Member of the Month

Join us in saying congratulations to August’s Member of the Month, Jessica Sant! Jessica joined us in May of 2016 and has been in consistent attendance ever since! The improvements she has steadily made in her form is unbelievable. We are proud of the effort she puts into each workout and know that she pushes herself to overcome the struggle of a hard summer workout in this heat. Jessica always makes sure she understands any movement before performing and has a positive outlook on workouts no matter the difficulty. She enjoys interacting with all our members and can often be found attending varies times during the week. She recently PR’d her back squat at 165lbs and push press at 100lbs! Great job girl!

Why do you do CrossFit?
I originally took a semester course during my undergrad back in Utah and got hooked on it. I was certain that I wanted to continue with it once I moved out here. I haven’t regretted a single day of it! There’s a feeling of accomplishment paired with complete concentration, that I can’t get anywhere else. I joke sometimes that CrossFit is my version of other people’s meditation.

Favorite Move:
I would have to say my favorite move is probably the back squat, or squats of any kind, because I know I can rely heavily on my legs for strength. I also tend to enjoy sit-ups and burpees. I hope this won’t be used against me…

What makes you stay at CrossFit HCC?
I stay at CrossFit HCC for a couple of reasons. Firstly because CrossFit HCC has provided me with so many friends, it’s practically a second home to me. I moved out to CT not knowing anyone, and heading to crossfit each week is just like going to meet up with a friend for coffee. We all know and support each other. I wouldn’t trade that for anything!
Secondly, I stay because I am both amazed and proud of the progress I have made here. Two years ago my level of exercise was limited to walking around campus, and walking my dogs on trailheads. Today I can easily roll out 10 burpees in thirty seconds, run 500 meters in about 3 mins, and deadlift around 150lbs. I am immensely proud of myself, and have to thank CrossFit HCC for helping recognize that I actually contained that potential this entire time.

Future Goals:
Of all the goals I first started with when I began CrossFit, I’ve already met most of them, including being able to lift around 100 lbs. or above, in most of the given strength movements. The only remaining thing I currently want to continue on is my time when it comes to running. My couple of foot surgeries have set me back a bit, but I’d like to get a warm-up run finished in under 3 mins. To be honest, member of the month, was also on my bucket list…I look forward to setting new ones.

Advice for newbies?
My advice to newcomers would be to pace yourself. There’s definitely going to be days when you feel like you’re fighting an uphill battle with certain WODs, but they always have an end. If you start with what you know is a comfortable pace, you can then push yourself forward from that point in increments that you know won’t be too much to handle.

Tell us a fun fact or something you do outside of CrossFit?
Granted I’ve been busy, being a current Master’s student of Criminal Justice at the University of New Haven. However, I have a penchant for traveling. Prior to starting Grad school, my family and I took a blowout of a trip down to New Zealand and Australia. I’ve been to multiple foreign countries, including Iceland… much to my chagrin. I’ve also been to well over half of the U.S. I’m hoping to eventually check off every state.

Words from Jess:
I look forward to continuing my progress with staff and friends at CrossFit HCC.