Member Spotlight - CrossFit Big Rock

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.”

LANCE MILLER – September 2023

Lance’s strength is top notch and he’s got this stellar gymnastics background. He has CrossFitted with us here twice a week for years. When 2023 hit, he upped his membership to unlimited and now comes regularly. Lance is the perfect example of how CONSISTENCY and HARD WORK PAYS OFF!

“I started going to CrossFit in 2016 and it’s been a lot of fun learning new skills and improving the skills I already had. I like it because I feel like I’m part of a community. I like it because I get to do a workout that most gyms wouldn’t be able to provide. I like it because I can consistently work on my fitness goals with others as they work on theirs.

I’m the type of person that looks at the workout before going to class and, regardless of how brutal it may be, I’ve always looked forward to going. That’s because CrossFit Big Rock has always made me feel welcome. Everyone in that gym is working hard and everyone in that gym will cheer you on whether you’re the first to finish or the last. I’m extremely grateful to be a part of the CFBR community and for the friends I’ve made there.”

JANUARY ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

CONGRATULATIONS TO TAYLOR TOMPKINS… Our first 2018 Athlete of the Month!
Taylor has been with us since April 2017, but seems like she’s been with us since the beginning. And man, does this girl impress! Taylor has the strongest work ethic of any member we’ve seen. She works incredibly hard and it shows! She is constantly improving her movement, skill, strength and speed. “Taylor has this amazing attitude and is so fun to work out with!” She basically kicks ass everyday. She recently competed in her first CrossFit competition, coming away with a ninth place finish in a team division. Super awesome! We love having you here at Big Rock with us Taylor!

Get to know Taylor a bit more…
What drew your attention to trying out CrossFit? – A combination of things really. When I was in college my friend made me join the “Crossfit club,” which was my first real exposure to it. It met once a week, and despite there being no weight lifting involved, it literally kicked my ass. Then, I got out of college, and went back to doing nothing. Eventually, the weight I gained in college and my laziness really started to catch up with me, so I decided I should do something. And, because I hate running, and I generally quit traditional gyms after at least a month, I decided I should go try that thing I did in college, only for real this time. So here I am 😊

What were you most excited about and what were you most nervous about CrossFit? – I’m not totally sure what I was most excited about… maybe just the prospect of getting in shape lol. The weight lifting though, that was definitely the part that intimidated me the most. And like most girls, I was raised to believe that if you lift too much weight you’ll bulk up and it won’t be pretty. Turns out though, that the weight lifting is my favorite part. So I’m super glad I got over that whole thing.

Now that you’ve got months of CrossFit under your belt, what keeps you coming? – I see results in so many different ways that don’t relate to the number on a scale. Which is funny, because its really why I joined to begin with, and now its the part I care the least about. But its fun, I love watching my weights go up, I feel stronger, and I’m not dying after just 5 burpees anymore. I’m competing with myself, and proving to myself that I can do things I never thought I could, and that has been a really tremendous positive factor in my life. The sense of community is also really awesome, and I love the part about how I come in and someone else tells me what to do and I don’t have to think about it. It’s really nice lol

Outside of CrossFit, what keeps you busy? – My 6 year old mostly lol. But I work part time as a personal chef. I spend a lot of time menu planning, recipe developing, and cooking. Basically, when I’m not at the gym, I’m thinking about, making, or eating food.

Where did you grow up? – I grew up in New York.. Long Island to be specific 😊

What brought you to Duvall? – We spent a lot of time on the I-5 corridor when we were in the Navy, and we hated everything about it, so we decided we wanted to go east. We also wanted a smaller town vibe and a house with some acreage; so Duvall is where we landed.

Did you play sports growing up or as an adult? – haha… well technically yes I played softball and basketball when I was really young. However, I sucked at basketball, and I hated softball so much that they always sent me outfield… where I would pretty much dig for worms the entire time.

Favorites:
Food: French fries
Drink: honestly.. plain old water. But outside of that.. Alcoholic ? German style Beers. Non Alcoholic ? Coffee
Color: green
Movie: 10 Things I Hate About You
Vacation: My vacations are pretty much always spent in New York. If i could go anywhere though…. probably Thailand or New Zealand.

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