How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first experience/WOD?
About two years ago I was looking for some program to get back into shape. My niece had just opened LiveFit CrossFit, so I thought I’d give it a try.  I don’t remember specifically what my first WOD was, but it was humbling and confirmation of how out of shape I was. 
 
When did you first come to CrossFit NOLA?
When CrossFit NOLA took over the Lakeshore location

 How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally take (times and specialties)?
7 days a week, work permitting, doing the WOD classes and mobility on Sundays

 What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit NOLA?
The desire to improve my fitness and stay in shape is the main driver.  It’s just part of my daily routine now.

Favorite thing about New Orleans?
Probably the vast array of awesome food choices.  If you love food, New Orleans is the place to be.  Although hard to explain, there is sort of an ambiance to New Orleans, something you can’t quite describe but you can feel.  I guess it’s the character or soul of the city.  You don’t get that feeling in other places.

What accomplishment are you the most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)? 
That I’m in much better shape than when I started.  Overall, you just feel better when you are in shape. 

 After a hard workout, what is your favorite meal?
That would be steak, with a nice sear on both sides and bloody in the middle.

 What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?
I like cooking, gardening, and eating.  For about the last year and a half, I’ve been following the Paleo diet, with some cheating along the way. Paleo goes hand in hand with CrossFit and CrossFit enables me to eat more than I otherwise should.  So all around it seems like a good combination.

 What do you do for a living?
I work in the IT department at Ochsner

What is one goal that you are currently working on?
​I’m not really working on a particular goal, but I’d like to get double unders and pistol squats at some point.

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first experience/WOD?
Carolyn:  I heard about CrossFit a few years ago from a colleague who was trying it out and liked it. At the time I was a recent college grad struggling to get in shape and lose those undergrad pounds. I was doing some home fitness programs like Insanity but knew it wasn't a long-term solution. I needed the motivation of a coach and group setting and I also wanted to learn how to lift. So I looked up CrossFit gyms in the area (I was living in Connecticut at the time) and took a free class at a nearby box (shoutout to CrossFit 203!). All I remember from my first class was that it was very squat-intensive, and I couldn't walk/sit/stand for a few days. Made me realize how much more in shape I could be! 

Jonathan:  I first heard about CrossFit in high school, but didn't venture to give it a try until Carolyn (my fiancée) started doing it. In 2013, while I was living in Allentown, PA, she convinced me to go to a class with her and I've been going ever since. My first WOD was Nancy. It was not fun, but doing that benchmark now always reminds me how far I've progressed from Day 1.

When did you first come to CrossFit NOLA?
Carolyn:  My first time at CrossFit NOLA was January of 2014 when I was visiting my then-boyfriend, now-fiancé Jonathan, who had just moved back down to New Orleans. I was still living in Connecticut and would come down to visit him for a couple weeks at a time. We had started CrossFitting together about six months earlier and wanted to keep it up.

Jonathan:  I first came to CrossFit NOLA in January of 2014. 

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally take (times and specialties)?
Carolyn:  I generally CrossFit five days a week, Monday through Friday, always 5:30AM at Midcity. (Shoutout to the 5:30AM crew!) 

Jonathan:  I go every morning to the 5:30 WOD class at Mid City and occasionally on Saturdays.

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit NOLA?
Carolyn:  My entire outlook on fitness has changed thanks to CrossFit. I used to work out only to try to lose weight and look better, and it's very easy to get discouraged that way. Now the thing that keeps me coming back is focusing on what my body can do, rather than what it looks like, and I love how it feels to get better, faster, and stronger. I can do things now that I have never been able to do in my life (like a pull-up!), and that is empowering. 
I also have to say that my fiancé, Jonathan, keeps me motivated (he's way better at getting up early than I am), as well as the awesome CrossFit NOLA people and coaches. 
 
Jonathan:  The camaraderie of the 5:30 class. Since most of us tend to show up pretty regularly, we have gotten to know each other quite well.

Favorite thing about New Orleans?
Carolyn:  The warm and welcoming people, the food, crawfish boils, Mardi Gras, and the "laissez les bon temps rouler" attitude.

Jonathan:  Food and culture. You can't beat it anywhere.

What  accomplishment are you the most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)? 
Carolyn:  At CrossFit I'm proud every time I Rx a workout, and I'm also proud of making a decent debut at the Deep South Shootout this past year. 
Outside the gym I'm proud to be a woman succeeding in a field (tech) that I never thought I would go into based on my college major (English). 

