Griff
Age: 38
Height: 5’10″
Weight: 12st 8lbs
What do you do all day? I’m a trainer for a financial services firm.
Can you give us some of your benchmark workout stats?
CrossFit Total: 325kg
Fran: 7:27 min (scaled to 35kg)
Cindy: 13 rounds with 3 pull-ups
Fight Gone Bad: 253
What is your athletic history? I’m a distance runner at heart – It all started off with cross country at school and went from there. I now run from 10k’s to marathons, especially off road races. I played rugby for about 10 years, kick-boxed for a couple, but will basically have a go at any sport I can.
What is your biggest strength in the gym? I guess I’m a bit of an all-rounder so I can turn my hand to most activities. My balance is towards slow twitch muscle fibres, making endurance and strength WODs my preferences.
Biggest weakness? I’m a bit of an all-rounder so I’m not as strong as the big boys, or as fast as some of the smaller boys and girls. As my balance is towards slow twitch muscle fibres, power, explosive and gymnastic WODs are a bugger.
What’s your biggest fitness goal? I’m planning to run Comrades in South Africa next year: a double marathon (53 miles). Uphill. Oh, and muscle-ups!
What do you enjoy most about Thames CrossFit? How much time have you got? I get to workout with a fantastic and talented group of athletes which leads to an awesome atmosphere every single session, and CrossFit works: my body has changed radically in 4 months. And Jami’s choice of music.
Have any advice for our new members or potential CrossFitters? Dive in, the water’s lovely! CrossFit is totally scaleable, so you’ll start out with lower weights and work up. It’s nothing like your local ‘Globo-Gym’, so if you want to get fit and healthy, and in a supportive and vibrant environment, then give it a go.
Most importantly: What is the greatest sports movie of all time? That’s a tough one to throw at me after 100 bodyweight squats!! Rocky? Awesome but too obvious. Any Given Sunday? A modern classic, but is it a sports movie or a business movie? So, the winner is…..Dodgeball. Do I need an explanation? It’s about every Crossfit box against Globo-gym, and what embodies functional fitness more than Dodgeball?
Patches O’Houlihan: “If you’re going to become true dodgeballers, then you’ve got to learn the five d’s of dodgeball: dodge, duck, dip, dive and dodge.“
Julz
Age: 28
Height: 165cm
Weight: 58kg
What do you do all day?
Analyse funds and fund managers.
What is your athletic history?
I started off doing jazz ballet as a kid, then aerobics classes at the gym and waterpolo as a teenager, in my late teens I started running and then got into karate and football. A couple of years of light kickboxing training and general gymming followed but I was frustrated at not getting the kind of results I’d had from karate. Ran a half marathon last year and joined CrossFit in February.
What is your biggest strength in the gym?
Leg work, and running to an extent.
Biggest weakness?
Pull-ups!
What’s your drink?
Herbal tea, gallons of it. Generally I prefer chamomile, peppermint, green tea or jasmine.
What’s your biggest fitness goal?
To never have to use a rubber band for pull-ups again!
What do you enjoy most about Thames CrossFit?
Working out with friends in a supportive and challenging environment where everyone’s behind you but we all come to train hard.
What has been your favourite workout so far?
My favourite? Hm. Every week I have a new favourite as Jami dreams up new ways to torture – I mean train – us. Improving all the time means I enjoy some parts much more now, like the kettlebells. I really enjoyed the one with kettlebells and dead lifts we did last Friday, what was it called? (We called it OPT)
Mostly because I did part RX with a 24kg kettlebell and my male training partner was using the same weight kettlebell hehe 
Have any advice for our new members or potential CrossFitters?
Just come along and meet the crew. The worst thing would be to assume we’re elitist because we can actually all can scale our workouts to our ability. So many guys are scared to come along, but you’ve got to start somewhere and there’s only one way to get better/stronger/more buff – practise! Train harder! Don’t avoid it because soon you’ll have a six pack to die for and will be fighting off the ladies. Surely a goal worth fighting for.
Most importantly: What is the greatest sports movie of all time?
Well it’s a bit cheesy but I love “Bring It On” the cheerleading is awesome!
Pete
Age: 34
Height: 181 cm
Weight: 82 kg
What do you do all day? I work in sales. It’s a great job but very sedentary. So I build up lots of surplus energy!
Can you give us some of your benchmark workout stats?
Fran: 7:21
Cindy: 18 rounds
Fight Gone Bad: 258 (I think)
What is your athletic history?
