When did you start doing CrossFit?

July 5, 2018 - walked in and signed up for the year.

What were you doing before Crossfit?

Getting old and fat.

Tell us something we might not know about you.

I have my PhD in Biomechanics from Auburn University. War Eagle!!!

What advice would you give someone just starting at Coyote?

PR or ER....no just kidding. Slow and steady...every time I read the tortoise and the hare, the tortoise always wins!

Has CrossFit affected your life outside of the gym?

Most definitely. Feel better (well besides the muscle soreness). More energy. The wife likes the improvements ;)

Tell us a little about yourself (family, job, sports, interests, etc.)

Married to the best wife ever, Joanna. Have three wonderful kids, Jayden, Jordyn, Jaxson. When not home mowing grass and taking care of the farm animals (horse, two goats, pig, seven chickens, house cat, house dog & barn cats), I am busy at work as an Insurance Adjuster.

What is your Least favorite WOD?

Fran

What is your favorite WOD?

Cindy

When did you start doing CrossFit?

I first started doing Crossfit April 16, 2016. At the time, I had never heard of Crossfit  and wanted to know what it was all about. I have been doing personal training 3 times a week since then.

What were you doing before Crossfit?

I have worked with trainers on and off for the last 20 years. I would consider myself a non-athlete before starting Crossfit.

Tell us something we might not know about you.

My personal life has been in transition over the last year. Both of my parents are aging and require a lot more help. I am grateful to be able to help them in the later part of their lives as they have always helped me. Also i am grateful and happy to have become a father in the last year to a 31-year-old young man form Louisiana. My role as a father supersedes all my other roles in life. This by far, is the most important role in my life.

What advice would you give someone just starting at Coyote?

Get through the first 4-6 weeks.

Has CrossFit affected your life outside of the gym?

Crossfit has really changed my life in a positive direction. especially with self confidence and relationships.

Tell us a little about yourself (family, job, sports, interests, etc.)

I was born and raised in Jackson and went to Jackson Prep, and then to Wheaton College, where I majored in Biology. I then moved back to Jackson and went into residency training in Psychiatry. I have practiced Adult Outpatient Psychiatry for the last 25 years. I am very content Being a psychiatrist; I am grateful for the opportunity to help people on a daily basis.

When did you start doing CrossFit?

I started CrossFit last November. I have never consistently worked out in my life. After being married for less than a year, I could see that I needed to make a change. My husband and my friend, Monica, helped push me to give CrossFit a shot.

What were you doing before Crossfit?

Before CrossFit, I was going to HotWorx periodically and Orange Theory once a week. I didn’t have a real routine, and I wasn’t pushing myself when I was at those classes.

Tell us something we might not know about you.

I am I absolutely love hot pickles! They’re kind of a big Dill…

What advice would you give someone just starting at Coyote?

Just carve out a specific class time you can go to and just keep showing up. Don’t worry what your score might be, just make sure you walk through the gym doors. We are all here at different levels and are trying to reach different goals. No one is judging you here.

I would also like to add that having a foam roller at your house for the first few months will save you!

Has CrossFit affected your life outside of the gym?

The biggest difference has been how easy this pregnancy has been. My doctor has been thrilled with my test results and how I’ve been able to stay so active. I’ve also noticed how much easier I can lift heavy objects and my endurance has increased.

Tell us a little about yourself (family, job, sports, interests, etc.)

I am a Trust Administrator at Regions Bank. My husband and I have been married for a year and a half, and I am currently 6 months pregnant with our first child. For fun, we like to cook and take the boat out.  Most weekends revolve around us watching sports with friends and smoking meat.

When did you start doing CrossFit?

I started doing CrossFit around October of 2018.

What were you doing before Crossfit?

I was a gymnast for about 10 years. After I quit, I tried dance and track but nothing really stuck before I tried CrossFit.

Tell us something we might not know about you.

I have been homeschooled my entire life.

What advice would you give someone just starting at Coyote?