Jonathan:   I would say that I am most proud of my personal gains in health and well-being since starting CrossFit. True to the typical CrossFit story, I was overweight, out of shape, and eating poorly. I have found that CrossFit has helped me improve myself in all areas of life, not just in the gym.

After a hard workout, what is your favorite meal?
Carolyn: Since I generally work out in the morning, I like having a bowl of yogurt and granola/muesli with a bit of honey. Otherwise, the answer would be pizza, or a steak.

Jonathan:  In the morning, a hot breakfast is always welcomed. If the WOD was later in the day, I'm always a fan of a big steak burrito.

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?
Carolyn:  Singing, reading, painting. 

Jonathan:  I enjoy watching sports, music, and experiencing all that New Orleans has to offer.

What do you do for a living?
Carolyn:  I work in the Cloud Marketing division at IBM. 

Jonathan:   am a Chemical Engineer currently working as an Operations Supervisor for a Hydrogen Plant in Norco.

What is one goal that you are currently working on?
Carolyn:  There are several, but I'll pick two: kipping handstand push-ups and consistent chest-to-bar pull-ups.

Jonathan:  Muscle Ups 

Are you doing the CrossFit Open?
Carolyn:  Yes! First time. We'll see how it goes.

Jonathan:  Yes. It's my first year doing it.

First couple to be featured from our uptown gym, John Paul Luckett and Katy Olivier (to be married Jan 2017)


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How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first experience/WOD?

JP:     I was roommates with Chad Becnel in undergrad. We worked out at the school gym together and every now and then we would do a crossfit workout, which I then called "Spazfit". We did Murph and Fight Gone Bad about once a month, and he would kick my ass every time. I almost passed out doing Murph once. I was still okay just doing my normal isolation workout at the gym, until Chad and I did Diane. He halved my time and I have contributed all my free time to becoming better than him since. 

Katy:   The first time I heard about Crossfit was when I visited John Paul in New Orleans in college. He lived with Chad Becnel and we made fun of Chad for going to "Spazz fit." Then, Chad took John Paul to a free intro class and, of course, John Paul became obsessed.  Leslie and I would get so aggravated when we would come in to visit and the boys would leave us alone for hours to go workout. Then, Leslie tried it out and she fell in love...and I was still pro-testing. Finally, I was forced to start when John Paul gave me a year-long membership as a college graduation present...I mean, seriously, how forward can you get? My first WOD experience was in Baton Rouge with John Paul and his brother Brandon. I did my first thruster and then joined the cult. 

When did you first come to CrossFit NOLA?

JP:  I started at Crossfit NOLA in January of 2013 and tested out with Julie April at Midcity. 

Katy:  I started at NOLA in August of 2014, only 3 months after I did my first WOD in Baton Rouge at Redstick. My two year anniversary will be this year!

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally take (times and specialties)?

JP:    I come about 5 days a week, any time that fits my schedule. I started with Team Formula Training about a year and a half ago, so I usually do their programming somewhere on the side. 

Katy:  I usually do Crossfit ~5 days/wk. I enjoy the noon class because it's very laid back and never crowded. I also love Saturday mornings because everyone is there and it's nice to visit! 

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit NOLA?

JP:  I am competition driven. When I have something to train for, my performance in everything else improves. My grades actually went up in undergrad after I started with Crossfit NOLA. So the competitiveness definitely attracted me. But what has probably kept me with crossfit, is the support from the community. I have found that the crossfit community pushes individuals to be the best that he or she can be. When the people next to me are pushing themselves in a workout or a specific lift, it encourages me to push just a little bit more along with them.

Katy:  I love the coaches! Everyone is very supportive and motivating which fosters a really great environment. They also provide individual constructive criticism that really has helped me improve my technique and my overall athletic ability. Also, the workouts really push me to surpass my own expectations and I love that feeling!

Favorite thing about New Orleans?

JP:   There is always somewhere that I have never been before.

Katy:  Food!

What  accomplishment are you the most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)? 

JP:   I recently beat Brad Raines in a 2K row. I'm still smiling.

Katy:  I guess I'm most proud of my academic accomplishments. As a medical student, it's very easy to get bogged down by stress and to get burnt out. However, I feel that I have done a good job balancing school and my quality of life outside of school. John Paul and I go to Mass every weekend (even before tests!) and we take time to relax and explore the city and try out new restaurants. I think that this balance has actually helped me to do well in school, along with my daily stress relief of a workout :)

​After a hard workout, what is your favorite meal?

JP:  Burger, fries, milkshake. Company Burger always fills the need!