I was lucky enough to grow up in a family were we spent a lot of time outdoors and where physical activity was encouraged. I grew up running and cross-country skiing and was quite into it but gave it up around age 15 as I realised I didn’t have anywhere near the talent to make elite. I lived near a swimming centre so I spent a lot of time swimming and diving. I also did some badminton and jujitsu for fun.
Then came a few years of typical “gym and running” stuff, never on a very intense level though. Then about 6 years ago I started doing kettlebells and bodyweight stuff more intensely as I realised that with a job spent sitting down I needed to take my training more seriously to stay healthy. So I did. I had known about Cross Fit since about 2002 but only picked it up a few month ago when I saw TCF had opened just down the road from work. I wish I would have started sooner!
What is your biggest strength in the gym?
Upper body, low rep pushing and pulling would be a relative strength I guess. My shoes…
Biggest weakness?
Apparently I don’t have a great talent for metcons. Fran gets me every time…!
What’s your drink?
Beer. Definitely.
What’s your biggest fitness goal?
To stay healthy and be able to train pain-free is the top priority. To still be able to run, jump, climb and lift in 20 or 30 years time is the long term goal. In the meantime a 5 minute Fran and a CFT above 400 should keep me in fighting shape!
What do you enjoy most about Thames Cross Fit?
It’s a great place overall! I find it truly inspiring to work out with such fit and friendly people. The trainers are highly motivating, very skilled and passionate about what they do. Also, the gym in itself is like one big playground to me!
Do you have any advice for our new members or potential CrossFitters?
They are the same as what I try to remember for myself: leave your ego at the door (i.e. don’t be afraid to scale), learn to differentiate between good pain and bad pain (enjoy the good one, avoid the bad one). Keep learning and use the resources avaiable to you via the CF community. Listen to your trainers. Get started!
Most importantly: What is the greatest sports movie of all time?
Very difficult question, but I would have to go for Le grand bleu. Talk about a man on a mission!
Intense. We’re going to have to watch that movie now, Pete!
Liz
Age: 30+1
Height: 5ft 5in
Weight: 5kg less than when I started Cross Fit!!
What do you do all day?
I am a Legal Executive for a petroleum shipping company.
Can you give us some of your benchmark workout stats?
Fran: 13:15
Cindy: 11 rounds (plus a bit)
Fight Gone Bad: 214
What is your athletic history?
I’ve played netball since I was 6 years old and I have tried various sports (tennis, kickboxing, karate and a few others), gyms, etc. I love hiking and have done a bit of running in the past. I started Cross Fit at the end of March – and I am hooked.
What is your biggest strength in the gym?
Not sure I have found anything I could truly say was a strength – but I give everything a go (even being upside-down) and just hope to find a strength – one day it will come!
Biggest weakness?
The list is long – but if I had to just name one: pull ups – definetely. Actually, come to think of it – I will have to name two – burpees – seriously??
What’s your drink?
Really depends on the occassion – but I am very partial to a glass (or two) of champagne.
What’s your biggest fitness goal?
I would like to be as fit, healthy and strong as I can.
What do you enjoy most about Thames CrossFit?
There are no mirrors! Every day is a different challenge and the support that you get is incredible – it really is what keeps you going and keeps you coming back. I am constantly surprising myself at just what I can do.
Have any advice for our new members or potential CrossFitters?
Just come meet the team and give it a go. You won’t know just how great it is until you give it a go – the feeling after you complete a work out is priceless. And if you ever stand there and look at the WOD on the board and think “There is no way I can do that” just remember – the mind gives up before the body!
Most importantly: What is the greatest sports movie of all time?
This is tough – but as I’m partial to the underdogs – I’ll have to go with Cool Runnings!!
“You’re ziggin’. You’re zaggin’. Ooooh, ooooh, hah hah! Always remember: your bones will not break in a bobsled. Hm, no no.
They shatter.
So. Who wants in?!” –John Candy as Irv Blitzer
Thanks Liz! From now on, we will start each WOD by saying, “I am feeling very Olympic today!”
Chris
Age:39
Height:5’10″
Weight:108kg
What do you do all day? I’m a Manager for the NHS
Can you give us some of your benchmark workout stats?
CrossFit Total: 1100 pounds, I think!
Fran: 7 29
Cindy: 15 rounds
What is your athletic history?
I used to run track for the Army: 100m and 200m. After that, I did bodybuilding in which I won a few shows. Also have done some Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts.
What is your biggest strength in the gym?
Lifting heavy stuff.
Biggest weakness?
Running, but I am working on it.
What’s your drink?
Beer
What’s your biggest fitness goal?
Just be able to keep CrossFitting till a good old age!
