Kipping it Real with Parma!

Each month Overland Park CrossFit recognizes a member who exemplifies our values and motivates others in the gym. May’s Athlete of the Month is Parma Pullagurla. Parma has been putting in all the work, and it’s showing. He comes into every workout with a strategy-and crushes it! We have seen Parma improve in the short amount of time that he has been here. He is so fun to be around as he has a very caring, funny, and outgoing personality! We are so grateful to have Parma at OPCF and want to give him a special shoutout!

 

How long have you been working out at Overland Park CrossFit?

 Since last June( just a day before Murph was my first workout)”

What were your thoughts after your first CrossFit workout? Do you remember what it was? 

“It was great.. I do remember it was a Saturday workout and Matthew Sumpter was my partner. I loved that workout.”

What has been your favorite workout so far? 

“Squatting!”

What did you want to be when you grew up and where do you work now?

 “Hmm, I wanted to be here (In the United States) :).. I work for Verizon.”

What do you like to do outside of work?

“Hiking and spending time with friends and family.”

What advice would you give a newbie just starting at OPCF?

“Don’t get intimidated.. take one step at a time.. you made a great decision being here just stick with it dont give up.”

What is on your bucket list?

“Crossfit wise :  hands stand walk and Ring muscle ups..I want to Hike all 14er’s .. so far I have done 15.”

Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?

“Protein shakes;)”

If your pet could talk, what do you think they might say about you?

           “That I probably have more Patience probably :)”

What is your favorite random fact?

“I was fascinated by the fact that there are 7 identical people just like you exist in the world and in a lifetime will get a chance to see at least one.”

What is your go-to karaoke song?

“I am not very much into listening to any songs other than Indian music.. but I like this song-Alejandro ( Lady Gaga).”

 

Kipping it Real with Jackie!

Each month Overland Park CrossFit recognizes a member who exemplifies our values and motivates others in the gym. April’s Athlete of The Month is Jackie Downing. Jackie is an afternoon regular! She is a nurse practitioner in general medicine at KU. She has been doing crossfit for 6 months! Every single day that she comes in, she crushes it! We are so grateful to have Jackie at OPCF and want to give her a special shoutout! 

 

How long have you been working out at Overland Park CrossFit?

-6 months

What were your thoughts after your first CrossFit workout? Do you remember what it was?

– my first one was back in 2012, I don’t remember what it was but I do remember thinking it felt like being back in sports in high school. My husband and I were members of CrossFit diem prior to it closing and coming here.

What has been your favorite workout so far?

– anything without running or pull-ups and anything with rowing in it. 

What did you want to be when you grew up and where do you work now?

– I wanted to be a veterinarian when I was growing up. I also thought it would be awesome to be an astronaut but getting carsick in vehicles ruled that career out. I currently work as a nurse practitioner in general medicine at KU.

What do you like to do outside of work?

– I grow a lot of flowers and vegetables from seed. We live on five acres in Spring Hill/bucyrus. I enjoy going to gardens, trying new breweries or wineries with my husband and traveling. I love learning, especially about plants and listening to podcasts. 

What advice would you give a newbie just starting at OPCF?

– Don’t judge yourself and your growth based on what others can do and give yourself grace while getting stronger. 

What is on your bucket list?

-some day I’d like to work with flowers/plants, maybe owning my own business. 

Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?

– coffee and sparkling water

If your pet could talk, what do you think they might say about you?

– Barley, our crazy black lab/catahoula leopard mix would say that he loves me best even if I’m never the one that feeds him or takes him outside. 

What is your favorite random fact?

The mascot for the University of Minnesota is a golden gopher, which is my alumni. 

Kipping it Real with Drew!

Each month Overland Park CrossFit recognizes a member who exemplifies our values and motivates others in the gym. March’s Athlete of The Month is Drew Van Heuveln. Drew has been taking extra time to work on accessory work, and it shows. He has been progressing like crazy! His gymnastics skills, especially, have skyrocketed! His hard work does not go unnoticed!! If there is a rower in a workout-Drew is for sure taking the win. We are so grateful to have Drew at OPCF and want to give him a special shoutout! 