Katy:  "The Company Burger", add a fried egg with sweet potato fries with a Wedding Cake donut from District for dessert. Let's be real though, I would eat anything and love it after a workout.

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?

​JP:  I like to brew beer, and then drink it. Sometimes I share it with friends.

Katy:   Before Crossfit, I used to dance 6 days/week - mostly ballet and pointe (tooooootaaaalll opposite of Crossfit, right?!) Every now and then, I'll cater to my inner priss and take a Pure Barre class. I also really enjoy running! Some other random hobbies include sewing and event planning. I planned a back packing trip to Europe that was absolutely awesome (if I do say so myself), so naturally I'm enjoying planning my wedding! 
What do you do for a living?

JP:  I am a full time student at LSUHSC New Orleans. When I am not exercising, eating, or drinking, I am pretending to study.

Katy:  Study...all day every day.
What is one goal that you are currently working on?

JP:  Placing higher in the open than I did last year.

Katy:   I'm currently working to get through this semester of school so that I can hurry up and get in the hospital on rotations! I'm also working on my muscle ups :)
Are you doing the CrossFit Open?

JP:  Does the Hulk smash?

Katy:  Yep! Last year was my first open and I had a lot of fun!

1.       How many times have you done the open?
I have been doing the open since 2010, before the open was an online competition! For my first open, I went to Austin, Texas with Coach Jeff and Coach Brandon and we all competed together. So, I guess I have competed for the last 6 years!

2.       What is the most fun open workout you have ever done?  
I tend to be better at longer endurance based workouts. There was a 20 minute amrap of 5 Power Cleans, 10 Toes to Bar and 15 Wallballs that I placed 4th in the region on...It might have actually been more fun when the workout was over haha

There was another workout that was a 7 minute amrap of burpees for max reps. That one was cool because you didn't have to think too much about it...you just had to move through it!

3.       What are your goals for this year’s open?
My goal this year is to qualify for the 2016 CrossFit Games as a Master Athlete. I'd like to try to place within the top 30 women in the world in my age group during the 5 week open to have a chance at qualifying for the games this year.
I had two shoulder surgeries two years ago, so I have spent the last two years rehabbing and trying to make strength gains, so I'm ready to give this my best shot!! 

4.       How do you balance your schedule between the philharmonic and running the gym in order to perform during the open?
I make a lot of lists!! My training can take up to 3 hours a day. I have a monthly calendar, and each week I write in my training schedule so I'm sure I am getting all my work in. My schedule varies week to week depending on what type of concert the symphony has. My coaching schedule stays consistent, so that helps. We also have great coaches that help out on the management side, and a few people have taken some of my classes for the month to help reduce some of the load! For the open, I've given myself the opportunity to do each workout on Friday and a re-do on Monday.

5.       Why do you think that CrossFit NOLA members should do the open?
The open is a lot of fun! Every Friday night from 5-7 we will be getting all the members together to do the open together at Mid-City. I've heard some people say that they just started CrossFit and don't think they are ready, but ANYONE has the ability to participate! Everyone that does the open will have a scaling option. Regardless if you are a serious competitor or a member just out of fundamentals, you have a community that supports you and will be cheering for you to do your best!

6.       Do you have any specific memories about members setting prs, doing things they didn’t think they could do, etc.?
Every week of every year of the open, I remember someone doing something they had never done before! Several people doing their first chest to bar pullup, people hitting a max snatch or clean and jerk, squatting below parallel for the first time, doing their first toes to bar, or having it be their first "competition" they have ever participated in!
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7.       What advice would you give to members doing their first open?
Just go into it with the purpose of having a good time. If you are someone who is just now hearing about the open, or who is still a little timid about signing up, talk to any coach, and they can help! The first open workout announcement is this Thursday night, and we would like to get as many of our CrossFit Nola members to sign up as possible! It's a great community event and you never know what you are capable of until you try. 

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first experience/WOD?

A good friend of mine moved to Austin in Spring 2012 and was talked into trying crossfit out there by some coworkers.  After her first WOD, she called me and said I had to try it because I would love it.  She was right. 

I can’t say I remember exactly what the first WOD was (and I didn’t write it down), but I do remember that in my first WOD after fundamentals, I got my foot caught in a band doing pullups and fell over (on my ass with my leg straight up in the air wrapped around the band).  Won’t ever forget that. 

When did you first come to CrossFit NOLA?

Saturday, August 25, 2012. 

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally take (times and specialties)?

5 days/week, 5:30am downtown WOD.  Sometimes 6 days if I’m feeling good on Saturday mornings and didn’t drink the Friday before. 

