We couldn’t decide between them, so we picked both of them! Carmelle and Jason generally train consistently, and always give it their all. They are especially known to set high standards for themselves. During the month of June, they just stood out from all the other members given their efforts in class and the role they play in the community.
Carmelle Grottis
How did you discover CrossFit?
My husband Kurt and brother in law Jonathan joined and would shut up about it.
What were you doing sport/exercise wise before CrossFit?
Pole dancing
How long have you been training at CrossFit Jozi for?
August will be a year
Favourite CrossFit exercise?
Squats and cleans
Most disliked CrossFit exercise?
The snatch
What changes in your health, physique, performance and mental wellbeing have you noticed since starting CrossFit?
Well I have muscles which I never had before and I haven’t been sick since I started.
What advice would you give to someone with regards to starting CrossFit?
It’s addictive in the best way ever.
What is one word that people often use to describe you?
Caring
What is something we would be surprised to know about you?
I like my wine and am skillful in the kitchen
Favourite activity outside of CrossFit?
Spending time with my 4 boys and cooking
Favourite place to eat a Paleo-ish meal in Jozi?
Rich at Bedford Centre
What are 2 things you will always find in your fridge?
Dunia (coriander) and chillies
The song that gets you pumped up for a workout:
Feel this moment Aguilera and Pit Bull
The last thing you ate?
Chicken and butter nut.
Proudest accomplishment at CrossFit?
Doing a hand stand!
Which CrossFit Jozi member inspires you the most?
My husband Kurt, he is always trying to do better.
What are your goals for the rest of 2012?
To be stronger and stick to the 80/20 ratio for eating clean.
Jason Carozzo
How did you discover CrossFit?
Through my brother, Giancarlo, who nagged me for months to join.
What were you doing sport/exercise wise before CrossFit?
I was cycling and managed to complete two 94.7 Cycling Challenges.
How long have you been training at CrossFit Jozi for?
Since November 2012
Favorite CrossFit exercise?
Anything to do with squats
Most disliked CrossFit exercise?
Rope climbs-Not that I dislike it but I have not practiced enough so it’s hard for me to do.
What changes in your health, physique, performance and mental wellbeing have you noticed since starting CrossFit?
Health – I don’t get sick as much
Physique – I have lost 9 kilos and grown muscle in places I have never had muscle before. My posture has changed and I don’t slouch any more while at my computer.
Performance – I have loads of energy during the day and don’t get as tired. When I wake up I don’t have a sore back or neck.
Mental wellbeing – I am a lot more positive and confident.
What advice would you give to someone with regards to starting CrossFit?
My advice would be to set small achievable goals and not worry about what everyone else is doing. Don’t lose sight of your goals and don’t get despondent when you try something and cannot do it. Reduce the weight or scale the workout so that you are able to finish the WOD.
Also for me the biggest challenge to overcome was a mental challenge. When I started I thought that there was no ways that I could do most of what the rest of the people could do. But with constant encouragement from the coaches and the CFJ Members I was able to progress.
What is one word that people often use to describe you?
Genuine
What is something we would be surprised to know about you?
I love to cook
Favorite activity outside of CrossFit?
Playtime with my son.
Favourite place to eat a Paleo-ish meal in Jozi?
Any steak house.
What are 2 things you will always find in your fridge?
Vegetables and meat
The song that gets you pumped up for a workout:
At the moment- Hold on by Nervo
The last thing you ate?
Medium Rare T-Bone with Vegetables and salad
Proudest accomplishment at CrossFit?
Achieving a Kipping Pull up
Which CrossFit Jozi member inspires you the most?
My brother Giancarlo. He has pushed me to do what I did not think I could do at CrossFit.
What are your goals for the rest of 2013?
Get stronger, fitter and loose more weight.