How long have you been working out at Overland Park CrossFit?

About a year & 9 months.

 What were your thoughts after your first CrossFit workout? Do you remember what it was?

One of the first things I remember learning was toes to bar. I don’t remember the workout, but it was enough fun that I came back.

 What has been your favorite workout so far?

I liked the E4MoMs from the last few weeks a lot.

 What did you want to be when you grew up and where do you work now?

First I wanted to be a garbage man, then an orthopedic surgeon. Now I’m an electrical engineer at Honeywell.

 What do you like to do outside of work?

I like going on walks with my dog Sophie, eating/cooking good food, playing video games, rowing, skiing, and crossfit (duh).

 What advice would you give a newbie just starting at OPCF?

Don’t fly and die

 If your pet could talk, what do you think they might say about you?

She’d say “He definitely didn’t feed me a few minutes ago, trust me.” 

What is your favorite random fact?

 When the US eliminated the half-penny, it had more buying power than dimes do today.

Kipping it Real with Juliana!

 

Each month Overland Park CrossFit recognizes a member who exemplifies our values and motivates others in the gym. February’s Athlete of The Month is Juliana France. Juliana deserves to be recognized for all of the hard work she has been  putting in at the gym. Not only is she a hard worker, she is extremely nice and motivating. We have seen Juliana encourage other members to push themselves. She believes in others when others do not believe in themselves.. She truly cares for people- and it shows! She has been making huge strides in the gym as well….including getting her first chest to bar pull-ups…amazing!!! Julianas hard work does not go unnoticed and her positive attitude is just contagious!! We are so grateful to have Juliana at OPCF!

 

How long have you been working out at Overland Park CrossFit?

I have been working out at OP for 6 months now! I love it! 

What were your thoughts after your first CrossFit workout? Do you remember what it was?

The first time I tried Crossfit it was actually back in Brazil in 2016. I absolutely hated it. When I came back to the USA I decided to try it again. I was still skeptical at first, but then I fell in love with it. I still ask myself everyday in the middle of the workout: Why do I do this? Why do I do this? hahah, but it’s very rewarding when I am done. 

 

What has been your favorite workout so far?

 

I love anything that involves a barbell.  

 

What did you want to be when you grew up and where do you work now?

 

I wanted to be a Lawyer. I became one in Brazil and today I work for Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) in the Legal Department. Never thought this would be possible! 

 

What do you like to do outside of work?

 

I love to dance, work out, travel and spend time with my family. 

What advice would you give a newbie just starting at OPCF?

 

 Lower your expectations of yourself. It’s a learning process. Frustration will come but be open minded to learn and have fun. You most likely find your second family there.  

 

What is on your bucket list?

 

 I want to go to Italy!! 

 

Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?

 

 I have a golden retriever (Tucker) and two cats (Felipe and Caramelo) . They would probably say this:  

 Tucker: Thank you very much for being my mom and making sure my dad takes me outside everyday. Thank you so much for managing my dad. I love that baby Giovana is here because she shares her food with me all the time. 

Felipe and Caramelo: Thank you so much for loving us mom. I love all the kisses and snuggles. Thank you for taking such good care and making sure our nails are always trimmed so we would not destroy the house. We love you! 

What is your favorite random fact?

 

I never had Taco Bell.

 

What is your go-to karaoke song?

 

Wannabe- spice girls

Kipping it Real with Meredith!

Each month Overland Park CrossFit recognizes a member who exemplifies our values and motivates others in the gym to push themselves with encouraging words. November’s Athlete of the Month is Meredith Scafe. She was chosen because of her obvious dedication to making fitness and wellness a priority. Since she has started at OPCF, she has not hesitated to ask questions about how to perform a movement correctly, how to scale/modify a workout appropriately, or how to take her fitness to the next level in general. Her positivity and joyful interactions with the other members in her class are an encouragement to everyone. Her hard work is paying off and we love having Meredith as a part of our OPCF community.