Leave any ego or fear at the door and just do it. I debated joining for a long time because I was scared and I regret not starting earlier. The athletes and coaches at Coyote are simply amazing and calmed all of my fears when I joined. Joining Coyote was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Has CrossFit affected your life outside of the gym?

Starting CrossFit has affected my life positively in so many ways. It has given me more confidence in my everyday life. Seeing all of the women at Coyote has helped me realize that I would much rather be strong than super skinny. Being able to compete against myself has also made me a far better athlete than I was when I was solely focused on competing against others. Coyote has also become a place to relieve the stress and anxiety of high school. I am now much stronger physically and mentally than I was a year ago.

Tell us a little about yourself (family, job, sports, interests, etc.)

I will be a high school senior this fall. I live in Madison with my Mom, Dad, and two older brothers. My parents have always encouraged/made me and my siblings do some sort of sport and to be active. I now work as an instructor at the gym where I used to do gymnastics and I absolutely love teaching little kids. I also have a rescued pit mix named Vinny and he is my favorite thing in the entire world.

When did you start doing CrossFit?

July 2016

What were you doing before Crossfit?

I was just a member of a local health club and I ran between 10-15 miles per week.

Tell us something we might not know about you.

I have an unlimited amount of phrases I repeat. One of my most famous: here’s the deal.

What advice would you give someone just starting at Coyote?

Leave your ego at the front door give it your best effort!

Has CrossFit affected your life outside of the gym?

Definitely!!  Crossfit is more than just a workout, its community and family.  The relationships that I have developed because of Coyote are invaluable to me and my son. Most everything were a part of is because of Coyote.

Tell us a little about yourself (family, job, sports, interests, etc.)

I have a 4 year old son named Brooks. You will most likely see him at the gym on Saturday mornings leaving chalk drawings for Chris Allen to admire before he cleans the floor (Sorry Bro).  I’ve been in food sales for 7 years and I work for Sysco in Jackson. I played most sports growing up and after I realized I couldn’t hit a curveball and I was not that great as a goalie in soccer, I settled on football.  I was fortunate enough to receive a scholarship to play at South Carolina for Lou Holtz.  I enjoy hunting and fishing during my down time, which is not very often these days.  I stay pretty busy with my son, work, and the gym.

When did you start doing CrossFit?

I started the on-ramp in February of 2016. Wow, has it been 2 years?

What were you doing before Crossfit?

Although I had always been a part of a gym, I hadn’t stepped foot in a gym in over a year before I started CrossFit.

Tell us something we might not know about you.

I used to ride horses so my lower body strength is still disproportionate to my upper body strength, but I’m getting better.

What advice would you give someone just starting at Coyote?

Just do it! You don’t have to know what to do, there is always a scaled version and someone there to help.

Has CrossFit affected your life outside of the gym?

Yes, I have more energy and I feel great.

Tell us a little about yourself (family, job, sports, interests, etc.)

I have two wonderful kids (Ella age 10 and Ryder age 5), and I’m engaged to be married to an amazing man (Bill Morris) on March 15th. My mother and I own a business (The Cotton Blossom Fabric Shoppe) where we sell fabric, sewing/embroidery machines and sergers. Most of my time is spent at the Shoppe but a few hours a month I’m at “my other job.” I’m a nurse practitioner but I only work part-time. We live on a farm where we have 7 horses, 2 cows, 5 dogs, 6 chickens and 2 cats. Yes, it is a zoo.

When did you start doing CrossFit?

2014

What were you doing before Crossfit?

Running and Cycling

Tell us something we might not know about you.

I used to have long hair.

What advice would you give someone just starting at Coyote?

Yep, CrossFit is difficult and challenging... and it doesn't really get easier.... you just get stronger, faster, and a more fit. So stick with it and be consistent.

Has CrossFit affected your life outside of the gym?

Yes, I have developed friends and built relationships with members of the gym that now extend beyond the gym.

Tell us a little about yourself (family, job, sports, interests, etc.)

Husband to Laura for 24 years, father to Anna 18, Graham 15, and Owen 11; all of whom have spent time here at Coyote. I enjoy traveling, camping, going on adventures to see new places and experience new things.

