Name: Sydonie Stock     Age: 31           From: Kalamazoo 

How long have you been with CrossFit Torrent and what made you decide to start? 

I started in October 2019. I joined doing the 6week challenge and Brandon talked me into a membership. My biggest motivation was and still is to simply get healthy. Losing weight is definitely a side benefit. My life goal is to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail and I need to be in shape for that! And this life goal will happen in approximately 12 years. I have my midlife crisis planned.

What do you do when you’re not at CFT? 

I am a nurse in the cardiac surgical icu at Borgess. When I’m not working, I’m usually riding the couch with my greyhound. When it gets cool enough for her to be outside for more than 10 minutes, we go hiking on the trails around town. I also like to bring her camping with me. 

When did you realize that CrossFit is right for you? 

I think it was about 4 months in when I started to notice my progress and my improved breath control instead of the coaches just saying that I did well. 

What were your thoughts after your first WOD?

“How am I going to drive home? How am I going to get in my car?!” The first couple of weeks I was so sore that I brought my cell phone into the bathroom at work just in case I couldn’t stand up by myself, I could call for help. I got stuck on my couch many times because I couldn’t get my muscles to work getting myself up. 

 

What is your favorite or least favorite WOD/movement?

My favorite is the deadlift because I can actually do that with some decent weight. My least favorite is burpees. I still cannot do burpees. There is no jumping, no popping my feet back or popping them up. I crawl. 

 

What is the one thing you have done at CFT that you never thought you would do?

I’m going to have to go with burpees. Even though I still don’t do them accurately, I never thought I’d do multiple of my modified crawling burpees in a row. Also, pull-ups. I’m still jumping from a 45lb weight (improvement because I started jumping from the box) but I’ve never had upper body strength. 

What motivates you during a tough workout? 

Proving to myself that I can do more than I think. Also practicing my breath recovery while I’m still moving. 

What’s your favorite thing about CrossFit?

My favorite thing is how supportive and encouraging everyone is. I’m usually the last person to finish when we’re doing a workout ‘for time’ and it’s so helpful to push through the last bit with everyone cheering me on. Also, when it sounds like I’m about to die because of my asthma, the coaches and my fellow athletes are always there, making sure I have my inhaler and helping me get to some fresh air. 

What are your short term and long term goals? 

Short term goal is to get back to the level of fitness I was before the covid shutdown when I just sat on the couch and ate candy all day. Long term goal is to find a nutrition plan that I can stick with through the next pandemic so I don’t undo all the work I’ve put into myself. 

 
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 more confidence in myself and my general outlook on life has improved. I am a quiet person in general but I have noticed I start and join in conversations more easily. Physically, I can do patient position changes on my own safely and more effectively. 

Do you have any advice for people just getting started at CFT?

It’s going to be hard and you’ll think that you literally cannot move after your first few classes, but you can – because you’ll be hungry and you’ll get yourself into the kitchen for a protein shake. Stick with it and you’ll be so proud of yourself! 

Quick Questions

Favorite Cheat Meal: Cheese pizza! With cookies and cream ice cream ❤️

Favorite Musician/Band: I don’t know if I have a favorite. I love all sorts of music; country, pop, classic rock, alternative rock, oldies. 

Favorite Sports Team: I don’t follow any sports, but simply because I went to MSU I’m going to say Spartans. 

Favorite Tv Show/ Movie:  my current favorite TV show is The Witcher on Netflix. I’m a fantasy nerd. Favorite movie is probably Premium Rush with JGL. 

Favorite CrossFit Athlete: oh goodness, I don’t know. Everyone I see working hard and powering through hard sets are my favorite. Everyone I work out with inspires me to work harder and improve every day.