For many students, working out and going to the gym can be a chore, if not required for a class or sport. However, students are beginning to find a place where they can be supported and encouraged to be strong and active.
Senior Caitlin Conlon felt lost after not continuing with Linfield soccer, and was not sure what she would do to stay in shape. That was until she found CrossFit.
“CrossFit begins with a belief in fitness,” according to the CrossFit website. Developed by Greg Glassman, CrossFit is defined as “That which optimizes fitness.”
Attending the local McMinnville CrossFit, Conlon has found a family away from school and home.
“It has become my really close group outside school and home,” Conlon said. “Just to go there and everyone knows your name, and you know everyone’s name. And everyone there is so positive, they all cheer you on and encourage you.”
As well as finding a new support group, Conlon has rejoined the competitive world by participating in CrossFit competitions.
Classified as the CrossFit Games, competitors are striving to be named the fittest on Earth.
Despite the support and encouragement, Conlon says that the time and money are the hardest part of competitions. And as a student, her schedule can be unpredictable.
“You have to sign up about a month in advance to compete, it’s hard because you have to think about if you have tests or assignments due that week, and the competitions can take up the whole weekend,” Conlon said. “CrossFit competitions aren’t cheap, so you also have to budget to make sure you have enough to compete.”
Conlon states that if you join CrossFit, you don’t have to compete.
“You can literally just use CrossFit as a way to stay in shape or meet new people,” Conlon said. “CrossFit ranges from elders and soccer moms to those fantastic elite athletes.”
The diversity of members is one thing about CrossFit that gives Conlon motivation.
“The variety of people that come to CrossFit is what makes it so homey, because you have like the grandma role model, the friend role model, the mom role model and the dad role model, ” Conlon said.
Conlon has even led others to try CrossFit, including her fiancé, Josh Repp, a recent Linfield alumnus.
“I’ve had a lot of friends come and go [to CrossFit], but I think that’s because of the money,” Conlon said. “[CrossFit] has a great student discount, but for students who don’t work, it might be hard to afford it.”
The sense of strength and fitness Conlon has acquired through CrossFit is her second motivator to continue with CrossFit.
“I know when I’m feeling down on myself and I’m like ‘Man I’m feeling out of shape,’ I can get one workout in and be completely fine,” Conlon said.
Kaylyn Peterson/Managing editor
