Name: Kristin Fiore Age: 47 From: Rensselaer, IN originally but have been in Kazoo since 1999
How long have you been with CrossFit Torrent and what made you decide to start?
I joined CrossFit with a 6-week challenge last June. I was looking for a way to add a more active practice to my weekly routine to build muscle and lose a little weight. I also wanted to support the health of my family and was looking for something we could do together with my daughter who was home from college for the summer. I saw an ad on FaceBook and thought it might be fun to try something new!
What do you do when you’re not at CFT?
Yoga! I am the owner of Down Dog Yoga Center where I manage all aspects of the business as well as teaching classes, special events, and retreats. I love to spend time with my family and my dogs, read, meditate, travel, and be outside – especially on the lake with my stand up paddleboard.
When did you realize that CrossFit is right for you?
As soon as I began I started noticing results and loved the challenge of trying something new. But as I got to know the people and feel connected to the community, that’s when I knew it was something I would continue because it felt right all-around – CrossFit is more than a workout to me.
What were your thoughts after your first WOD?
That I wished my laundry wasn’t in the basement! That I hadn’t been so sore since running my first marathon and that I never wanted to squat again 🙂
What is your favorite or least favorite WOD/movement?
My favorites are any of the gymnastic type moves and the rower. And my least favorite, by far, is the assault bike!!! Does anyone like that torture device?
What is the one thing you have done at CFT that you never thought you would do?
Enjoy lifting weights. I’ve never been a person who went to a gym or played traditional team sports so weightlifting was completely new to me. For most of my life I’ve considered myself to be tough mentally, but not so much physically. It has been fun to work on correct form, build muscle, and expand my confidence in something that I was very apprehensive of at first.
What motivates you during a tough workout?
The coaches! I like the feeling of accomplishment I have after a workout and that keeps me motivated to dig in when it gets tough. Good music is also motivating!
What’s your favorite thing about CrossFit?
The supportive community, the knowledgeable staff, and the workouts themselves. I like that it’s different every day so I don’t get bored and the timing/pacing of the class is great for making me work to my fullest potential. My other favorite thing is leading Yin Yoga at the gym. Yin helps facilitate healthy connective tissue and joints and offers us a chance to slow down and relax, which helps balance the yang activity of CrossFit. I love learning new things from each of you at CrossFit and sharing my love for the practice of yoga.
What are your short term and long term goals?
In the short term, I want our CrossFit gym and Down Dog Yoga Center to make it through this difficult time. It’s hard to be a small business owner, so survival is key for now. I’ve had to put some of my personal goals aside to focus on supporting our community and keeping the yoga studio open. But as we get used to these changes and whatever comes next, my goal is to get back to daily routines that support my wellness. That means getting back to the personal training work I was doing with Brandon and being more consistent in my workout and food choices. When we get back to the rig and I build my callouses up again, I want to get a pull-up and be able to climb the rope to the top!
How have you seen yourself change- mentally and physically since joining Torrent? What impact has CFT had on you in and out of the gym?
I have definitely changed. Physically, I’ve lost weight and gained muscle. Mentally, I’ve been more focused and determined. I’ve quit making excuses and shown up even when I didn’t feel like it. When I am consistent with yoga and CrossFit, I feel a balance of yin and yang energy that leaves me feeling complete. I have more energy and feel a renewed sense of purpose.
Do you have any advice for people just getting started at CFT? You can do it! You don’t have to show up with any special skill set, you just have to show up. The coaches make the workouts accessible and the community is supportive. One day at a time, you got this!
Quick Questions
Favorite Cheat Meal: pizza and a cocktail
Favorite Musician/Band: I love Broadway musicals and top 40 music!
Favorite Sports Team: Detroit Lions (being a fan is tougher than CrossFit)
Favorite Tv Show/ Movie: Ugly Betty/ Pride & Prejudice (the Keira Knightly version)
Favorite CrossFit Athlete: Like professionals? I’m still a newbie and didn’t realize this was a thing… so I’d have to stay local and say Callie, who kicks ass as an athlete even when she’s about to give birth! And Brandon who has kept checking in on me during this stressful time at home and is ready to get me working towards my goals again. Really, everyone at Torrent is the best <3
Coach’s comment:
I couldn’t be more thankful that Kristin, John, and Josie walked into our gym for a consult last summer. I knew right away they were a perfect addition to our Torrent family. How awesome is it that they walked in as a family to support each other through a 6-week challenge?! Kristin is a light and gives this caring supported feel to every person she interacts with. She is our favorite type of athlete because she takes on whatever challenge we throw at her and is excited and willing to try something outside of her comfort zone. And while she is gives a loving calm energy she’s a fighter, very driven, and a bada$$ mama who always strives to better herself in the gym and in the yoga studio. She knows her body and respects her boundaries and takes the feedback given to her like a champ. She understands the importance of a healthy lifestyle and balance is her game in every way. Kristin also gives back to the Torrent Fam by offering Yin Yoga classes to help us balance our energies. Kristin, you are an amazing person and we are so thankful you’ve joined this amazing family, we wouldn’t be the same without you. <3