September 2023--Amanda Johnson

1.Tell us about yourself, your family, your occupation, hobbies/interests.
I grew up in the Duluth, MN/Superior,WI area. I moved to Kansas my senior year of high school and attended St Marys Academy. I met my husband shortly after that. We’ve been married for 23 years. We have 6 kids, a grandson and another on the way! I also love country living, my garden, journaling, cooking, book club, and as nerdy as it is - the weather.


2. When do you start CrossFitting? Why did you start? Why do you continue now?
I started January 2022. I started because I realized it was no longer working to exercise at home. Life was just too busy with teenagers. I never thought CrossFit would be for me, but I softened to the idea because nothing was working and it made sense to join Chris in what he was doing. After some coaxing from Andy, Mindy, Patrick, Patty and Chris, I finally decided to try it. I’m so glad I did!

3. Do you remember your first WOD? What were your thoughts after your first WOD?
​ My first WOD was 2000 meter row for time. I was pretty sure I was going to be rowing for an hour, but it wasn’t that bad. I think I was last but I survived. I was so encouraged by everyone that I knew I could keep coming back.

4. What do you enjoy most about CrossFit?
​There’s so many things it is hard to pick one. Great coaches, great people to suffer with, feeling strong mentally and physically - it’s a great package!

5. What is your proudest CrossFit moment?
I think for me it has been moments that are actually outside of the box. CrossFit has given me so much that I feel like I can give so much more to so many things in my life. My scores are nothing fancy in the box, and it’s hard to measure life as a whole, but I’m so happy to be able to be growing mentally, physically, and even spiritually with the mindset I’ve learned working out with the coaches and everyone else.
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6. What is your favorite movement or lift? What is your least favorite?
I like rowing. It’s strait forward and very effective. My least favorite would be jumping rope. I’m pretty sure the jump ropes are evil and they have it out for me! ;)

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?
As simple as it is, I finally got a handstand. It was a mental game for me that I couldn’t get until recently.
`For goals, I’d love to finally get push ups, I’m getting closer. And I’d love to get past being so intimidated by box jumps.
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8. What makes CrossFit different from other fitness programs that you might have tried in the past?
Well, I’ve never really done any other programs in the past except some DVD’s. But I will say, I never knew how important a coach was or how far having a fellow box mate to cheer you on can go!


9. What impact has CrossFit Benedictus had on your life, in and out of the gym?
I think CrossFit has really impacted my outlook and grit when it comes to facing struggles. Wether it is a heavy lift, tedious chores, or a bit of a life crisis, I have found truth in the fact that doing hard things with intention can help one grow more resilient.

10. Tell us about your nutrition and how it has changed, if any, since starting CrossFit?
It hasn’t changed too much. Eating healthy has been important to me for quite a while. Although, I really try to keep an eye on how much protein I eat to keep up with the workouts now and I am better about remembering my supplements.
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11. If you could write a WOD for the classes to do, what would it look like?
I think I’ll leave the WOD planning to our great coaches!
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12. What advice do you have for others about the importance of the dedication of taking care of yourself, of investing in yourself?
I think many people don’t realize how far a little self care can go. The investment in yourself can give back many times more than the effort that goes into it. The struggle in the beginning or through a rough patch is the hardest part and makes you want to quit. But if you can push through those hard times you truly come out stronger on the other side, really ready to give back more to your responsibilities and those you love.


13. What advice would you give to someone new to CrossFit or who is thinking about giving it a try?
It’s really hard to start something that’s new and hard! Take it one step at a time, one rep at a time, one goal at a time. Don’t look at it all at once, it’s too overwhelming. Pretty soon you’ll look back and realize how far you’ve come! Also, try not to compare yourself to others. This is your path and everyone is here to support you.


14. Open Forum: I really am just so grateful to be part of this tribe. I’ve learned so much, grown so much, and I know it will continue to be that for me going forward. Early on, in the thick of the struggle of getting started, I found myself saying “I HAVE to go to CrossFit” but then at some point the encouragement made me realize, “I GET to go”. So many people don’t have the opportunity, such great people, or coaches in their life. And every time I’m at the Box I remind myself, I GET to be here and I’m so grateful for all that it gives me. My life is better because of it. So thank you all!
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