When did you start doing CrossFit?

I guess it was about 4 years ago when I started CrossFit.  Coyote was in the old Swenson's location across from McAlister's at the time.

What were you doing before Crossfit?

The decade before CrossFit I had been cycling regularly. I had slowed down on riding the bike and had started installing my butt in a chair instead of exercising.  Son Jack wanted to take up with this new cult called CrossFit and my wife thought it would be a good father/son bonding experience.

Tell us something we might not know about you.

I love sarcasm. I wish CrossFit had been a thing when I wore a younger man's clothes. I'm the chair of the Gravediggers Guild at the Chapel of the Cross here in Madison. Wait, you may already know these things about me.

What advice would you give someone just starting at Coyote?

Your time at Coyote will be worth it.

Has CrossFit affected your life outside of the gym?

Well, I have enjoyed forming friendships because of and through CrossFit. Here at Coyote and when talking to a stranger. If you bring up CrossFit in a crowd at a social function, chances are that someone in that crowd does it, knows someone who does it, wants to do it or wants to talk about it.

Tell us a little about yourself (family, job, sports, interests, etc.)

I grew up in Jackson in the 60's on the campus of Millsaps College.  Married and moved to Madison in 1992. We have four kids, 3 girls and 1 boy, all college aged now.  Worked at Keifer's Restaurant during the 80's and 90's, and then again as a desperate housewife from 2005 until about 2012.  Cycled a lot as a kid, throwing newspapers from a bike throughout the Belhaven neighborhood then jumping on a road bike to tour the county.  Took up cycling again as an adult and road the bike throughout my 40's.  Mostly cycling on the road in groups. Have done a few century rides, including the "Hotter than Hell Hundred" in Wichita Falls Texas, 14,000+ riders (talk about "on your left"). Played football and soccer in high school and soccer in college.

When did you start doing CrossFit?

I really can't remember.

What were you doing before Crossfit?

Nothing, I was in awful shape and Nothing the 5 years before

Tell us something we might not know about you.

The first time I attempted a squat max, I folded like a paper napkin under a 185 lbs bar.

What advice would you give someone just starting at Coyote?

Just show up! You will miss days, maybe months, but keep going and don’t get discouraged. If you average 2 classes a week, you will accumulate 520 hours of exercise over 5 years. 520 hours will make a huge difference!

Has CrossFit affected your life outside of the gym?

Kelly Jo and I met a lot of the group we do life with at Coyote. I’ve personally learned more about genuine authentic community because of Coyote than anywhere else. 

Tell us a little about yourself (family, job, sports, interests, etc.)

I’m a follower of Christ, Husband, Father and serve a great team in the promotional and print advertising space. My favorite hobby is probably  Duck Hunting or Realestate. 

When did you start doing CrossFit?

3 years ago in October

What were you doing before Crossfit?

Sitting on the couch and eating everything

Tell us something we might not know about you.

Don’t listen to the people who say you can’t do it or you will get hurt

What advice would you give someone just starting at Coyote?

Don’t listen to the people who say you can’t do it or you will get hurt

Has CrossFit affected your life outside of the gym?

Totally, my energy level has completely changed and I feel so much better

Tell us a little about yourself (family, job, sports, interests, etc.)

Wife-Stacey Kids-Seth and Mollie.  We own Cypress Depot.  I love watching my kids compete in sports, and I play a lot of softball

When did you start doing CrossFit?

April of 2015, so 3 years ago.

What were you doing before Crossfit?

Nothing, I was in awful shape and didn’t take care of myself.  Every year or so I would tell myself I was going to get back in shape.  I would join a local gym and go for about 2-3 months then fall off.

Tell us something we might not know about you.

I am a bit of a closet nerd.  I love videogames and reading about theoretical physics.

What advice would you give someone just starting at Coyote?

Listen to the coaches.  It’s really that simple.  Don’t worry about how much weight your moving or how many reps you’re doing just focus on technique and mobility.

Has CrossFit affected your life outside of the gym?

