Congratulations to Crystal Coronado for being selected as September’s Athlete of the Month! After years of going to the gym taking a number of different type of classes, trying to find her fix, she eventually stopped going.  Her drive and desire had slowed down and needed something new.  Crystal heard about this thing called “CrossFit” and was intrigued by the intense workouts thinking it could be something she would enjoy.  Soon after, Crystal joined the CrossFit community and she fell in love. You can see her almost every day working her tail off always wanting to do more. For those reasons and many more, she is certainly deserving of the title “Athlete of the Month.”

Name: Crystal Coronado

Started Crossfit: May 2015

Favorite WOD: Chipper & Anything that involves a partner

Least Favorite WOD: Anything with burpees and thrusters (especially when they’re together)

Favorite Lift: Power cleans

Least Favorite Lift: Snatches because they hate me

Story:

Before Crossfit, I had a gym membership that I slowly stopped using over the years. While at this gym, my workouts consisted primarily of running (weights here and there). I had tried all their classes from kickboxing to spinning classes (even hot yoga) but it was always the same workout. This was the reason I eventually stopped going, I was bored and I no longer had the self-will to go. However I still kept at those runs and “semi-healthy” eating so that I could maintain a “healthy weight” but as I’ve gotten older my metabolism has definitely caught up with me and I realized that just wasn’t enough anymore.

I first heard of CrossFit through none other than social media. I had seen so many videos of men and women giving their absolute all to get that one last rep/PR. I loved the intensity I saw in them and I just knew this was the type of motivation I needed. My first few months were definitely rough, I remember being sore almost every time I came in but I knew it was all worth it because I was getting stronger. Consistency was key. Now I look forward to every workout because they are different, you’re never bored. There are days that I feel I might die (seriously I do) and it sounds crazy but I still enjoy it because I feel accomplished. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever pushed myself so hard to finish a workout. I love the team atmosphere and the encouragement of others (the yelling helps ALOT). There is also friendly competition so it pushes you to go heavier and faster (no one likes to be the last one). I had my first competition in May, something I never thought I’d do but my workout partner Celi signed me up (literally without my knowledge) and it was probably the best decision she made for us. It showed me how far I’ve come and how far I have yet to go. I can’t wait to see what else MCFSA has in store for me, all the coaches are absolutely awesome and they are the reason why I keep coming back!