How long have you been working out at Overland Park CrossFit? Since July 2022 (for about 3 months).
What were your thoughts after your first CrossFit workout? Do you remember what it was? I don’t remember. But I’m sure I thought, wow, that was hard, and I’m sure I was super impressed by everyone else who completed it.                      
What has been your favorite workout so far? Strength workouts are my favorite. I enjoyed the squat cycle, where we did 20 squats weekly. 
What is your favorite cheat meal? Burgers and fries                                                              
What did you want to be when you grew up and where do you work now? I wanted to be a vet. Now, I work as a psychology fellow at the University of Kansas Medical Center.   
What do you like to do outside of work? Hang out with our dogs, ride bikes, and spend time with my family.                                                        
What advice would you give a newbie just starting at OPCF? Just keep moving!                       
What is your favorite/least favorite movement? My least favorite – WALL BALLS; my favorite – squats.                                              
What’s one CrossFit goal you have set for yourself to accomplish this next year? I really want to be able to do pull-ups and/or kip.
What changes have you seen in yourself since starting at OPCF? I have felt more confident about my ability to do different lifts and movements.         
What is your biggest improvement or proudest accomplishment thus far? Being able to focus more on my posture and form during lifts and movements. 
How do you fit working out into your weekly schedule? I try to be realistic about how many days I can work out, given my other commitments. I have chosen to work out 3 days during the work week, which has been motivating and is achievable given my schedule!   
What is something you have always wanted to do but haven’t yet? Go on a trip to Europe. 

 

Kipping It Real with Ryan!

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 Ryan Hamm. He was chosen because of how he makes working out a priority by consistently attending several classes each week. He has also made a ton of progress in his movement patterns and his ability to do more difficult gymnastics movements. His hard work is paying off and we love having Ryan as a part of our OPCF community!

How long have you been working out at Overland Park CrossFit? 6 months
What were your thoughts after your first CrossFit workout? Do you remember what it was?  I thought it was fantastic and just what I needed.  I don’t recall the actual workout but it was an EMOM with about 5 different movements.
What has been your favorite workout so far? I am not sure I have a favorite.  I just love the variety.
What is your favorite cheat meal? All of them but if I had to choose one it would be Queso Dip…it is no doubt my kryptonite.  
What did you want to be when you grew up and where do you work now? When I was young, I thought I wanted to be an orthopedic surgeon, but when I got older, I realized I didn’t want to go to school that long…I now own part of a food distribution company.
What do you like to do outside of work? Hang w/ family and friends, golf, and mountain bike.
What advice would you give a newbie just starting at OPCF? Focus on the fundamentals, not the weight.
What is your favorite/least favorite movement? Favorite = Burpees…Least Favorite = Echo Bike
What’s one CrossFit goal you have set for yourself to accomplish this next year? To be able to do muscle ups.
What changes have you seen in yourself since starting at OPCF? I have more energy!
What is your biggest improvement or proudest accomplishment thus far? The overall ability to do the movements correctly and gradually add weight.
How do you fit working out into your weekly schedule? I figure out what my kids’ activities are for the week and plug the gaps with workouts.
What is something you have always wanted to do but haven’t yet?  In the CrossFit world-kipping pull-ups and/or muscle ups.  In life…travel all over Europe!

 

Kipping it Real with Elizabeth!

Each month Overland Park CrossFit recognizes a member who exemplifies our values and motivates others in the gym to push themselves with encouraging words. September’s Athlete of the Month is Elizabeth Dollins. She was chosen because of her evident commitment to her health and fitness. She puts this on display by making class attendance a high priority, pushing herself to do heavier weights and more difficult gymnastics movements in metcons, and constantly striving to improve her technique. She is super encouraging to all of the members in her class and her positive attitude and awesome dance moves shine through! Her hard work is paying off and we love having Elizabeth as a part of our OPCF community!