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit NOLA?

Inversions.  Really though, I like the results I see and that exhausted but accomplished feeling after a good workout.  In addition, I think all day at work, so I really enjoy not having to think at the gym and having the workouts programmed for me.

Favorite thing about New Orleans?

Mardi Gras; it’s my favorite holiday.  I know it seems cliché, especially for someone who grew up here; however, the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday before Mardi Gras are my three favorite days of the year. 

What accomplishment are you the most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)?

Inside the gym: I’m pretty decent at handstand walks, double-unders, and kipping

Outside the gym: obtaining my CPA license

After a hard workout, what is your favorite meal?

Am I allowed to say something other than Company Burger here?  I workout in the morning, so a western omelet with a side of bacon.   

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?

Most of my time outside the gym is spent working, but I’ve been a Saints season-ticket-holder for my entire life and am also a big LSU fan (I’m an LSU alumnus).  I also enjoy music, history, food, self-help books, and I’m kind of a cable news junkie. 

What do you do for a living?

I’m a CPA, but I don’t do taxes.  I’m an Audit Manager at Deloitte.

What is one goal that you are currently working on?

Getting a muscle-up.  I’ve been doing crossfit since 2012; I think it’s about time.

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first experience/WOD?
A friend of mine started to Crossfit back in NYC. I hadn't seem him in a couple months and it got him into crazy shape really quickly. I decided I had to check it out. I went to a free class in the winter of 2013 at Crossfit 718 in Park Slope, Brooklyn and we did a modified version of Fight Gone Bad. It kicked me on my ass; I knew I had to at least try this.

When did you first come to CrossFit NOLA?
I first came to Crossfit NOLA in the summer of 2013. I was a visiting medical student doing a fourth year elective at Children's Hospital and I happened to be subletting a place right near the MidCity location. I met Liz and signed up for the month I was here. I was fairly new to Crossfit at the time and it was August in NOLA. I loved the atmosphere at the box and made it there nearly every day despite the heat and humidity. When I returned to NOLA to start residency in June 2014 I knew I had to come back to CF NOLA.

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally take (times and specialties)?
I usually do 2-3 WODs a week, typically in the afternoon and almost always downtown since I can walk there. I have also started occasionally going to Strongman class in MidCity, if you haven't checked it out you should.

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit NOLA?
I love Crossfit because as soon as you get comfortable you realize how much more you really have to grow. The people at the box are good people that help motivate each other, it's also a pretty relaxed atmosphere as far as CF boxes go which I really like. 

Favorite thing about New Orleans?
This is the smallest city I've ever lived in, but it has lots of the trappings of a much larger place. I love how I can go out for a great meal and run into people I know. Also, everyone is so friendly here.


What  accomplishment are you the most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)?
I just completed my first muscle up for 15.3; it was a LONG time coming.

Outside the gym the biggest accomplishment of my past year has to be finishing medical school and starting residency; it also has been a LONG time coming.


After a hard workout, what is your favorite meal?
I eat a lot of chicken/pork and veggies (usually broccoli) with tons of hot sauce. If I'm having a cheat meal probably some Vietnamese or Korean food, also Lilly's is walkable from the downtown location so ...

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?
I run nearly every Wednesday with Happy's Running Club. I also like to run up and down St. Charles street. I recently have gotten back into Bikram yoga so we shall see how that mixes with my Crossfit training. I love to travel anywhere and I also love to spend time with my nieces and nephews. Nothing beats a day on the beach with a good book and a cold drink!

What do you do for a living?
I am a pediatric resident for LSU at Children's Hospital. 

What is one goal that you are currently working on?
I would like to run another marathon within the next year


Is this your first year doing the CF OPEN? What have you learned or what do you hope to get get out of the next 2 weeks of competition?
I have previously participated in some of the open workouts but never in an official capacity. This is my first year actually signing up and trying to do all the workouts. I love the atmosphere at the gym with the heats and Jeff giving positive reinforcement to everyone. I've learned that I can do a muscle up and I've learned some of my limits on other movements from the first two workouts. I hope the next two weeks will be lots of fun!

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first experience/WOD?
I heard about Crossfit back in 2010 while living in Boston. I was tied into a Globo Gym contract, but did an intro class. After that, I knew my days of bicep curls and lat pulldowns were numbered.    

When did you first come to CrossFit NOLA?
November 2012, almost immediately after moving to New Orleans. I read reviews and found Crossfit NOLA was the best around. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made athletically. 

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally take (times and specialties)?
I’m a solid supporter of the Uptown noon class. As Coach Brad says, “We’re a little older, and more chill.”  


