Get to know a member of CFI - Jennifer Graff
How long have you been CrossFitting?
8 years, I started crossfitting in July of 2010
What was your first class experience like?
William (my husband) had been trying to do CrossFit workouts from the main site at the Monon Center (I was working with a personal trainer there). He was running on the Monon and saw a sign for CrossFit in Carmel. Long story short, he called the wrong one but ended up going to CrossFit Carmel and met Lin and Brenda and did the Baseline workout. After he finished, he came home, grabbed me and took me back to the gym so I could do it.
What made you come back again?
To be honest, I don't really remember. I remember thinking CrossFit was like personal training but with a group of people and I thought that was fun. I also was interested in the movements and learning how to do them. CrossFit came much easier to William, but I still felt welcome and supported and that made me come back.
Tell us about your experience with CrossFit; how has it changed your life?
CrossFit has changed the way I look at exercise. I have tried lots of different things from personal training to group exercise programs to running a marathon (yuck). CrossFit is my favorite. It has empowered me in so many different ways. It has taught me that I can move way more weight than I ever thought possible. It has helped me deal with my anxiety. It has shifted the way I look at exercise. Exercise is no longer just about losing weight, it is now also about gaining and keeping strength, doing better than I did before, and getting in some heavy work. It makes me feel in charge of my body.
What is one thing you are proud of with your CrossFit experience? Tell us about one or two of your victories.
I think it is a victory that I am still here, lol. I don't know that I would call the other things victories, but more things that I am happy that I have done. I am happy that I CrossFitted all the way through both of my pregnancies. I am happy that I set some weightlifting goals for myself in 2012 and finally hit them in 2017.
What is one thing you are working on for this year? (example: double-unders, muscle-ups)
I am always working on just enjoying the process and the workouts. I got a couple of T2B and I'd like to get more, someday I might get a pull-up. But, I really don't dwell on that. I like to focus on the movements/workouts I enjoy, throw in a few that I don't, and just keep going
What do you like most about CFI?
The atmosphere: I am proud and happy that we are welcoming to everyone. It keeps the legacy of CrossFit Carmel and the gym I know and love. If you want to be in a very serious, competitive atmosphere, there are gyms in the area for that. It is just not who we have ever been as a gym. As someone who typically finishes last and loves a good time cap or AMRAP, I am so grateful for that.
What are two or three things you would tell someone considering CrossFit?
1. Anyone can do CrossFit. It will be hard, but any exercise can be modified to fit your personal fitness level. The coaches will help you.
2. CrossFit will help you lose weight, but the majority of that work is done in the kitchen. I wish it wasn't the case, but it is the truth.
3. Have fun. Set your own goals and meet them.
Is there anything else about your experience that you want to share?
Listen to your body. I have seen a lot of people do too much weight too soon or push themselves too hard and get hurt. Be the tortoise not the hare. You will thank yourself for it later.
8 years, I started crossfitting in July of 2010
What was your first class experience like?
William (my husband) had been trying to do CrossFit workouts from the main site at the Monon Center (I was working with a personal trainer there). He was running on the Monon and saw a sign for CrossFit in Carmel. Long story short, he called the wrong one but ended up going to CrossFit Carmel and met Lin and Brenda and did the Baseline workout. After he finished, he came home, grabbed me and took me back to the gym so I could do it.
What made you come back again?
To be honest, I don't really remember. I remember thinking CrossFit was like personal training but with a group of people and I thought that was fun. I also was interested in the movements and learning how to do them. CrossFit came much easier to William, but I still felt welcome and supported and that made me come back.
Tell us about your experience with CrossFit; how has it changed your life?
CrossFit has changed the way I look at exercise. I have tried lots of different things from personal training to group exercise programs to running a marathon (yuck). CrossFit is my favorite. It has empowered me in so many different ways. It has taught me that I can move way more weight than I ever thought possible. It has helped me deal with my anxiety. It has shifted the way I look at exercise. Exercise is no longer just about losing weight, it is now also about gaining and keeping strength, doing better than I did before, and getting in some heavy work. It makes me feel in charge of my body.
What is one thing you are proud of with your CrossFit experience? Tell us about one or two of your victories.
I think it is a victory that I am still here, lol. I don't know that I would call the other things victories, but more things that I am happy that I have done. I am happy that I CrossFitted all the way through both of my pregnancies. I am happy that I set some weightlifting goals for myself in 2012 and finally hit them in 2017.
