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March 2013 Athlete of the Month: Tamarr Schroeder

With so many people experiencing so much progress through the CrossFit Games Open, choosing one or two athletes for this award in March was challenging. There was however one athlete that all members, men and women alike, really aspired to. Tamarr Schroeder.
Many of you know Tamarr as our needle happy physiotherapist – a kick ass physio. She hasn’t been with us for very long, but in the short time that she has, she has had a profound effect on the community. The improvements in her fitness have been just as profound.

Here’s a bit about our March Athlete of the Month.

How did you discover CrossFit?
A Physio friend of mine, Diane Teles, started Crossfit at CFJ two years ago and raved about it. After I came back from overseas, Roxanne Allen (yes the one that goes swimming), suggested we try it. So I pitched up unannounced and unbooked on August 4th at the Saturday intro session with Rox, and Imtiaz gracefully let me join in the fun. The rest is history!

What were you doing sport/exercise wise before CrossFit?
I did gymnastics for many years into high school. For 2 or so years before CrossFit I did road cycling and gym (my mom dragged me along to Zumba and yoga classes, but needless to say she is now a converted CrossFitter too). Since CrossFit and after that dreadful 94.7 Cycle Challenge last year, I have sold my bike 😉

How long have you been training at CrossFit Jozi for?
April will be my 9th month.

Favourite CrossFit exercise?
I would naturally have to say the gymnastics 🙂 Especially handstands. Always loved being upside down 🙂

Most disliked CrossFit exercise?
Hmmm… Tough one. There’s not much that I intensely dislike! But the max effort (500m) rows brought me to my knees.

What changes in your health, physique, performance and mental wellbeing have you noticed since starting CrossFit?
Physically I have gotten much stronger and dropped in body fat percentage. Cutting out sugar and carbs used to be a challenge but when I realized the huge benefits, it just became a choice. Performance wise – I never thought after stopping gymnastics that I would ever be doing pull ups and handstands again,and the competitive side of me has definitely been stimulated again. Mentally, the better I train, the more clearly and positively I think, and the better I prioritize my time as life gets so busy! I must just add in that looking after your body is a spiritual act too, the better my training goes, the better my spiritual life goes 😉 I believe God put CrossFit in my path very intentionally 🙂 And needless to say it goes hand in hand with my profession, which I love, so the puzzle pieces have just fitted perfectly into place.

What advice would you give to someone with regards to starting CrossFit?
Just do it! Whether you are young or old, fit or unfit, with a sporting background or not. It will change the way you see beauty and can only have a positive effect on you. You will meet amazing people and will always be stimulated and challenged.

What is one word that people often use to describe you?
Complicated 🙂

What is something we would be surprised to know about you?
Do I really wana share this? I have webbed toes, hence being good at swimming in the past 😉 I’m not a freak ok, its only two on each side, and it’s genetic 🙂

Favourite activity outside of CrossFit?
Playing keyboard in the band at church 🙂

Favourite place to eat a Paleo-ish meal in Jozi?
Everyday meals-definitely Schwarma Co. in Norwood 🙂
Treat meals-Princi in Bedford centre (they make an AWESOME Norwegian salmon on spinach 😉 )

What are 2 things you will always find in your fridge?
Strawberries (when is season) and vegetables.

The song that gets you pumped up for a workout:
Tough one. I like a wide variety of music. As long as it has a beat 🙂

The last thing you ate?
Biltong and coffee

Proudest accomplishment at CrossFit?
Definitely the muscle up (although not perfected yet). Thank you coach Gadney for your excellent coaching cues!

Which CrossFit Jozi member inspires you the most?
I love all the members! Everyone has their own quirky bit to add 🙂 I really enjoy training with Zu and Rox, They always keep it fun. Brad and Louis also give me a run for my money. Keeping up with them is pretty much impossible but I try anyway 😉

What are your goals for the rest of 2013?
To do my best at Regionals and cherish the experience it brings. Would be awesome to master the art of the muscle up 🙂

CrossFitJozi_TamarrSchroeder

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