Athlete Archives - CrossFit Big Rock

Athlete of the Month

JASON ROSS – JUNE 2025

*MEMBER SPOTLIGHT*

Jason is our Cardio King!! Like he mentions below, he came here for the cardio and the sweat. But what he didn’t realize then, was he was going to get a heck of a lot more. Jason is incredibly strong, in body weight movements and with the weights. And then when it’s all mixed together in a workout, he totally excels. He just keeps getting faster, stronger and has the best endurance. He always walks through the door wearing a huge smile, ready to work hard, and ready to support his fellow mates working out alongside him. We love having you in our Big Rock family!! Get to know Jason a bit more…

“My family moved to Duvall in July 2019, and my first ever CrossFit class was in December. I remember thinking “how hard can a burpee be?” More than 5 years later, I’m still finding out.

Although I like to say, “I’m here for the cardio,” I’m really here for all of it — especially the community. Going to CFBR is always a highlight of my day, and it’s so rewarding to suffer (in the best possible way) with your friends.

Outside the box, you can often find me running on the trail behind CFBR, at Parkrun on Saturday mornings, and at Eastside Runners Club track workouts, where I get to pretend I’m still on a track team while getting absolutely smoked by much older people.”

JASON ROSS – JUNE 2025Corey McKenzie2025-06-02T13:36:23-07:00

ADAIR HAWKINS – FEBRUARY 2025

*MEMBER SPOTLIGHT*

So many reasons why we chose Adair as our next Member Spotlight… her positive attitude, her passion and dedication to fitness, her commitment to health, her radiant smile, her upbeat personality, her support and encouragement given to every single CrossFit Big Rock member she works out with is top notch! Adair likes to claim she’s not a “natural”, but we beg to differ! So many years of CrossFit under her belt, and it shows. She proves it day in and day out! We love you Adair, love sweating with you, and love all the fun conversations you like to have after (and during!) workouts!!! Here’s a little a bit of info from Adair (who btw is Carnation’s new MAYOR!)…

“I am someone who has always loved exercise, but unlike many CrossFitters, I have never been a natural athlete. I started working out at CrossFit Big Rock because the classes were at the same time that I happened to have childcare. I didn’t know that CFBR was exactly what I needed for not only my physical health, but my mental health as well.

What I love most about Big Rock is the incredible positive energy and acceptance for all fitness levels. I love that I show up, and the coaches have already decided on the workout. I love that the coaches will personalize any workout for my level of fitness. The camaraderie of other members has been unbelievable!”

ADAIR HAWKINS – FEBRUARY 2025Corey McKenzie2025-02-03T15:44:41-08:00

JOE JYONS – OCTOBER 2024

So many things to say about Joe, not even sure where to begin… Joe is the best person to pump you up, workout next to, whine about your aches and pains to, have a drink with, laugh with, lift with, get motivation from, the list goes on and on. We are so grateful for you Joe!!! Here’s his story…

“When Corey messaged me about being member of the month and asked for this write up I blushed and immediately felt this could be a love letter to CrossFit or a thank you to Corey and Tess for helping me find something I didn’t know I needed. I’ve been involved in sports for most of my life as a player or a coach, but like a lot of people getting older made me softer, weaker, and more comfortable. Big Rock has helped change all of that for me.

My CrossFit adventure started with a winning bid at the 2018 REF auction. That bid got me a t-shirt, a coffee mug, and a 1-month membership at CF Big Rock. It took me about 4 months to put that membership to work. Showing up for my first workout I thought I was pretty fit and strong, I was quickly humbled. That workout took me out of my comfort zone from the jump. That discomfort was the spark I needed to make a commitment…I was hooked.

I happily refer to my favorite obsession as adult PE, and to me that’s the best description of what we get to do at Big Rock. Like PE, when I walk through the door for a workout and get a 1-hour mental break from life that leaves me fitter, stronger, and less stressed than when I walked in. I show up and get to work out with great coaches, sweat with friends, and go heavy with a bunch of happy apes. You don’t get this feeling going solo at Planet Fitness. Comradery, encouragement, sh*t talking, and competition with yourself or others is all community.

At 46 with a bunch of new parts I’m in the best shape of my life. My time here at Big Rock and inability to do anything in moderation is what got me here. It’s been a great place for me to grow physically and keep myself sane in an insane world. The community Corey and Tess have created is fantastic and I feel truly grateful for getting to be a part of it.

As dumb as most auction purchases are, the t-shirt, mug, and 1-month membership was easily one of the best buys I’ve ever made and looking back I would have happily paid a lot more.”

JOE JYONS – OCTOBER 2024Corey McKenzie2024-11-18T12:20:50-08:00

PARO UPPAR – June 2024

Huge shout out to Paro! This girl has made gains! She is dedicated and works so hard. And always walks through our door with a big smile. We are incredibly happy to have her with us at CFBR.

“MY CROSSFIT JOURNEY

I started my CrossFit journey in January 2023, and it’s been an incredible 1.5 years so far! I began with 2 days a week and have since increased my frequency to 4 days a week, driven by my passion for the sport and the progress I’ve made.