What is one thing you are working on for this year? (example: double-unders, muscle-ups)
I am always working on just enjoying the process and the workouts. I got a couple of T2B and I'd like to get more, someday I might get a pull-up. But, I really don't dwell on that. I like to focus on the movements/workouts I enjoy, throw in a few that I don't, and just keep going
What do you like most about CFI?
The atmosphere: I am proud and happy that we are welcoming to everyone. It keeps the legacy of CrossFit Carmel and the gym I know and love. If you want to be in a very serious, competitive atmosphere, there are gyms in the area for that. It is just not who we have ever been as a gym. As someone who typically finishes last and loves a good time cap or AMRAP, I am so grateful for that.
What are two or three things you would tell someone considering CrossFit?
1. Anyone can do CrossFit. It will be hard, but any exercise can be modified to fit your personal fitness level. The coaches will help you.
2. CrossFit will help you lose weight, but the majority of that work is done in the kitchen. I wish it wasn't the case, but it is the truth.
3. Have fun. Set your own goals and meet them.
Is there anything else about your experience that you want to share?
Listen to your body. I have seen a lot of people do too much weight too soon or push themselves too hard and get hurt. Be the tortoise not the hare. You will thank yourself for it later.
Get to know a member of CFI - Scott Soltys-Curry
How long have you been CrossFitting?
A collective year. Only 5 months at CFI.
What was your first class experience like?
Coach Chris (Warsop) made me feel incredibly welcome and made sure I knew everyone in the class. Everyone was so great and immediately treated me like I'd been at the gym for years.
What made you come back again?
I immediately joined after my first class because everyone immediately made me feel like home. I can be pretty introverted at first in new scenarios, and everyone at CFI helped me get passed that super quickly.
Tell us about your experience with CrossFit; how has it changed your life?
CrossFit has helped me do things I'd never thought I'd be able to do. I grew up really overweight, and for a long time I surrendered to the fact that I'd never be strong or active. CrossFit has helped me build a solid foundation, and I only keep growing on top of that.
What is one thing you are proud of with your CrossFit experience? Tell us about one or two of your victories.
My biggest CrossFit victory so far is being able to do strict (and kipping) pull-ups. Growing up (and into adulthood), I could never do simple things - like the monkey bars on the playground - and now I love doing all kinds of movements on the bar.
What is one thing you are working on for this year? (example: double-unders, muscle-ups)
Handstand Pushups, pull-ups, and stamina.
What do you like most about CFI?
CFI is the perfect size for me. In a short time, I've gotten to know a lot of people really well, and the coaches seriously care about every single member - as athletes and as humans. All of the coaches are invested in the athletes and their personal goals. It feels good.
What are two or three things you would tell someone considering CrossFit?
CrossFit is a lot of hard work, but it pays off tenfold. It's not for the faint of heart. You have to be willing to have your ass kicked and kick your own ass at the same time.
Is there anything else about your experience that you want to share?
I can't emphasize how much it means that the coaches are so invested in the members of CFI.
"I’m from Tennessee. I’ve lived in Indy for 7 years. I’ve been at CFI since Dec ‘17. Just got married. Two cats and a dog. I love coffee, and I will gladly meet anyone/anytime for coffee at a local coffee house. Me in a nutshell"
A collective year. Only 5 months at CFI.
What was your first class experience like?
Coach Chris (Warsop) made me feel incredibly welcome and made sure I knew everyone in the class. Everyone was so great and immediately treated me like I'd been at the gym for years.
What made you come back again?
I immediately joined after my first class because everyone immediately made me feel like home. I can be pretty introverted at first in new scenarios, and everyone at CFI helped me get passed that super quickly.
Tell us about your experience with CrossFit; how has it changed your life?
CrossFit has helped me do things I'd never thought I'd be able to do. I grew up really overweight, and for a long time I surrendered to the fact that I'd never be strong or active. CrossFit has helped me build a solid foundation, and I only keep growing on top of that.
What is one thing you are proud of with your CrossFit experience? Tell us about one or two of your victories.
My biggest CrossFit victory so far is being able to do strict (and kipping) pull-ups. Growing up (and into adulthood), I could never do simple things - like the monkey bars on the playground - and now I love doing all kinds of movements on the bar.
What is one thing you are working on for this year? (example: double-unders, muscle-ups)
Handstand Pushups, pull-ups, and stamina.
