29
Jul
Phil Sandling
| Q: How did you find out about Ballston CrossFit and what about it convinced you to join? I looked online for CF gyms in the area before I even moved over from the UK, BCF being one of them. The class schedule fits perfectly with my work schedule and the availability of open gym makes it’s easy to get in and do extra accessory work (bicep curls). I also wanted a gym that had a good social scene and saw all the upcoming events on the whiteboard. Everyone who I spoke to was really welcoming which made it an easy decision in the end. Q: What stopped you from coming in sooner? I ruptured my Achilles playing rugby a week before moving to the US, so I had to wait until I had rehabbed that enough before starting otherwise I probably would’ve joined immediately. Q:When did you start at BCF and what were your goals going into it? I started in January 2024 and my goal was to regain fitness whilst rehabbing my injury, I also wanted to make some friends in the area. Q: What has helped you achieve success at BCF? All the coaches seemed to genuinely care and adapt the workouts around my injury, providing the same amount of intensity whilst not sacrificing the intended stimulus. This helped keep me motivated to train and prevented me from becoming frustrated at not being able to train at the level I have been use to. Q:What advice can you give to others that are new to CrossFit? Listen to the coaches, ask questions, have fun and keep the chalk in the bucket… Q: Besides working out, what other lifestyle changes did you make outside of the gym to achieve your goals? I started to pay more attention to what I was eating, drinking and prioritising sleep in order to recover. I love the trails around the local area so walking, running and cycling keeps me active outside the gym. Q: What is the biggest benefit you have noticed since starting CrossFit both in or out of the gym? My baseline level of fitness has improved. I was worried at how unfit I’d become. Since returning to training the gains in all aspects of fitness came back far sooner than I had expected. Q: What has been your favorite thing about Ballston CrossFit? There are a lot of things I like about this gym but it has to be the people. I was a member at an amazing CF gym in the UK and made some really good friends (shoutout to @crossfitISCA) so it was important to try and do the same here and I’m grateful that everyone here makes it a welcoming environment to train in. Everyone is cheerful, even at 6:30am and working out with likeminded people is the best start to my day. Q: What has your favorite memory related to CrossFit been? Probably dropping into gyms around the world when travelling. I love that CF gyms allow you to drop in to a class and get to meet new people who share a common interest. I think there’s something cool about dropping into a gym and doing a partner workout with a total stranger. Im able to get a workout in and get the local intel on the best local places to eat and drink. |