Congrats on being the CFH athlete of the month. Continue to inspire those around you Deb!!
Name: Deborah Braccia
Age: 42
Height: 5’2
Crossfitting Since: June 2014
Attends Class: 4-5 times a week
Favorite Quote:
- Only those who risk going to far can possibly find out how far one can go. – T.S. Eliot
HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT CROSSFIT? Initially Hoboken Arts and Music Festival. I also saw the Crossfit Hoboken sign and was curious about Crossfit.
WHAT WERE YOUR GOALS WHEN YOU STARTED CROSSFIT? Get fit and lose weight. I am the mother of 2 boys ages 7 and 9. Additionally, I work full time and travel for my job. I wanted a fitness routine that could fit in my schedule and produce results. Prior to having children I was a regular at gym classes (spin, body sculpting, latin dance, etc….). After children I tried classes, personal training, running, etc… but was not able to keep to a schedule and stay motivated. Many of the class times no longer worked for me. Keeping a routine was hard. I never was able to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight and fitness level. I was looking for a workout routine that would fit into my schedule, motivate me (even when traveling) and produce results.
HOW HAS CROSSFIT DIFFERED FROM YOUR FORMER TRAINING? I love the supportive environment and how each day’s WOD is a new challenge. When I first walked in, it was a bit intimidating. What I discovered in Crossfit Hoboken was a motivating and supportive program. Everyone at Hoboken Crossfit is helpful, friendly and encouraging. The coaches are phenomenal. All participants are very supportive. I had never gone to a gym where you are introduced and all of the coaches know everyone’s name. At most of the gyms I previously went to, I would see the same coaches and participants; however, it was rare to speak to anyone let alone know anyone’s name but the coach.
The class times work with my schedule. I love that there are early morning classes. I can go at 5:15am weekdays or 7am Saturdays, complete the WOD and return home before anyone in my household wakes up.
I feel like Crossfit provides a good foundation for other athletic activities. I noticed that when I ski, run or bike I am in a better condition than previously.
Additionally, Crossfit has kept me motivated while traveling. I have been able to find Crossfit affiliates in nearly every city I have traveled both in and outside the US. Every Crossfit affiliate I have visited has been very welcoming, which is different than most gyms. I even managed to get a box in Paris and Puerto Vallarta. Most boxes have early morning WODs (5 or 6am) which has allowed me to keep up my routine while traveling.
WHAT TYPE OF RESULTS HAVE YOU SEEN WITH CROSSFIT? Stronger, increased flexibility (although no one would mistake me for Gumby), increased muscle, and 20lb weight loss thus far.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE AT CROSSFIT HOBOKEN? My experience has been great. All of the coaches are knowledgeable, enthusiastic and supportive. They push and encourage while making sure safety is a top priority. The other members are very supportive as well.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO ACCOMPLISH IN THE NEXT YEAR IN YOUR OWN FITNESS? I would like to lose more weight, get back to my pre-pregnancy weight (if I accomplish this it would only have taking me 10 years) and get stronger. Also, I would like to be able to do an unassisted pull-up, which is something I have never been able to do.
NUTRITION QUESTIONS
WHEN DID YOU START EATING PALEO? I started with the Sept 2014 Hoboken Crossfit Paleo challenge.
HAVE YOU FOUND IT HARD TO ADHERE TO PALEO DIET? Although I am not strict, it guides me how to eat, especially when traveling. Before I would grab bagels, chip, etc… when running through the airport. Now I make much better choices for meals and snacks.
OTHER THAN PALEO WHAT OTHER DIET TOOLS HAVE YOU USED? Previously I had tried programs with shakes. I found it difficult to adhere, especially when traveling. What I like about Paleo is that it is real food.
WHAT IS THE HARDEST PART OF GOING PALEO? No pizza or sandwiches.
DO YOU PLAN TO CONTINUE WITH THIS WAY OF EATING PERMANENTLY? I like that it is a “life style” vs a fad diet. The principles encourage smart healthy choices without strict calorie counting. I have been happy with how I feel and the results since I started.