1. How long have you been working out at Overland Park CrossFit? October 2020

2. What were your thoughts after your first CrossFit workout? Do you remember what it was? My first weekend as a CrossFitter, the gym was closed on a Saturday. They wrote a workout we could do outside. It was shuttle runs, every ten yards, down a football field followed by a 100-yard bear crawl….do it all three times. I remember thinking “I’ve been bear crawling forever, I have to be near the end” and I would look up and it had been like 10 yards!
3. What has been your favorite workout so far? I’ve found that I prefer the long, chipper type of workouts where you pace yourself and just keep moving. Especially if there is a run involved so I can use that to catch my breath!
4. What is your favorite cheat meal? Ice cream, always.
5. What did you want to be when you grew up and where do you work now? I wanted to be a physical therapist…then I realized how squeamish I am with blood/injuries/wounds, so that got discarded. I now lead a Catastrophe Response Team, responding to natural disaster events around the country (floods, hurricanes, wildfires, etc.).   
6. What do you like to do outside of work? I like to travel and adventure, especially outside!  I like to run, hike, or paddleboard as often as I can! We are also a big music family… band, choir, show choir, musical theater… all the things… so I get to support my kids in those endeavors as well.
7. What advice would you give a newbie just starting at OPCF? Give it 30 days. I know it is overwhelming to start. So many humans. So many words that don’t make sense. All the loud noises. Trust falling to the toilet because your legs are toast. I Googled every movement in the workouts for at least the first month before class. The coaches are so helpful. Ask questions, take feedback, and interact with strangers. You won’t regret it! Come to 9:30! We are a hoot!
8. What is your favorite/least favorite movement? My favorite movement is anything with machines! I love workouts with a lot of biking or rowing! Of the lifts, cleans are my favorite (preferably power). I’ve improved my cleans so much, even just in the last few months since focusing on it in the new Barbell classes!
My least favorite movement is wall balls.  Gross.
9. What’s one CrossFit goal you have set for yourself to accomplish this next year? I really want to focus on being more intentional with gymnastics movements, just the very basic ones. I’ll go through periods where I work on them consistently and get so close, then I move onto other things and by the time I circle back I’ve lost that momentum. I want to get to a point where I have the ability to do the movements in most of the Train track workouts, even if it is at a reduced quantity.
10. What changes have you seen in yourself since starting at OPCF? I’ve gained more confidence in my own abilities, both in and out of the gym. Knowing what my body is capable of, and how far I can push it to do hard things. Whether it is taking third-place in a (scaled) CrossFit competition, hiking across the Grand Canyon, or running a half-marathon, I have more confidence in setting goals, working towards those goals, and crushing those goals.
11. What is your biggest improvement or proudest accomplishment thus far? Joining OPCF has had positive ripple effects through every area of my life. The easy answer is to say that I’m stronger. I can lift heavier, push myself harder, and I’ve learned so much from our (very patient) coaches about my body and how to use it correctly and efficiently, and how to fuel it appropriately. But more importantly, I’ve also found the most amazing community of people who are also trying to take care of themselves, and have fun doing it. The relationships I’ve made in my time here have been so awesome! I have a built-in group of friends who willingly (and enthusiastically) say “yes” when we want to do an obstacle course mud run, or when we suggest a 25 mile hike across the Grand Canyon. I have people that encourage and support me, in life and in the gym. I started my fitness journey alone, spending hours on a treadmill in my basement. Trust me, it is better with friends.
12. How do you fit working out into your weekly schedule? If I’m being honest, I build my schedule around working out as much as possible. I have young kids, a demanding job, and life is super hectic, but being at the gym is as much a part of my mental health as it is my physical health. If I miss several consecutive days, or have to take a break for whatever reason, I feel the effects of that in my day-to-day life. Sometimes that means functioning in a heightened state of anxiety, sometimes it is not sleeping as well, and other times it is just having less ability to exercise patience with the people around me. Recognizing that it is about so much more than just working out makes it easier to prioritize it! I want to give the people in my life – my family, my employees, my friends – the best version of myself, and working out is part of achieving that goal!
13. What is something you have always wanted to do but haven’t yet? I want to do more international travel. I’ve really hit all the areas of the United States now, so I’m ready to get out into the world and see the rest of it!  Let’s climb some mountains!!!!!!!

