CrossFit Deep Athlete Feature: Alyssa Greenwood-Francis
This weeks athlete features is relatively new to CrossFit, 5 months to be exact. In her short time CrossFitting Alyssa has impacted the CrossFit Deep community - get to know CrossFit Deep athlete, Alyssa Greenwood-Francis!
Alyssa started her CrossFit training at CrossFit Deep this past August 2016. Since then she has been consistent with her training and hasn’t let up.
“I started about 5 months ago, in August 2016. My friend received two passes for the Elements Course and we did it together. I joined as soon as the course finished. CrossFit allows me to compete against myself and only myself. Definitely a different type of mental and physical workout experience!”
"CrossFit Deep is the first and only CrossFit gym where I have been a member. I can’t see myself joining another gym either! CrossFit Deep is the most supportive workout environment I can imagine. The coaches are wildly knowledgeable and encouraging, and there’s nothing like bonding with friends over dying in the same workout."
Prior to trying out CrossFit Alyssa never really found anything that “stuck” when it came to her workouts.
“My mom was a college athlete, so she assumed her daughter would be naturally athletic as well. Growing up, I was in every team sport imaginable, but never stayed on a team very long - mostly because I was not very athletic. I used running as my main form of exercise, and by running I mean I would run between a 0.5 mile to 1 mile and be extremely winded. I also had a gym membership for a period of time. When I did go to the gym, maybe once per week, I would use the weight machines or attend a cardio kickboxing class. I would feel like I was seriously working my body at the time, but my stamina or strength never significantly improved.”
We are glad Alyssa gave CrossFit a try. Since joining CF Deep Alyssa has seen both mental and physical results!
“I remember Eric in our Elements Course saying something along the lines of, “Once you do CrossFit, everything else in life seems a lot easier.” He was unbelievably correct. Not only has my physical strength increased, but I am certainly more mentally prepared as well. I know for certain now that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. Nothing seems as difficult as it used to, especially after surviving WODs with lateral burpees and running.”
“I was recently hiking in Colorado Springs. Even with the altitude and grueling 75 degree inclines, I still made it up to the top of several mountains! Without CrossFit, I know I would not have been able to summit even one. I am a lot more physically and mentally fit since joining CrossFit Deep.”
Next up on Alyssa’s CrossFit ‘bucket list” the infamous, handstand push-up!
“Being able to do handstand push-ups is my goal. I have been doing modified HSPU using the box since I started CrossFit. I fall off of the box quite a bit, so I still have a little practice to get in before being able to do a legit HSPU.”
We are confidents Alyssa will string together her HSPU in no time. Outside of the gym Alyssa works at The Bridge Homeless Recovery Center.
“I am the Volunteer Coordinator for The Bridge Homeless Recovery Center, near the Farmers Market. Volunteers provide a wealth of services for our guests at the shelter, including the Library, movies, karaoke, and bingo nights. I manage our volunteer program and all donations”
You can catch Alyssa in the 4:30 or 5:30 P.M. classes or hanging around Deep Ellum with her friends, on a run with her dog, Junie, or traveling! Next time you see Alyssa in the gym be sure to congratulate her on all CF accomplishments!