Yes, I used to have back and hip problems from sitting all day in my office, now all of that is gone.  I can also notice a huge difference when playing with my kids. 

Tell us a little about yourself (family, job, sports, interests, etc.)

I married my high school sweetheart, Lauren.  We have been blessed with two awesome kids, James and Elizabeth. We are members of Madison Heights Church.  I try to play golf every once in a while, although it’s not very pretty.

When did you start doing CrossFit?

September 2013

What were you doing before Crossfit?

Running a few miles here and there

Tell us something we might not know about you.

I used to be a cheerleading instructor for UCA and I still like to impress my kids by flipping around in the backyard and at the trampoline park

What advice would you give someone just starting at Coyote?

To stick with it and don’t hesitate to ask the coaches for help if you are struggling!  Even if you can only come once or twice a week at first, keep doing that consistently!! Celebrate even the smallest improvements that you make.

Has CrossFit affected your life outside of the gym?

Absolutely.  I feel much more confident facing a challenge at work or in my personal life than I used to.  My perspective seemed to change when I realized that I was physically capable of so much more than I thought.

Tell us a little about yourself (family, job, sports, interests, etc.)

I am a pharmaceutical sales rep and I have three young girls and a husband named Richard.  We love Mississippi State sports, road trips and fishing with our kids.

When did you start doing CrossFit?

2011ish

What were you doing before Crossfit?

Running half-marathons

Tell us something we might not know about you.

I hate having my picture taken.

What advice would you give someone just starting at Coyote?

Take it slowly. Leave your ego at the door and develop the basics of movement from the get-go. The rest will come eventually.

Has CrossFit affected your life outside of the gym?

Absolutely. I was able to utilize my strengths in gymnastics to overcome a wall in an obstacle course at a retreat. Felt pretty proud of myself.

Tell us a little about yourself (family, job, sports, interests, etc.)

Married to Chris, and mom to Austin, both of whom are members. I work for a wealth management firm. I played some high school basketball and co-rec softball. We like to woodwork and make furniture. 

When did you start doing CrossFit?

Feb 1, 2018 (and 6 months during 2014)

What were you doing before Crossfit?

Casually running around the neighborhood.

Tell us something we might not know about you.

I enjoy wood working and doing home improvement jobs.

What advice would you give someone just starting at Coyote?

No matter how many names are up on the whiteboard, the biggest competition you have is yourself. Once you embrace that, every day you come to the gym will be rewarding.

Has CrossFit affected your life outside of the gym?

Yes, I feel much better in my daily life and my clothes fit better than before.

Tell us a little about yourself (family, job, sports, interests, etc.)

I am married to my fantastic wife, April. I am an avid player of tennis and golf. I am a huge sports fan of both college and pro football, basketball, and baseball. My wife and I enjoy spending the weekends on our boat out at Lake Caroline.

What were your thoughts after your first WOD?

Man, this is going to hurt tomorrow.

What were your goals when you joined Coyote?

Lose weight and get in overall better shape.

Have you achieved any of these goals?

Yes, but there is always more progress to make.

What is your favorite cheat meal?

Ice cream

When did you start doing CrossFit?

About two years ago

What were you doing before Crossfit?

I was working out in a traditional gym, which I had done since I was about 19 years old.

Tell us something we might not know about you.

The first time I attempted a squat max, I folded like a paper napkin under a 185 lbs bar.

What advice would you give someone just starting at Coyote?

It may be painful at first as your body adjusts to the new movements, but stick with it and don’t miss workouts because you are sore. Your body will adjust and it will feel much better after you have being doing it a while. I was really surprised that merely continuing to work out actually caused my aches and pains to go away rather than get worse. I’m sure that this is not always the case depending on the nature and severity of the pain, but this was the case for me. The first two months caused my body to hurt pretty badly (including my knees), but I now have very little pain at all, at least not on a consistent basis. Crossfit caused me to think of my pre-CF body as somewhat of a rusty bolt, and doing all of the stretching, lifting, and new movements help break the rust away and cause the bolt to be able to move like it was designed to do. Looking back now, although I have worked out for years in traditional gyms, I think of all of the movements that my body would likely have never done without Crossfit and how that sedentariness would have detrimentally affected my body and health.