 

Kipping It Real with David!

Each month Overland Park CrossFit recognizes a member who exemplifies our values and motivates others in the gym to push themselves with encouraging words. August’s Athlete of the Month is David Doell. He was chosen because of his obvious dedication to making fitness a priority and always striving to do his best when he’s in class. It is evident that he wants to get better and he takes the time to learn how to do the simpler movements correctly before trying to advance to something more difficult. This level of patience and perseverance is very admirable. His hard work is paying off and we love having David as a part of our OPCF community.

How long have you been working out at Overland Park CrossFit? I joined in February of 2022, so roughly 6 months.
What were your thoughts after your first CrossFit workout? Do you remember what it was? I remember thinking this is a hell of a lot more fun than just lifting weights at a regular gym! 
                         
What has been your favorite workout so far? It’s hard to pick just one. I’m a huge fan of the variety of movements and workouts that we do. It keeps things interesting.
What is your favorite cheat meal? Chili dogs.             
                                                 
What did you want to be when you grew up and where do you work now?  I wanted to build roller coasters growing up. Now I work as a Civil Engineer. 
What do you like to do outside of work? I play a lot of adult-league sports with friends and travel when I can. 
                                                       
What advice would you give a newbie just starting at OPCF? Don’t be afraid to ask the coaches for tips. All of them really know their stuff.       
                  
What is your favorite/least favorite movement? Favorite: handstand push-ups. Least Favorite: power snatch.                                               
What’s one CrossFit goal you have set for yourself to accomplish this next year? I want to be able to perform any movement listed in the workout, like t2b, muscle-ups, handstand walks. Whatever the workout calls for, that’s what I’ll do.
What changes have you seen in yourself since starting at OPCF? My overall fitness has greatly improved since starting at this gym. I’ve always focused on strength, but my flexibility, balance, and endurance have all improved as well.

What is your biggest improvement or proudest accomplishment thus far? I have come a long way with proper lifting form. I am way more confident when performing lifts and I am comfortable enough to start increasing my weight.   
How do you fit working out into your weekly schedule? It’s important to make personal fitness a priority. I set a goal of going at least three times a week after work. 
   
What is something you have always wanted to do but haven’t yet? Backpack Ireland. I think we have finally nailed down a trip for 2023.

Kipping it Real with Sara!

Each month Overland Park CrossFit recognizes a member who exemplifies our values and motivates others in the gym to push themselves with encouraging words. July’s Athlete of the Month is Sara Hoffman. She was chosen because it is evident that her health and fitness are important to her because of how she prioritizes working out even with a busy work schedule. She has made great improvements in her movement patterns by listening to the coaches and trying to implement the cues they give her. She is very active in the OPCF community, participating in events that take place outside of the gym, as well as being encouraging to the other members in her class. Her hard work is paying off and we love having Sara as a part of our OPCF community.

How long have you been working out at Overland Park CrossFit? Since April 2021.

What were your thoughts after your first CrossFit workout? Do you remember what it was? The first non-foundations CF workout I remember was a Saturday ladder workout with teams of three that involved a lot of C&Js, deadlifts, and I think biking. I’m sure I looked panicked trying to find partners, but thankfully, a couple of very welcoming 9:30 classmates (shoutout to Amy & Elizabeth!) asked if I wanted to join their team. I thought I was going to collapse in the middle of the workout, but tried unsuccessfully not to show that. Afterwards, I was so happy and proud that I had finished a “real” CF workout and couldn’t wait to keep going to classes.

What has been your favorite workout so far? I remember really enjoying one Saturday team workout that was synchro everything–GHDs, burpees, DB snatches. It’s fun to have someone pushing you while doing the exact same thing simultaneously. I like the out-of-breath laughs that come with trying to time bar-facing burpees together.

What is your favorite cheat meal? Mac & cheese from the Peanut. Also Chipotle if that’s a cheat meal, but I have it WAY too often to call it that.

