Athlete of the Month: Mike and Laura Mood

What made you decide to join the RIV? 

Laura: Mike joined 8 months before I did.  I could see what it was doing for him and how much he was enjoying it.  I wanted to be part of it. I did RivFit first. (I didn’t want anything to do with the barbell).  After a couple of months, a Coach that is no longer at the RIV suggested I switch to Crossfit. He said not only would I love it, but he guaranteed it would help strengthen our marriage.  As corny as it sounded at the time, I think it did just that.

Mike: Starting a family and career had taken its toll on my sleeping and eating habits. Not long before she passed away, my grandmother told me that I had put on weight. I stepped on a scale in her house that day and was disgusted with myself. I immediately purchased P90X, which helped me shed some excess weight, but I still wasn’t happy with working out alone in my basement. Those experiences ultimately led me to CrossFit Riverfront.

How has the RIV helped you achieve some of your fitness goals?

Laura: After two kids, it was hard to get back in shape.  There is just something about feeling strong. Feeling strong became more important than being skinny.  The RIV has also helped me manage my stress.

Mike: My goals have evolved over my time and have included weight loss, competition training, mobility, recovery, etc. Coaches, past and present, have helped with structuring my training to support my ever-changing goals.

What has been your favorite workout? What have you improved the most?

Laura: I will complain about every workout but do it anyway.  I love a workout to have heavy lifts- anything with the barbell.  I’m a work in progress, I have so much to learn.

Mike: My favorite workout is Helen. The benchmark pairs running with KB swings and pull-ups, which I love. My greatest improvement has been my strength. Weightlifting was never a focus for my sports training in high school or college, so this remains an opportunity for continued growth.

What is your favorite part of the RIV?

Laura: Hands down the members.  I have been working out at 5:15am with the same people, in the same corner for 4 ½ years.  I show up because I know they will be there- and if I don’t show up, I never hear the end of it.  Mike and I have made some great friends at the RIV.

Mike: Community – I know that’s boring and has been said a million times before, but it’s true. Everyone comes together to cheer for fellow members, honor a fallen hero, or raise money for a charitable cause. Five years into this journey, I still value the energy and encouragement I get from the members every day.

Categorised in: Athlete of the Month, Blog