What do you like most about CFI?
CFI is the perfect size for me. In a short time, I've gotten to know a lot of people really well, and the coaches seriously care about every single member - as athletes and as humans. All of the coaches are invested in the athletes and their personal goals. It feels good.
What are two or three things you would tell someone considering CrossFit?
CrossFit is a lot of hard work, but it pays off tenfold. It's not for the faint of heart. You have to be willing to have your ass kicked and kick your own ass at the same time.
Is there anything else about your experience that you want to share?
I can't emphasize how much it means that the coaches are so invested in the members of CFI.
"I’m from Tennessee. I’ve lived in Indy for 7 years. I’ve been at CFI since Dec ‘17. Just got married. Two cats and a dog. I love coffee, and I will gladly meet anyone/anytime for coffee at a local coffee house. Me in a nutshell"
Get to know a member of CFI - Lindsay Chasteen
How long have you been CrossFitting?
Since April of 2017
What was your first class experience like?
I was worried that I wouldn't fit in since I was not familiar with CrossFit, but everyone was really friendly and helpful.
What made you come back again?
It was fun. I learned a lot and wanted to do more.
Tell us about your experience with CrossFit; how has it changed your life?
I am stronger, not just physically but also mentally. Knowing that I can finish a tough workout that I have not tried before gives me confidence to take on new things.
What is one thing you are proud of with your CrossFit experience? Tell us about one or two of your victories.
I am proud of every PR. My first Rx WOD was very exciting! I can now do sit-ups without struggling. And I am amazed at myself every time I can do a successful lift or movement.
What is one thing you are working on for this year? (example: double-unders, muscle-ups)
Being able to get to Rx weight every time, and box jumps.
What do you like most about CFI?
The people! It truly is a community feel.
What are two or three things you would tell someone considering CrossFit?
It is never boring, so I actually look forward to working out. When you finish a class, the feeling of accomplishment is awesome. I smile during and after every class!
Is there anything else about your experience that you want to share?
CrossFit really is for anyone. All movements can be modified to fit someone's needs or skill level. At CFI, all the coaches and even the members are always willing to give advice, instruction, and attention to anyone who needs or asks for it. I'm so glad I found this great group of people that I can call friends.
"I grew up in a small town in Southern Indiana, went to Indiana University Bloomington for college, and moved to Indianapolis 10 years ago. I work in IT as a QA Analyst so I spend my day researching issues, digging up information, and testing (which is probably why you will hear me ask the CFI Coaches a bunch of questions during each class). Outside of work and CFI, I spend time with friends, family and my dog Andy Bernard. My friends and I are movie buffs so we are at the theater many times each month. I also love to bake so I'm the person who always brings desserts to events and parties, which is counterproductive if you are trying to get in shape. Overall I'm someone who loves to laugh and have fun. So if you see me smiling and giggling during a WOD, I am just working through the struggle!"
Since April of 2017
What was your first class experience like?
I was worried that I wouldn't fit in since I was not familiar with CrossFit, but everyone was really friendly and helpful.
What made you come back again?
It was fun. I learned a lot and wanted to do more.
Tell us about your experience with CrossFit; how has it changed your life?
I am stronger, not just physically but also mentally. Knowing that I can finish a tough workout that I have not tried before gives me confidence to take on new things.
What is one thing you are proud of with your CrossFit experience? Tell us about one or two of your victories.
I am proud of every PR. My first Rx WOD was very exciting! I can now do sit-ups without struggling. And I am amazed at myself every time I can do a successful lift or movement.
What is one thing you are working on for this year? (example: double-unders, muscle-ups)
Being able to get to Rx weight every time, and box jumps.
What do you like most about CFI?
The people! It truly is a community feel.
What are two or three things you would tell someone considering CrossFit?
It is never boring, so I actually look forward to working out. When you finish a class, the feeling of accomplishment is awesome. I smile during and after every class!
Is there anything else about your experience that you want to share?
CrossFit really is for anyone. All movements can be modified to fit someone's needs or skill level. At CFI, all the coaches and even the members are always willing to give advice, instruction, and attention to anyone who needs or asks for it. I'm so glad I found this great group of people that I can call friends.
