.  Prior to that, I thought I was in decent shape.  I was doing “body pump” and various other crap like that at the local globo gym, but I didn’t look forward to going, and I wanted something less girly and more challenging.  I always enjoyed lifting, and was excited that this was a big component of CrossFit. When I first start started doing CrossFit, I felt that I was pretty good at certain elements, but really bad at others. Naturally, I wanted to stick to doing things that involved my strengths, but I quickly learned that CrossFit is about being physically well rounded, and I had to work on “making my weaknesses my bitch” as Denise would say!

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

I am a more confident, healthy, and happy version of myself since I started doing CrossFit. Now I workout to get stronger and better versus trying to move the number on the scale.  I have changed my eating habits and have stopped emotional eating and yo-yo dieting.  CrossFit has also been important to my mental health and dealing with stress. CrossFit helped me get through a really shitty time when I thought I was going to lose my job last year.  No matter how bad of a day I had, I would force myself to go to, and would always feel better after. CrossFit has helped me to set goals, become more mentally tough, and not “suck at life.”

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

I would like to compete and advance in sectionals in 2011.

6.  Favorite CrossFit moment so far?

It was a great experience to finish the Garage Games and know that I pushed myself as hard as I could through 4 workouts in 2 days in crappy conditions.  It was grueling to say the least, but competing made me feel like “an athlete” again.  It was also amazing watching and cheering on my fellow CFI athletes.  I was very proud of all of us.

7.  What do you like most about CrossFit Integrity?

Definitely the people and the coaching.

The people-I moved to town last August not knowing anyone in Charleston, and I have made many close friends that I intend to keep as long as they will have me:)

The coaching-I have been to several CrossFit gyms, and the coaching and organization of our gym is second to none.

8.  Favorite WOD?

Nancy, Grace

9.  Least favorite WOD?

Anything with an excessive amount of pull-ups of double-unders.  I just ordered my new Buddy Lee jump rope which I am told will transform anyone into a double-under machine!  We will see  . . ..

10. Favorite movement?

overhead squats, back squats, clean and jerk

11. Least favorite movement?

pullups, pushups

12. Favorite place to eat in Charleston?

breakfast-Hominy Grill-their bacon is the best!
lunch-Amen Street
dinner-Cypress/Basil

CrossFit Integrity, Charleston, SC