CLAUDIA

I started CrossFit about 10 years ago and always enjoyed a Bikram class to compliment my movements. I moved to Austin in June of 2021 and as I learned more about the city, I realized there was a Bikram studio near a CrossFit gym, CrossFit Central Downtown! My two favorite activities right across the street from one another! What more could I ask for? I joined CrossFit Central in February 2022.

Prior to joining CrossFit Central I was finding my place in the Austin community and discovering new areas and making new friends. I was excited to join a new community of like-minded driven individuals. At the time, I was mentally struggling with my move to Austin during a time where my Dad’s health was not the best. He had been diagnosed with cancer in the fall of 2020 and was receiving immunotherapy twice a month since late 2020. I had moved from San Francisco to Cleveland (where I grew up and parents lived) to be with my Dad in the fall of 2020. I scheduled my workouts around his hospital visits and worked out at my parent’s home. I was keeping a regular exercise routine during his cancer journey to cope with my emotional and mental well-being. When I decided to move to Austin, I felt that my dad was going to be okay, and my mom would be able to handle his day-to-day care and my life would go on. Well, fast forward to June 2022, he passed. I was torn and continue to process the grief.

Since joining CrossFit Central I have kept up with the consistency of my fitness levels but also improved my technique! Upon joining, I was going every day. I started the day with the 5:15AM CrossFit class followed by the 6:30AM barbell class. It was my first time experiencing a barbell class and I was hooked! I had grown an appreciation for the barbell. A newfound discovery for me! I have also learned to string my toes to bar. The movement had never clicked and when one of the coaches described what I was missing, I did it. Although I’m still working on it, I was grateful for the que coached at the right time.

I completed my 3rd full marathon in January 2023, the 24hr Murph in May 2023, Austin FitFest Comp 2023, TFX Throwdown 2023, Iron Belle 2023 to name a few! Wow, all thanks to CrossFit Central community for keeping me accountable, lifting up my spirits, and challenging my physical capabilities

Since I’ve started at Central, I’ve been consistent! I’ve maintained within my levels of body weight, fat, and muscle. Considering life impacts, of the loss of my father and starting my executive MBA at UT, I’ve managed to stay consistent with my fitness. All thanks to the coaches, community and Central. Triple C’s!

Now being apart of the 8:30AM class, I have seen more positive improvements in my life! The members are consistent, driven, inspirational, commited, unbelievable, and leaders! The encouragement and energy across the community is fueling with positivity. I look forward to this atmosphere every morning. From building close friendships to finding comp partners and trios, CrossFit Central has and continues to be my 2nd home.

The bravery, wisdom, and courage that CrossFit Central embodies keeps me coming back for more! The framework and vision of this gym’s mission is why I show up and am proud to be a part of.