"I grew up in a small town in Southern Indiana, went to Indiana University Bloomington for college, and moved to Indianapolis 10 years ago. I work in IT as a QA Analyst so I spend my day researching issues, digging up information, and testing (which is probably why you will hear me ask the CFI Coaches a bunch of questions during each class). Outside of work and CFI, I spend time with friends, family and my dog Andy Bernard. My friends and I are movie buffs so we are at the theater many times each month. I also love to bake so I'm the person who always brings desserts to events and parties, which is counterproductive if you are trying to get in shape. Overall I'm someone who loves to laugh and have fun. So if you see me smiling and giggling during a WOD, I am just working through the struggle!"
Get to know a member of CFI - Sean Frazer
How long have you been CrossFitting?
2 years as of October 2017
What was your first class experience like?
The warm-up to the basics class was 2x harder than any full work out I had done on my own in years.
What made you come back again?
I just wanted to prove to myself I could do it.
Tell us about your experience with CrossFit; how has it changed your life?
The biggest thing CrossFit has changed in my life is it has helped improve a lot of aches and pains, particularly related to back and neck pain. These things got worse before they got better, but around the 18-month mark for me my overall back and joint strength began to get quite a bit better than it was before I started CrossFit.
What is one thing you are proud of with your CrossFit experience? Tell us about one or two of your victories.
Recently, I beat my over-achieving wife at a WOD during a lunch-time session when we worked out together. She is half my size and usually runs circles around me. She was not happy!
What is one thing you are working on for this year? (example: double-unders, muscle-ups)
Kipping pull ups
What do you like most about CFI?
The community of people are great. Additionally, under our new ownership the general culture and environment of CFI is very positive.
What are two or three things you would tell someone considering CrossFit?
Focus on survival at first, then finishing under time caps and then being competitive. Oh yeah, don't eat Jamaican Reggae Grill before a WOD.
Is there anything else about your experience that you want to share?
The competitions are great (Wednesday Night League, CrossFit Open, etc.) and you don't have to be good to be competitive.
"I grew up on the east side of Indianapolis and now live in Westfield with my beautiful wife Nikki (also a CrossFit Indianapolis member and much better than me) and our three kids, Deklyn (9 year old boy), Ella (4 year old girl) and Lleyton (20 month old girl). That makes me an old dad at 43. We moved back to the Carmel/Westfield area in 2014 after living in Seattle for three years - what a beautiful place, and no, the rain isn't that bad. It actually rains more in an average year in Indianapolis than in Seattle. I work in financial services, helping business owners sell their businesses. When I'm not on the injured reserve list you might find the whole Frazer crew at CFI cluttering up the place, with Deklyn performing card tricks and telling jokes, Ella watching an ipad on a bench, Lleyton snoozing in her stroller and Nikki running/rowing/wall-balling/burpy-ing circles around me while I hold back the puke. We have all really enjoy the CFI community!"
2 years as of October 2017
What was your first class experience like?
The warm-up to the basics class was 2x harder than any full work out I had done on my own in years.
What made you come back again?
I just wanted to prove to myself I could do it.
Tell us about your experience with CrossFit; how has it changed your life?
The biggest thing CrossFit has changed in my life is it has helped improve a lot of aches and pains, particularly related to back and neck pain. These things got worse before they got better, but around the 18-month mark for me my overall back and joint strength began to get quite a bit better than it was before I started CrossFit.
What is one thing you are proud of with your CrossFit experience? Tell us about one or two of your victories.
Recently, I beat my over-achieving wife at a WOD during a lunch-time session when we worked out together. She is half my size and usually runs circles around me. She was not happy!
What is one thing you are working on for this year? (example: double-unders, muscle-ups)
Kipping pull ups
What do you like most about CFI?
The community of people are great. Additionally, under our new ownership the general culture and environment of CFI is very positive.
What are two or three things you would tell someone considering CrossFit?
Focus on survival at first, then finishing under time caps and then being competitive. Oh yeah, don't eat Jamaican Reggae Grill before a WOD.
Is there anything else about your experience that you want to share?
The competitions are great (Wednesday Night League, CrossFit Open, etc.) and you don't have to be good to be competitive.