What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit NOLA?
I enjoy the peer pressure aspect of a WOD: I look around and see people pushing themselves as hard as possible, and that keeps me engaged. I keep coming back not only for the self-accountability, but for the relationships and progress we’ve all collectively made. 

Favorite thing about New Orleans?
There’s a lot to love, but there’s nothing like a good Jazz Fest day. 

What  accomplishment are you the most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)? 
I’m proud I’ve gotten exponentially better at double-unders. Not only does it feel great stringing together a set, but the reduction of marks on my arms from missing is also nice. 

After a hard workout, what is your favorite meal?
I don’t have a set meal, but I enjoy a tall glass of milk. Whenever possible, I enjoy a Company Burger. 

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?
I like foreign travel, shopping for antiques with my girlfriend Sara, playing ball with my dog Ernie, and populating my newly created Instagram account with whimsical, artsy photos


What do you do for a living?
I’m transitioning to something new. I’ll keep you all posted - I know you’ll be excited to know what I find. Everyone can feel free to creep on my LinkedIn page. 

What is one goal that you are currently working on?
Muscle ups! Thanks 15.3, challenge accepted. 

Is this your first year doing the CF OPEN? What have you learned or what do you hope to get get out of the next 2 weeks of competition?
This is my second year, and it’s been great seeing progress over last year. If you had asked last week, it was to go RX throughout the open. This week, I’d like to just beat Zack Harvey. 

CATHY TON
How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first experience/WOD?

I discovered CFNOLA through a couple of mutual friends. I tried the free Saturday class with Eric at uptown and was hooked immediately.


When did you first come to CrossFit NOLA?
May 2013


How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally take (times and specialties)?
5 days a week. This year I am focusing on Olympic Lifting and gymnastics. Also love Strongman!!


What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit NOLA?
My kids are the ones who drive me to the gym. I want to stay physically and mentally healthy for them so many years down the road. Also, the comraderie in the gym, the wonderful trainers who are all so supportive and the competitive drive to be stronger keeps me coming back for more!


Favorite thing about New Orleans?
Family, friends, food, culture


What  accomplishment are you the most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)?
Inside the gym, finally getting a kipping pull-up and HSPU!!! Outside the gym, proud and thankful to have a healthy, beautiful family.

After a hard workout, what is your favorite meal?
Rib eye steak and 3 fried eggs over easy with mashed cauliflower

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?
Biking with the family, cooking paleo dishes that none of my family eats 


What do you do for a living?
Job 1: Manager to Catty Car Corner

Job 2: full-time mom and wife

What is one goal that you are currently working on?
Stringing kipping pull-ups. Clean and jerk 155lbs. Snatch 135lb. 


Is this your first year doing the CF OPEN? What have you learned or what do you hope to get get out of the next 2 weeks of competition?
Yes, first year for the Open. It is definitely a competitive event, even if I'm scaled! I've figured out my weaknesses through the Open, but now have more goals to work on in hopes to do better next year. I looked forward, yet dread, the last 2 events hoping to finish with a decent number for both myself and Crossfit NOLA

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first experience/WOD?
I heard about CrossFit through my friend Michelle who works out at CrossFit Breaux Bridge. My first experience was with Brandon at Midcity Fundamentals. I knew I was out of shape but this made it very clear. I thought I was DYING lol. 

When did you first come to CrossFit NOLA?
My very first day of fundamentals was on April 8, 2014. (Thanks for looking it up Brandon.) 

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally take (times and specialties)?
I normally attend class 3-4 days a week at Uptown for the 9:30a class (W/F) and Midcity noon(M/T). I initially chose this gym because of the different times offered since I don't work a 9-5. 

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit NOLA?
I die every single WOD but seeing my gains let me know it's worth it. Plus the nurturing atmosphere mixed with friendly people. 

Favorite thing about New Orleans?
The overall culture. I wouldn't change my upbringing here for the world. 


What  accomplishment are you the most proud of?
Being able to do push-ups without a band and losing weight. 

 After a hard workout, what is your favorite meal?
Steak and vegetables 

 What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?
I enjoy festivals, watching movies, hanging out with friends, karaoke (I'm amazing I promise), eating (this diet thing is super tough living here), and trying out groupon activities. 

What do you do for a living?
VIP Host at Harrah's New Orleans 

What is one goal that you are currently working on?
Getting my mile down to 10 mins.  

Will you be competing in the CrossFit Open?
Nah. I don't think I'm quite ready for that many people to see me struggle lol.