June Ai1: David Tuttle
Hometown: Los Gatos, California
Age: 44
When did you first start training at Anaerobic?: August 2011
Favorite WOD: Kelly (5 Rounds of: 400 m Run, 30 Wall Balls and 30 Box Jumps)
Least Favorite WOD: 14.5 (Thrusters and burpee bar hop-overs) I hated it so much I did it twice. Never again!
Tell us about your sports & fitness background: I’ve been playing sports my entire life. Varsity baseball and football @ Los Gatos High School; Varsity baseball @ Santa Clara University; Professional baseball for 9 years with Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, and Arizona Diamondbacks organizations.
How did you first get exposed to CrossFit?I was working at Applied Medical (across the street from the original AI) and jogging at lunch about 3 days per week. Richy Verdugo and Wendy Rand were working in my building and going to CrossFit during their lunch hour. I knew both of them and they encouraged me to give it a try.
Like many CrossFitters I’ve learned to “embrace the suck” and truly enjoy challenging myself on a daily basis.
- David
Take us back to your first day of CrossFit… How did you feel? How do you compare it to workouts today? On ramp with Cole and Ian…where do I begin…I was a bit nervous but also had a false sense of confidence because of my previous sports background. I took in all the coaching and looked at my fellow on-rampers and thought “I got this”. After a 12 minute AMRAP of deadlifts, push-ups, and wall balls I was gasping for air like I’d been punched in the stomach. Like many CrossFitters I’ve learned to “embrace the suck” and truly enjoy challenging myself on a daily basis.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)? I’ve weighed almost the same for the past 10 years (before and after pics). I walked in the door of AI at 197 pounds and now I weigh 195. Aside from adding lean muscle mass and feeling great physically, at the six month mark of joining CrossFit Anaerobic none of my pants or shorts fit me. Needless to say my tailor was excited that I had found CrossFit.
What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? The biggest life change since joining Anaerobic has been with my/our diet. My entire life I’ve been relatively skinny and I’ve always worked out, so I felt like I could eat whatever I wanted. Put simply, the more I worked out the worse I could eat. I want to state that I’m NOT paleo but I do eat healthfully. The fewer the ingredients the better; organic fruits, veggies, and dairy. Grass fed-free range meats and eggs when possible. The key items that I took out of my diet were soda and chips. Those 44oz. Super Big Gulps just didn’t taste the same after the daily WOD.
Please share with us any favorite CrossFit Anaerobic moments All the AI events from Battle of the Boxes to Tres de Mayo to Red, White, and Brew Pub Crawl to Memorial Day Murph are a true reflection of our awesome community but my favorite moments all happen during regular WOD hours. Whether it’s my midday class with TJ, Vic, Barbie, Anne, Wendy, et al. or my occasional morning AI 2 appearances at coffee club with Doug, Jonathan, Flavia, et al. something memorable always seems to take place…PR, practical joke, …c’mon down and see what all the fuss is about.
Any advice for people just getting started? Like most new adventures getting started is the most difficult part. I was nervous and sore for the entire first month but I’d been bitten by the CrossFit bug and there was no turning back. I don’t think CrossFit is for everyone but if you are motivated to be in the best shape of your life and want to meet great like-minded people then get your ass over to CrossFit Anaerobic. You will not be disappointed.
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? Spending time with my family, playing pick-up hoops, spelunking, and beer tasting.
June Ai2: Justin Iselin
Hometown: Santa Barbara, CA
Age: 34
When did you first start training at Anaerobic?: April 2013
Favorite WOD: My favorite WODs tend to be chippers involving a large number of different body weight exercises.
Least Favorite WOD: Helen (3 Rounds of: 400 m Run, 21 KBS and 12 Pull-Ups) – because my hands are still torn up from the last time.
Tell us about your sports & fitness background: Prior to joining CrossFit, I did not work out at all outside of my hobbies. I had the obligatory 24 Hour Fitness membership which I paid for and never went to (probably showed up 2 times in the last 3 years of membership). I also managed to turn P90X into a team sport by “coaching” my wife, Tiffani through her workouts. A.K.A. I would sit on the couch and watch her work out in our living room. My only physical activity came from hobbies such as scuba diving, hiking, backpacking and rock climbing.
How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? AI member Rene Williamson is very active on social media. After a year of Rene blowing up Tiffani’s Facebook news feed with her CrossFit fever, Tiffani contacted Rene to ask about CrossFit and she led us here to Anaerobic.
I was intimidated at first, looking at all these fit people doing crazy workouts, but every one of them had to build up to that level and they are continuing to work on and improve their fitness just as you are now. It’s amazing how much progress you can see in yourself in just a few months if you stick with it.
- Justin
Take us back to your first day of CrossFit… How did you feel? How do you compare it to workouts today? The first day was tough, really tough! I remember coming to AI2 on a Saturday morning to do an “introductory” workout and talk to the coaches about CrossFit. There were 4 of us checking the gym out that day and after talking all about CrossFit and the AI community, they had us do a small WOD – 3 rounds for time of 5 burpees, 5 sit-ups and 5 jumping jacks. I thought I was going to die! I felt extremely out of shape and intimidated by the whole thing. Fast forward to today and that “WOD” would be a piece of a warm up. I am able to do more and recover quicker than I would have believed possible a year ago. I am truly in the best shape of my life right now and it only encourages me to strive for that much more! Since all the workouts are scalable, they are still hard, but the biggest difference is that I went from “How am I going to do this?” to “How fast can I get this done and can I go RX?”