Has CrossFit affected your life outside of the gym?

It has reduced my anxiety and stress levels.

Tell us a little about yourself (family, job, sports, interests, etc.)

I enjoy eating while laying on my side resting on my elbow, much like the ancient Greeks and Romans did while wearing loin cloths. I also sometimes wear a loin cloth while doing it.

When did you start doing CrossFit?

2013

What were you doing before Crossfit?

Was a member of Fitness Lady and D1

Tell us something we might not know about you.

I’m competitive! Anytime we play a game for warm-up at CF i really want to win 😬

What advice would you give someone just starting at Coyote?

Start slow and scale movements until you’re ready

Tell us a little about yourself (family, job, sports, interests, etc.)

Been married to Ron for 14 years and we have 3 kids...Will (12) Livie (10) and Charlotte (7)

When did you start doing CrossFit?

January 2016

What were you doing before Crossfit?

I played several sports in high school, but I didn’t do much in college or thereafter until I started biking on the Trace trails a couple years before I started at Coyote.

Tell us something we might not know about you.

I’m actually a nerd... and collect coffee mugs from places I’ve traveled 

What advice would you give someone just starting at Coyote?

It’s really not scary, just be consistent and open to advice... and the people are really what make it awesome 

Has CrossFit affected your life outside of the gym?

Absolutely, I am much more confident now in being able to do things, and I have so many awesome friends I have made here

Tell us a little about yourself (family, job, sports, interests, etc.)

I am the graphic designer across the street at First Baptist Madison, and I have a rescue dog named Reo

When did you start doing CrossFit?

I started CrossFit in June 2014. 

What were you doing before Crossfit?

I played softball in high school and competitively in the summer. I did strength and conditioning for school ball and spent the better part of summer weekends in a squat. 

Tell us something we might not know about you.

That’s interesting? Hmm. I have an extra bone in my right foot. 

What advice would you give someone just starting at Coyote?

I’m convinced that if you can find a church or a CrossFit box, you can find a sense of community. WODs may be rough or you might not be feeling it on any given day, but the community of folks at Coyote make those days worth it. Lean into not only the fitness aspects of CrossFit but the character of the community of which you are a part! 

Has CrossFit affected your life outside of the gym?

Definitely. One of my dad’s favorite sayings is “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” In a workout you have to judge how hard you can push but still be able to maintain the overall pace you want to keep for the WOD. That translates so well to life. Whether it’s getting through a week of tests and presentations or just day-to-day things, I find the logic and approach to CrossFit helps me take things one bite at a time. 

Tell us a little about yourself (family, job, sports, interests, etc.)

I’m from Madison, and I just graduated from Millsaps College with a major in biochemistry and minor in history. I played softball through my sophomore year of college and spent many a weekend with my mom and dad traveling to tournaments around the southeast. Now we like to take day trips to Baton Rouge and Tuscaloosa to watch games when we can. I’m on only child, so my mom, dad, and I are a close bunch. Mrs. Carrie and I frequently talk about our love of Hamilton and the West Wing when we are in the gym at the same time. I am a proud West (by God) Virginia mountaineer!

What were you doing before Crossfit?

Running mostly

Tell us something we might not know about you.

I am very, very afraid of heights! Like, freeze in place kind of scared!

What advice would you give someone just starting at Coyote?

Don’t worry about comparing your score to others on the board. Workout with a weight you are comfortable with and worry more about your technique than your final score.

Has CrossFit affected your life outside of the gym?

I have much less anxiety and stress as the workouts have proven to be a stress and anxiety release for me.

Tell us a little about yourself (family, job, sports, interests, etc.)

Married to Brian, 3 sons - Bryson, Brayden, and Brennan. I am a middle school math teacher at MRA, my favorite sport to watch is baseball ,but I played basketball in college. I enjoy kayaking, drawing, and doing home improvement projects. I am an avid (maybe obnoxious) Chicago Cubs fan :)