Each month Overland Park CrossFit recognizes a member who exemplifies our values and motivates others in the gym to push themselves with encouraging words. May’s Athlete of the Month is Amy Creason. Amy works really hard and is consistent in the gym. We’ve seen Amy grow so much as an athlete over her time at OPCF and that is due, in large part, to her great attitude and dedication to improving! Learn more about Amy below.
1. How long have you been working out at Overland Park CrossFit?
My husband, Derek, and I joined OPCF when we moved to the area in September.
2. What were your thoughts after your first CrossFit workout?
Lots of things were going through my mind– I felt as if I was dying, but I was also proud I survived (even if just barely.) I was frustrated at being so bad that I knew I had to keep coming back.
3. What has been your favorite workout?
Any workout that I’ve been able to click that Rx button!!!!!
4. What is your favorite cheat meal?
Pollo Magnifico from Jose Peppers, with espinaca and chips– of course!
5. What did you want to be when you grew up and where do you work now?
I had ambitions to be NASCAR driver! While I don’t get to race and drive really fast, I do have lots of experience with a 5 point harness and drive around all day as a stay-at-home-mom to our 4 kids, ages 10, 8, 4, 2. I do hold a license as a mental health therapist and might explore getting back into part-time work in the next year or two.
6. What do you like to do outside of work?
I love to travel and explore the outdoors. I really like plants and gardening, Harry Potter, and Survivor.
7. What advice would you give a newbie just starting at OPCF?
Be proud of your decision to start! Be proud of every single win along the way and let us know, too, so we can celebrate with you!
8. What is your favorite lift?
Cleans– any version!
9. What’s your biggest “GOAT”?
My first pull-up. I wanted it so bad. I had even put up a bar in our master bathroom doorway so I could keep practicing at home. One day at the gym, I asked Derek to come over to see how much further I needed to go because I was really struggling. But then, much to my surprise, I actually made it up over that bar and it was the greatest moment ever. Oh my gosh, so exciting.
10. What changes have you seen in yourself since starting at OPCF?
I’m stronger! There have been slight changes on the scale, but I mostly I have lost inches, I’ve improved my all of my lifts in technique and weight, and am making progress on the gymnastics skills. I’m more confident in myself in learning I’m able to push myself way harder ever have.
11. What is your biggest improvement or proudest accomplishment thus far?
Really, my proudest accomplishment is learning to love working out. I’ve learned to love my body not because of how it looks but for what I’ve been able to work to make it do. My motivation for working out is no longer a consequence for calories consumed, but to become stronger, fitter, and more capable. I never thought this would be me!
12. How do you fit working out into your weekly schedule?
Very strategically. With Derek and I both doing CrossFit and having young kids, scheduling workouts can be a chore, but it’s always a priority. Different schedules work at different times based on all that we have going on. During the winter sports season, Derek and I actually had assigned class dates and times to ensure we could make our four days. The spring schedule has allowed up more flexibility. Currently, Mondays and Fridays we have it planned so that one parent does gymnastics drop off and then heads to the gym, while the other is at home with the boys doing homework and gymnastic pick up– all in time to bring all the kids to the gym right as the first parent finishes the workout. After which, a trade-off happens and parent one heads home with all the kiddos while parent two gets to work out. There are times that in order to get our workouts, we both need to be there at the same time and we are gracious for OPCF being family friendly, letting our kids play in the front area and outside. The biggest thing in our scheduling conversations is that it’s not “if” we are going to go, just “when” we are going to be able to fit it in.
13. What is something you have always wanted to do but haven’t yet?
Everything. I want to do it all. I really want to do handstand walks.