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)? I have a lot more energy now, I sleep better and I feel healthier overall. I’ve seen a dramatic change in my body over the last year. I’ve lost 37 pounds, gained muscle and definition and had to buy new clothes because nothing fits me from a year ago! Backpacking and other sports are easier to do now and I feel more motivated to keep an active lifestyle.
What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? A diet change was a big thing for me. I have always loved greasy food and dessert. Previously I thought the whole reason for working out was so that I could eat more of that stuff. I resisted changing my diet at first but eventually came around to realizing that I’m doing myself an injustice by putting in all this hard work at CrossFit and then fueling my body with junk. Switching to a more Paleo diet has definitely improved my results and made me feel more energetic.
Please share with us any favorite CrossFit Anaerobic moments The community aspect of AI is amazing. Having so many friendly, fun and supportive people around was really unexpected and has made all the difference for me. From the coaches telling funny stories and having impromptu dance parties, to the encouragement that members give to each other when they have finished a workout and are cheering on those still working – it all adds up to making CrossFit Anaerobic an amazing place. I remember a WOD about a month ago where the class was encouraging the last person to push through and finish to the extent that the entire class went on the final run with them to lend support till the end.
Any advice for people just getting started? Take it one class at a time and just show up, if the WODs scare you, don’t look at them ahead of time. Once you get through the gym doors, the coaches will guide you through and all the members are there to support you along the way. I was intimidated at first, looking at all these fit people doing crazy workouts, but every one of them had to build up to that level and they are continuing to work on and improve their fitness just as you are now. It’s amazing how much progress you can see in yourself in just a few months if you stick with it.
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? Outside of CrossFit, I enjoy scuba diving, rock climbing, cycling and hiking/backpacking. I just signed up for my first GORUCK challenge this summer thanks to AI members Rene and Sean, which I’m looking forward to in July.
June Ai3: Madalyn Worthington
Hometown: San Juan Capistrano, CA
Age: 27
When did you first start training at Anaerobic?: February 2013
Favorite WOD: Anything with Deadlifts, Backsquats and the Crossfit total (loving getting new PRs!).
Least Favorite WOD: Anything that includes the ‘Assault Bike’ as they are called at Ai3 or anything that calls for more than 100 reps.
Tell us about your sports & fitness background: I played softball throughout high school, including travel ball year round. Once I got to college and wasn’t on the field for 5 plus hours a day, 7 days a week I needed to find a new way to stay active. Since then it has been a constant yo-yoing battle. I’ve tried yoga, women’s boot-camps, a 24 hr gym membership and even personal training, but nothing left me motivated. In an effort to motivate myself and get my friends involved, I set out to do a year of 5k’s. Even now since starting CrossFit, we continue to do organized running events, as well as set up fun goals like “100 to New Years,” a friendly race to run/walk/jog 100 miles within a certain time period.
How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? It was something I had been interested in trying but kept making excuses about getting started. I was at a silent auction event and CrossFit Anaerobic had a monthly membership up for auction, so I bid on it and won! I no longer had an excuse, so I walked into Ai2 that next weekend to give it a try. I was instantly hooked, intimidated but hooked!
I walk out of CFAI almost daily with an amazing feeling of accomplishment- being able to do something that a year ago I would have never imagined myself doing.
- Madalyn
Take us back to your first day of CrossFit… How did you feel? How do you compare it to workouts today? I could barely do the warm up run. The exact workout was a blur but I know it consisted of pull ups and ring dips, which practically left me in tears. It not only left me physically defeated, but mentally as well. Today, I no longer dread pull ups! I haven’t quite mastered them without the band, but they are getting easier week after week. I signed up for the CrossFit open for the first time this year and I’m so glad I did. Having to do all the movements RX really pushed me to try new things I never thought I could do- like toes to bar! Who knew!
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)? Since joining and changing my diet I’ve lost almost 30 lbs and I’m down 4 pants sizes. I’ve become the best version of myself that I have ever known- stronger and confident. I walk out of CFAI almost daily with an amazing feeling of accomplishment- being able to do something that a year ago I would have never imagined myself doing. I have way more endurance/stamina and completed my first 10k this year! I’ve been able to fit into clothes I haven’t been able to wear in over 5 years and am able to have the active lifestyle that I’ve always wanted, but been too out of shape to truly enjoy.
What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? My mind set has changed tremendously. I’ve come to realize CrossFit isn’t about just being physically tough, but mentally too. You really can do anything you put your mind to. When doing a WOD that’s only 6 minutes long I constantly tell myself, “it’s only 6 minutes, you can do anything for 6 minutes.” It has also changed the way I look at food forever….”food is fuel!” I try to eat Paleo as much as possible now and have noticed it has made a huge difference in how I feel- especially with cutting out grains, dairy and processed junk. I also never imagine being part of such a fantastic, supportive and all around AMAZING community.
Please share with us any favorite CrossFit Anaerobic moments Battle of the Boxes this year.. what an amazing event!! It was my first time ever doing a friendly competition and I was blown away by our supportive community.
Any advice for people just getting started? Don’t give up and keep pushing yourself. You will thank yourself later. The only person you are competing with is yourself and you have an entire community here to support you.
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? I love being by the beach, going out paddle-boarding or kayaking. Spending time with my two lil’ puppies. A good glass of vino. Baking and trying out new recipes. Traveling to new places…I’ll be moving to New York in 4 months so I can’t wait to explore the city (don’t worry, I’ll be back!).
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