FROM SOLO GYM SESSIONS TO CROSSFIT WORKOUTS

Before CrossFit, I used to work out alone in a regular gym without a trainer. I would often find myself stuck in a routine, doing the same exercises without learning anything new or challenging myself. I even hurt my knees from repetitive treadmill running!

A LIFE-CHANGING DECISION

My friend suggested I try CrossFit, and I’m so glad I took the leap! Joining CrossFit Big Rock has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. I now look forward to our workouts, excited to see what challenges await me and to work out with my CrossFit friends.

PROGRESS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Over the past 1.5 years, I’ve learned various weight training exercises, cardio exercises, and how to scale exercises, gradually increasing my weight. I feel confident and proud of my progress. Our exceptional coaches provide guidance on technique, posture correction, and motivation, understanding our strengths and weaknesses and helping us push beyond our limits.

THE CROSSFIT COMMUNITY

The CrossFit Big Rock community is super cool, fun, supportive, and incredibly friendly! I’ve loved our get-togethers and participating in my first Open 2024 was an unforgettable experience!”

PARO UPPAR – June 2024Corey McKenzie2024-06-28T10:17:06-07:00

ANAYA & DREW STOUT – May 2024

Rock star couple right here! Anaya and Drew have been solid members with us for years now. They are dedicated to their fitness, have great work ethic, are huge supporters to everyone, and are so much fun to workout alongside. We love you two!!!

“Our CrossFit journey started in Colorado in 2012, where we enjoyed flipping tractor tires, doing super tall box jumps, and lifting heavy. Despite interruptions due to parenthood and moving states, we continued our fitness journey, training at home and then at another crossfit gym in South Seattle, before settling in Duvall. We keep coming back to Crossfit because the workouts are hard as hell and the community feels like family. We love our Big Rock family and can’t imagine how any other gyms could come close to the community we’ve found here.”

ANAYA & DREW STOUT – May 2024Corey McKenzie2024-05-15T08:07:40-07:00

ERIN BLAKE – February 2024

Shout out to one of our favorites! Erin started with us a couple years back and then shortly after joined our coaching staff. One word to describe Erin is… tough! This girl works hard. She’s got grit. She’s got determination. No fear. And man is this mama strong! We luv ya Erin, thank you for all you do for us at Big Rock!

“CrossFit Big Rock has been my go-to spot for nearly two years now, and let me tell you, it’s like my second home! What keeps me hooked? It’s not just the killer workouts; it’s the kickass community that welcomes me with open arms every single day. There’s something about seeing folks hustle and bustle, pushing themselves to the limit, that lights a fire in me. CrossFit isn’t just about pumping iron; it’s a mental and physical grind that keeps me coming back for more. No matter where you’re at in your journey, there’s always room to level up, and that’s what I love about this place. CrossFit Big Rock isn’t just a gym; it’s where I come to sweat, laugh, challenge myself, and help others unleash their inner beasts.”

ERIN BLAKE – February 2024Corey McKenzie2024-05-15T08:01:16-07:00

FRITZ BEHR – November 2023

Fritz is one of those members you just love working out next to! He always has a positive energy, always works hard, and gives it his all. He consistently makes gains whether it’s a new skill learned or PRing a lift. One of the first to sign up for a challenge or to meet at the Tavern after open gym (sit next to him at trivia night, he’s wicked smart).
“I first got into CrossFit in 2008 by following CrossFit.com with a buddy of mine. I quickly got hooked on the concept of functional fitness. Then life got in the way and I stopped working out for a while.
I joined Big Rock two years ago and couldn’t be happier. I still love functional fitness. The community here is awesome— supportive and fun. The coaches have a way of delivering just the right cues, it’s always a good workout when that lightbulb goes off on how a movement is supposed to feel. Getting my first muscle-up after weeks of coaching at open gym was so gratifying.
Staying fit doesn’t come as easy in my 40s as it did in my 20s/30s, but with Big Rock’s help I’m stronger and fitter than I’ve ever been.”

FRITZ BEHR – November 2023Corey McKenzie2023-12-14T17:29:08-08:00

HANNAH CAVENDISH-PALMER – October 2023

Hannah has been working so hard here at Big Rock, especially in the past few months. This girl comes super regularly, each day walking through the door with a big smile, always upbeat and positive. We absolutely love working out next to her in class!

“CrossFit means a lot to me and I’m so glad I found it when I did.

The thing that has hooked me is feeling strong. I am still working on most of the basic skills and it’s possible I always will be, but I’m not in a hurry. I’m here for the long haul. I didn’t know my body was capable of doing these things and I’m pretty sure I almost missed the boat entirely.

I love that CrossFit allows people at different spots along their journey to workout together, yet at their own level. Thank you, Tess and Corey, for creating such a welcoming space where that can happen. I am proud to be a part of it.”

HANNAH CAVENDISH-PALMER – October 2023Corey McKenzie2023-12-14T17:29:54-08:00

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