Christmas is right around the corner and you know that that means? Presents! Whether you are looking for gifts to give a fellow CrossFitter or are coming up with a want list yourself, these four items will make your gym experience that much better:

1. Olympic weightlifting shoes – With the amount of squats and Olympic lifting we do during a regular week at the gym, it might be time to look into some weightlifting shoes. Their fixed, rigid soles don’t spring or bounce like a running shoe. They put your body in an optimal position enabling a greater torso angle at the bottom of a squat, clean, snatch or even wall ball. Those with poor ankle or calf flexibility will feel especially more stable in the squat position. These will be a little pricey (between $100-200) but will last you for a long time. Here is a big list off of Rogue Fitness.

2. Your own jump rope – Ever walk over to the jump ropes and realize that your size is all gone or that your jump rope has a little less plastic coating on the metal cable making it sting that much more when you trip up? Do you wish your jump rope fit your body a little better? Time to get your own! Every time you pick up your rope to do double unders, you will know exactly how it will feel. That consistency will help with stringing more and more double unders together. Check out more ropes here. 

3. Wrist wraps – Do your wrist start to hurt in the overhead squat, front rack, or press position? If you are doing these lifts multiple times a week, your wrist, like mine, might start to get a little tender. Harbinger makes a pair of basic wrist wraps that you can find at Dick’s Sporting Goods for under $10. If you’re looking for something a little fancier, then I recommend checking out the PR Wraps website. Both brands will add support and confidence to your lifting.

4. Knee sleeves – Squatting 2-3 times a week, whether it be with the med-ball, barbell, or just your basic air squat, can sometimes beat up on the knees a bit. Knee sleeves provide extra support during and eleviate soreness after lifts. I use them any time I see a workout that involves the knees being bent over and over again. As soon as I put them on, my knees feel like new no matter how sore the rest of my body is. Rehband makes a trusted product.

For the first time since we started the Athlete Of The Month blog series, we have chosen one of our masters athlete to represent the month of December! Everyone meet Janet Daum. She can be seen at the Tuesday and Thursday evening Masters’ classes working her butt off. With the help of a better diet and consistent exercise, Janet has managed to lose more than 70 lbs. She is moving better than ever before and really has no limitations from here on out. Congratulations Janet! Your positivity and drive are infectious!

1. When did you join EDCF?  How did you find the gym?  What was your first impression or how did that first workout go?

I believe I joined EDCF in either late April or early May of this year. I was told about Crossfit by a man that I ride the bus with to downtown most mornings. After hearing about Crossfit for a year and a lengthy rehab following my last ankle surgery, I decided it was finally time to join. My first impression was that this type of workout was definitely something that would keep me motivated.  The first workout was really tough but I knew it would eventually get better…

2. What class time do you attend the most, are there any regular members you work out with at that time?

We have a great group of folks in there that made me feel welcome from the beginning. During the workouts, I usually partner with Susan, Isabel, one of the Debbies, Vickie or Marci. Can’t forget about the guys- Jay (from the bus), Tom, Tim, Rick and Dennis…oh and Joe and anyone else I may have left off.

3. Tell us a little about yourself, What is your life like outside the gym? Where do you work, do you have kids/pets/husband/bf/partner? What is your favorite hobby outside the gym?

I work at the federal building downtown.  I will spare you the details. I have a dog and a cat which my parents refer to as the grand-dog and grand-cat. It’s just me and the critters right now, no boyfriend currently. I started volunteering in 1999 at Equest, which is an amazing place that offers horseback riding for people with disabilities.  I returned to Equest just this past September after a 5 year hiatus and a few orthopedic surgeries.  It’s good to be back!

4. What do you like about CrossFit or EDCF that keeps you coming back?

Crossfit keeps me coming back because it keeps me motivated.  Every workout is different and there is always something that challenges me in each class.  I keep telling myself that I will eventually like doing burpees…. The people keep it fun as well.

5. What is your favorite lift or exercise or type of workout? What is one of your short term and long term goals?

I really don’t have a single lift that I could currently call my favorite. I usually like anything with kettlebells, which I have actually caught myself encouraging others to get the next larger weight…imagine that. I find the AMRAPs a good challenge every time. My main goal in joining Crossfit was to lose weight and get moving.  That is still my goal today….to keep moving!