Nov 2016--Amy Cerny

Amy Cerny—November 2016 Athlete of the Month

1.Tell us about yourself, your family, your occupation, hobbies/interests.
I have been married to Greg for 31 years. We have 8 children, the youngest is 15 years old, and 7 grandchildren. I am an LPN at St. Mary’s Clinic. I love to cook and sew, but I love being outdoors the most. Gardening, swimming, hunting, or anything out in the fresh air!

2. When do you start CrossFitting? Why did you start? Why do you continue now?
I started CrossFit July 2015. I started because I was not ready to be a rocking chair grandma; yet. At about age 46-47, I noticed I could not physically do everything I wanted to do. I was losing my strength. I continue for the same reason and I LOVE  the comradery of the group workout.

3. Do you remember your first WOD? What were your thoughts after your first WOD?
I don’t remember my first WOD. I remember being very excited for the next class until the DOMS(delayed onset muscle soreness) set in 36 hours later, and then I thought, “Oh, maybe I have bit off more than I can chew”.

4. What do you enjoy most about CrossFit?
I enjoy the challenge of pushing myself beyond what I think I can do. I love watching others achieve PRs (personal records); especially newbies.

5. What is your proudest CrossFit moment?
My proudest CrossFit moment is the day, by the grace of God, my husband decided to join CrossFit Benedictus.

6. What is your favorite movement or lift? What is your least favorite?
My favorite move(s) are rowing, wallballs, burpees (unless the WOD is 7 min of burpees!)
Least favorite: definitely OHS, but as my air squat improves, these are less daunting.

7. Have you had one or two challenging CrossFit goals that you've achieved recently? What are your current goals and how close are you to reaching them?
I have recently achieved toes to bar and a better squat thanks to Rose’s patience and tips on how to improve your squat. My current goal is pull ups in a WOD without a band. I am 2 black bands short of that goal.

8. What makes CrossFit different from other fitness programs that you might have tried in the past?
CrossFit is different because it is a complete body workout, always challenging, always varied, never boring or monotonous (unless you’re doing 7 min of burpees!) If you have an “off” day you can scale and still get a great workout.

9. What impact has CrossFit Benedictus had on your life, in and out of the gym?
More than you can imagine, but I feel stronger physically and mentally. I can physically do more, and I feel a mental clarity that I did not have before. Can’t explain that one….

10. Tell us about your nutrition and how it has changed, if any, since starting CrossFit?
I have been eating healthier for the past 5-6 years. Less refined carbs and sugars. Since I started CrossFit, I have been even more mindful of what I eat knowing what it takes to work off an unhealthy food choice.

11. If you could write a WOD for the classes to do, what would it look like?
I don’t think I could come up with a WOD that is not already out there, but if I did, it would have DL (deadlifts), WB (wall balls) and box jumps. Cater to the creator! :)

12. What advice do you have for others about the importance of the dedication of taking care of yourself, of investing in yourself?
It’s not all about you! You probably have someone you’re responsible for; spouse, child, older parent etc. So live well for them, and for you. If you want to be a couch potato, go ahead and eat all the potatoes you want; if you want to live life fully, eat reasonably and do CrossFit.

13. What advice would you give to someone new to CrossFit or who is thinking about giving it a try?
Do it! Now! Show up, do what the coach tell you to and prepare to be amazed!

14. Open Forum: Our life today is too soft, too easy with everything we do is by machine. Our bodies were not designed to be so inactive all the time. 100+ years ago, most things in daily life took some sort of physical strength and activity. We all need a little more activity in our routine, and for me, CrossFit is the answer.