"I grew up on the east side of Indianapolis and now live in Westfield with my beautiful wife Nikki (also a CrossFit Indianapolis member and much better than me) and our three kids, Deklyn (9 year old boy), Ella (4 year old girl) and Lleyton (20 month old girl). That makes me an old dad at 43. We moved back to the Carmel/Westfield area in 2014 after living in Seattle for three years - what a beautiful place, and no, the rain isn't that bad. It actually rains more in an average year in Indianapolis than in Seattle. I work in financial services, helping business owners sell their businesses. When I'm not on the injured reserve list you might find the whole Frazer crew at CFI cluttering up the place, with Deklyn performing card tricks and telling jokes, Ella watching an ipad on a bench, Lleyton snoozing in her stroller and Nikki running/rowing/wall-balling/burpy-ing circles around me while I hold back the puke. We have all really enjoy the CFI community!"
Get to know a member of CFI - Deepthi Kodali
How long have you been CrossFitting?
10 months
What do you do for a living?
I am on a break right now after my son's birth. I used to work as IT analyst for a consulting company in Carmel IN.
What are your main goals for coming to Crossfit?
Obviously, I don’t expect to compete in the CrossFit Games. Now that I’ve gotten to know what CrossFit is all about, I really want to get better at the movements, good health and increased energy.
What was your first class experience like?
I was very happy I completed the workout and surprised at the same time. I never knew anything about weight training or even thought about lifting or running before and barely finished my first WOD. It was really tough for me to get up and drive home after the first basics class.
What made you come back again?
I decided before my first class that I was going to try CrossFit no matter how tough it was to get back into shape. I felt better the next day after my first WOD and really glad I decided to take a risk and try out something new to improve my fitness.
Tell us about your experience with CrossFit; how has it changed your life?
I will never forget first walking into CFC/CFI and meeting Coach Josh for the first time. He had the biggest smile on his face. He took the time to meet me and focused on the goals that I wanted to accomplish. From that day forward, my husband and I are in the best shape of our lives. We are lifting, getting stronger, and moving faster. Doing CrossFit allows me to workout without getting bored of the routine because there is something different everyday and the coaches push me to my max. Even when I think I can’t go any further, the coaches push me to my limit and help me realize I can. The coaches believe in me more than I believe in myself. While I am at CrossFit it keeps me motivated to work out and finish the workouts. When I’m tired and want to stop, I see everyone else still going and it motivates me to push myself as well and finish.
What is your favorite Crossfit movement?
Wall-Balls
What is your least favorite Crossfit movement?
Running has always been one of my least favorite workouts. When it comes to a CrossFit lift, it would be a snatch.
What do you like most about CFI?
Coaches
What are two or three things you would tell someone considering CrossFit?
Anyone can do CrossFit no matter what shape that you are in.
What do you do outside of the gym for fun?
I love shopping, movies and hang around with friends.
10 months
What do you do for a living?
I am on a break right now after my son's birth. I used to work as IT analyst for a consulting company in Carmel IN.
What are your main goals for coming to Crossfit?
Obviously, I don’t expect to compete in the CrossFit Games. Now that I’ve gotten to know what CrossFit is all about, I really want to get better at the movements, good health and increased energy.
What was your first class experience like?
I was very happy I completed the workout and surprised at the same time. I never knew anything about weight training or even thought about lifting or running before and barely finished my first WOD. It was really tough for me to get up and drive home after the first basics class.
What made you come back again?
I decided before my first class that I was going to try CrossFit no matter how tough it was to get back into shape. I felt better the next day after my first WOD and really glad I decided to take a risk and try out something new to improve my fitness.
Tell us about your experience with CrossFit; how has it changed your life?
I will never forget first walking into CFC/CFI and meeting Coach Josh for the first time. He had the biggest smile on his face. He took the time to meet me and focused on the goals that I wanted to accomplish. From that day forward, my husband and I are in the best shape of our lives. We are lifting, getting stronger, and moving faster. Doing CrossFit allows me to workout without getting bored of the routine because there is something different everyday and the coaches push me to my max. Even when I think I can’t go any further, the coaches push me to my limit and help me realize I can. The coaches believe in me more than I believe in myself. While I am at CrossFit it keeps me motivated to work out and finish the workouts. When I’m tired and want to stop, I see everyone else still going and it motivates me to push myself as well and finish.
What is your favorite Crossfit movement?
Wall-Balls
What is your least favorite Crossfit movement?
Running has always been one of my least favorite workouts. When it comes to a CrossFit lift, it would be a snatch.
What do you like most about CFI?
Coaches
What are two or three things you would tell someone considering CrossFit?
Anyone can do CrossFit no matter what shape that you are in.
What do you do outside of the gym for fun?
I love shopping, movies and hang around with friends.
CrossFit Indianapolis Celebrations
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