Each month Overland Park CrossFit recognizes a member who exemplifies our values and motivates others in the gym to push themselves with encouraging words. October’s Athlete of the Month is Lisa Suderman. Lisa was chosen because she is an amazing representative of a CrossFit woman. She strong and confident yet humble in her success. Lisa is definitely an inspiration to others at OPCF. Learn more below about Lisa!
- 1. What were your thoughts after your first CrossFit workout?
I was TERRIFIED walking in to my first Saturday morning workout! It completely wiped me out the rest of the day. Seriously, I laid on my couch all afternoon and wanted to die. I still have that particular Saturday workout saved in my phone to remember how far I’ve come and also to have a good laugh at myself every now and then. Charles had to pull my green pull-up band down for me that first day…I’m sure he’s glad he doesn’t have to do that anymore. 😉
- What has been your favorite workout?
None of them? Just kidding. I like our Saturday morning partner workouts because my weaknesses can be someone else’s strengths and vice versa. #onewholeperson…And for me, Saturday workouts are also a “Congrats, you didn’t die during the week” workout, so I don’t take it as seriously as workouts during the week. Its more about having fun and staying active.
- What is your favorite cheat meal?
Anyone who knows me knows that carbs are my love language. Team pancakes, all the way! I also would not complain if Waldo Pizza and Dairy Queen ice cream cake were involved. Come to me, my starchy, sugary lovers!
- Where do you work?
Seaboard Foods – I work in product development and master data management for a fresh pork processing company.
- What do you like to do outside of work?
I love exploring the city, reading, traveling, being at the lake, trying new restaurants, hanging out around my fire pit with friends (and red wine), and being with my family and nephews.
6. What advice would you give a newbie just starting at OPCF?
Don’t you dare quit. We’ve all been there, especially me….like, sat-on-my-kitchen-floor-and-cr
- What is your favorite lift?
I used to cherry pick workouts that had snatches in them. It took me way longer than I care to admit to figure out the technique. Now that I somewhat know what I’m doing, I look forward to workouts that have snatches programmed, even if I can’t do the RX weight.
- What’s your biggest “GOAT”?
Any gymnastics movement. Ever. Period. I don’t want to talk about it. Next question.
- What changes have you seen in yourself since starting at OPCF?
“I’ve actually packed on 15-20 pounds of solid bulk muscle…that’s actually a testament to your gym, bro” (<– please, someone get that reference)
On a personal note, I had just gone through a really bad divorce when I started at OPCF, so my self esteem and confidence were pretty low. I found that something about sweating and enduring a grueling workout does my brain and body a lot of good, though. Working out is a good way for me to handle stress, and I find myself being super protective of my 6pm class time during the week. I have to go. On a less serious note, I have noticed that when I sit down and my legs do the spreading thing, I can flex my quads through my jeans and see muscle definition. HOW DID WE GET HERE?!
- What is your biggest improvement or proudest accomplishment thus far?
- What is something you have always wanted to do but haven’t yet?