November A.O.M

November 2024 Athlete of the Month

Jennifer Valenti

Congratulations to Jennifer Valenti, our November Member of the Month! Check out her story below

    1.       How long have you been a member at CrossFit Bound? What changes have you noticed in yourself physically, mentally, or emotionally since joining?
I have been a member at CFB for almost 3 years.  Before CrossFit I was strictly running, swimming, or biking.  Since CrossFit I have changed physically, working muscles I never knew I had.  Mentally, it has changed the way I take on challenges in all aspects of my life.  It has shown me I am capable of doing things I never dreamed I’d be able to do and left me feeling like what else is possible. Emotionally, it changed the way I handle stress/anxiety, it is a great outlet.  It makes me happier to come in and be part of a great group since anything else I had done was very solitary.

        2.      How has your experience at CrossFit Bound impacted your life outside the gym? (Work, personal life, etc.)
I am a Nurse Anesthetist, mainly working with burn patients. Some days can be very busy and stressful.  CFB has been really helpful to take my mind away from work and give me something else to focus on.  It gives me more energy and a positive attitude to deal with everyday life challenges with kids, job, and housework.

        3.      Who at the gym inspires you the most, and why?
Meg Willis has always inspired me at the noon class.  She has a working mom of two and I am always inspired by her strength. She is one of the first people to have welcomed and encouraged me.

        4.      What does being a part of the CrossFit Bound community mean to you?
Being a part of the CFB community has meant a lot to me, I’ve never been part of gym before.  It is so inspiring how people at all fitness levels can come together put themselves through that kind of pain and make you wanna come back for more. Even better is when you complain about how sore you are as a group.  You’re not alone.

        5.      Describe your first class at CrossFit Bound. How did you feel during and after it?
I remember my first class with Miles as a coach.  It was so different, I had never experienced anything like CrossFit before.  I am very grateful for the patience and time all the coaches have taken to help me learn these new skills and movements.  No one ever made me feel incompetent or like reaching a goal wasn’t possible.  After my first classes I had felt a soreness that I had only ever felt after running a marathon.  And that continues for most classes to this day.

        6.      What’s something surprising about you that people at the gym might not know?
I can’t touch my toes….no flexibility here.

        7.      What are your top three most memorable moments or proudest achievements since starting CrossFit?
My 1st rope climb, 1st pull-up, and power clean over 100#

        8.      What advice would you give to someone just starting their CrossFit journey at CrossFit Bound?
Take it slow and set reasonable goals.  Be patient with yourself, laugh at yourself, and have fun with it.

        9.      From where do you draw your inspiration and motivation to push through tough moments in workouts?
I am motivated during difficult workouts because when it hurts so bad it means you’re getting stronger and better for the next time.  I’m inspired to see how far I can push myself and reach for new goals and PRs.