What did you want to be when you grew up and where do you work now? I wanted to be a veterinarian when I was a kid, but now work as a pharmacist at a home infusion pharmacy.

What do you like to do outside of work? I love to travel, play volleyball, pet dogs, eat food, and obvi do CF.

What advice would you give a newbie just starting at OPCF? Just keep showing up. That’s the hardest thing at first–to keep going even when you feel intimidated or nervous. I used to feel so nervous just to go each day, thinking, ‘What if today is the workout where I drop a dumbbell on my head or somehow majorly embarrass myself?’ But it definitely gets easier! If you keep showing up you will feel more comfortable, make progress and make friends!

What is your favorite/least favorite movement? Least favorite: thrusters Most favorite: D-ball over the shoulder

What’s one CrossFit goal you have set for yourself to accomplish this next year? To do a competition!

What changes have you seen in yourself since starting at OPCF? I came to OPCF because it was hard transitioning from a huge, convenient community in college to not really having any community after graduation. Now I have a place I can go that lets me get my workout in AND also is a fun and supportive community. I notice a huge difference when I make it to the gym versus when I don’t. I feel more irritable and anxious when I’m not able to make it in, and more relaxed and happy when I do.

What is your biggest improvement or proudest accomplishment thus far? I’m proud to have completed the rim to rim hike at the Grand Canyon with an OPCF group. I love being active and outdoors but have never really been an avid hiker. It was something very hard that we were all proud to accomplish together. Not exactly a CF achievement, but since a major reason I joined was to find a community and make new friends, going on a trip with people from the gym was a huge deal for me.

How do you fit working out into your weekly schedule? Some work days I’m able to make 6:30pm if I don’t have to work late or have something else in the evening like volleyball. On days I don’t have to be at the pharmacy, I usually come to the 9:30am class–I like to get my workouts in earlier in the day, but I’m simply not an AM person enough to drag myself to 5:30am.

What is something you have always wanted to do but haven’t yet? A helicopter ride! There are so many places I want to see from the sky–Victoria Falls, Hawaii, Great Barrier Reef, New York City.

 

Kipping it Real with Moses!

Each month Overland Park CrossFit recognizes a member who exemplifies our values and motivates others in the gym to push themselves with encouraging words. June’s Athlete of the Month is Moses Nganga. He was chosen because he has really embraced a hard-working mentality. He consistently shows up to class, he is conscious about his nutrition habits, and he is determined to perform the movements correctly and with good form. He has made some really good progress since he’s been here and that can all be attributed to his dedication and perseverance. His hard work is paying off and we love having Moses as a part of our OPCF community!

How long have you been working out at Overland Park CrossFit? 3 months and 15 days

What were your thoughts after your first CrossFit workout? Do you remember what it was? It was very new with movements I had never done before. It was exciting because I knew I was going to get the right workouts moving forward.

What has been your favorite workout so far? Every workout has been great so far, but I really enjoy snatches and all forms of cleans.

What is your favorite cheat meal? Burgers with fries.

What did you want to be when you grew up and where do you work now? I wanted to be a professional piano player but that never happened. I now work for MERCK.

What do you like to do outside of work? I enjoy spending time with family.

What advice would you give a newbie just starting at OPCF? Be patient with yourself in regards to seeing results; be consistent and eat healthy.

What is your favorite/least favorite movement? I wouldn’t say I have a favorite or least favorite movement because they all work to help each body part develop and give me the overall results I want with time.

What’s one CrossFit goal you have set for yourself to accomplish this next year? I want to be ripped, strong, increase muscle mass, and be between the Train and Compete level.

What changes have you seen in yourself since starting at OPCF? My belly has gotten flatter; I’m starting to see definition around my upper/lower body and I have become stronger.

What is your biggest improvement or proudest accomplishment thus far? Being consistent and building up my endurance.

How do you fit working out into your weekly schedule? I wake up very early in the morning to get my 5:30am workout session in before doing anything else. This aligns with my family duties and work schedule.

What is something you have always wanted to do but haven’t yet? Travel more with my wife and our daughter.