We had to hold onto our Athlete of the month for July, she was MIA on holiday “expressing her fitness”! Congrats to G for being nominated as Athlete of the Month for July. You’ve made some incredible progress over the past few months and now as part of our inaugural Barbell Babes program, we’re eager to see your progress in the near future!
Name
Gayatri Soma
What do you do for a job?
I work for IBM as a consultant.
How long have you been training at CFJ East?
I started training last year May. Left for a few months at the beginning of this year, but I have been back now for a good few months with determination to make it to training 4-5 times a week.
How did you first hear about CrossFit?
I heard about it from my best friend’s husband. At the time I was living in another country. When I returned to South Africa I decided to do some more research and see what CrossFit was about. I was lucky enough to find CFJ East 5 minutes away from where I currently live =).
Are there any memories from your first days that you’d like to share?
Yes definitely! I started CrossFit training in winter 5AM classes. My first week felt like torture. I had “T-rex” arms for days. For someone who has never done any sort of exercise for a good few years I was in pain. However, all I wanted to do was go back to the box, so that I could learn something new or lift/squat with a heavier weight.
What is the coolest thing that you have achieved at CFJ East?
For me there are many cool things. The latest being rope climbs (Managed to climb past the half way mark =)).
Prior to that, doing my first full wall walk and also being able to do one kipping pull-up. (1 Not that much. But that is progress for me)
What changes in your health have you noticed since starting?
I am able to sleep better. I have more energy throughout the day. The box is definitely my happy place because it helps me de-stress.
Favourite exercise?
Dead Lifts and anything that we do on the rig. I enjoy the “gymnasty” components
What is your biggest challenge in CrossFit?
I would say anything that has to do with running, rowing and sled pushes. It’s always a battle with these three…
List some of your big goals.
– Hand stand walk (Once my upper body strength has improved)-Long term Goal
– A full rope climb
– 5 kipping pulls
If I had it my way, I would like to be able to do all the “Cool” gymnasty stuff Andre does.
What is your nutrition fit? (Paleo, Zone, Anything And Everything, Etc.)
Due to my work life style I am unable to keep a healthy diet. However, I do try to eat more veggies and fruit. I have cut down on sugary foods
If you could invite 3 famous people to dinner, who would they be?
– Vin Diesel (”,)
– Jensen Ackels
– Pierre Spies
Who inspires you at CFJ East?
The coaches, Carl & Andre and community as a whole. The box has such an awesome atmosphere, every workout is a challenge. Nobody gives up! Members go in with 100%, and even if you are the last one completing the workout, the coaches and members are there cheering you on. Just when you think you can’t get in those last reps, there’s a team member doing each rep with you and Carl or Andre shouting “GO G, you got this”.
Tell us something we don’t know about you.
Hmmm I love jumping off High places =). I don’t have a fear of heights or any animal/creature (Except “Park town Prawn” kind of things). I’m an adrenalin junkie and love animals. I have done Bungee jumping, Scad falls, Sky diving…. I will interact with almost any kind of animal/creature. I love doing anything adventurous. Its either I have done it, or it’s on my to do list =).