What do you enjoy most about Thames CrossFit?
The whole vibe at TCF is cool; no big egos, just a team who works together and coaches who do know what they are talking about. Small details can be just the thing to get you through (“Active shoulders Chris!!!“)
Have any advice for our new members or potential CrossFitters?
Come give it a try! Dont just say “One day I will come have a look…,” Come now–its great!!!
Most importantly: What is the greatest sports movie of all time?
Rocky. The training parts are the best.
Wow. Thanks for this Chris. There is just to much to say about this video:
1. I wish someone would karate-chop me in the stomach as I did sit-ups.
2. I think Chris needs to wear a grey sweatsuit with the bottoms pulled up high.
3. Good old behind-the-head-shoulder-presses; classic!
4. Definitely adding terry-cloth headbands and half vests to the next t-shirt order.
Phil
Age: 23
Height: 5’8
Weight: 63kg
What do you do all day?
I work in ‘Compliance and Information Management’ in the civil service (although maybe not for much longer when George ‘Swift-cut’ Osbourne reveals his budget!)
Can you give us some of your benchmark workout stats?
Fran: 06:03
Cindy: 20 rounds
Fight Gone Bad: 299
What is your athletic history?
I have dabbled in a few different areas, when I was younger I did a little karate and judo, more recently I have done a few half-marathons, some rock climbing whilst at Uni, how can I forget playing football! and of corse before I found Crossfit I was a user of the dreaded ‘globogym’.
What is your biggest strength in the gym?
Apparently its anything to do with bouncing? or so some would have you believe….I think I have a fairly good gas tank which helps with the longer WODS, and any bodyweight workouts seem to favour me.
Biggest weakness?
At the moment i’d say my strength, although its not to bad for someone of my size, if I want to compete with the big guns then it has to improve.
What’s your drink?
You mean apart from Milk?….I suppose it depends on the situation. Nothing can beat a good first pint refreshment, but I am partial to some good old Southern Comfort or some form of Rum.
What’s your biggest fitness goal?
At the moment its to do my best on the Manchester Invitational CF Games! and maybe one day attempt the CF Games. In the long term just health and longevity, CF is my elixir of life!
What do you enjoy most about Thames CrossFit?
The sense of community, not just at ThamesCF, but the crossfit population in general. I have had the pleasure of visiting a couple of other affiliates and I was immediately made to feel welcome and part of the group. This extends into each and every training session with an unbelievably supportive & motivating atmosphere. I can say my recent battle with Eva was a team effort, without the group cheering me on (with beers in hand!) I wouldn’t have got that time.
Have any advice for our new members or potential CrossFitters?
Just give it a go, the experience speaks for itself!
Most importantly: What is the greatest sports movie of all time?
Baseketball…Thats right not basketball, basEketball. Starring the creators of South Park (and of course the lovely Yasmine Bleath) its exactly the comedy you would expect. Its about 2 childhood friends who create a hybrid sport of baseball and basketball which turns into a nationwide sport.
Sofia
Age: 25
Height: 170cm
Weight: 61kg
What do you do all day?
I work in Banking as a Credit Analyst in a major US bank
Can you give us some of your benchmark workout stats?
Fran: 10.56 (20kg/red band)
Cindy: 13 + 5 pull-ups and 7 push ups
Fight Gone Bad: 234
What has been your favourite workout so far?
Fight Gone Bad is always fun. Filthy 50 is not necessarily fun doing (at least not the burpee part..) but the feeling afterwards is top!
What is your athletic history?
I’ve done it all.. almost! Was an eager swimmer as a child, which I mixed with football, floorball, dancing, volleyball, cross-country skiing, slalom etc. From high-school onwards badminton was my favourite together with running, spinning and various gym-workouts. Now Tennis is next on my list! I’ve always been active and a bit of an adrenaline junkie so a life without sports is simply not an option to me – deal with it. 
What is your biggest strength in the gym?
I’m getting there on the pull-ups (without rubber band) – say before my holidays?! – and I like them as long as my hands aren’t bleeding So it will become a strength very soon!
Biggest weakness?
I’d say squats and burpees.
What’s your drink?
Oh, it depends on the occasion –I love my champagne and Mojitos! – doesn’t go well with the workouts and healthy lifestyle though, but no can do! And anything with Mango in is also appreciated.
What’s your biggest fitness goal?
I’ve never been the one to set particular fitness goals. To me being generally fit and healthy is enough and hopefully that will keep me healthy throughout life. In regards to CrossFit – Get stronger, do loads of pull-ups without a rubber band and handstands without leaning towards the wall.
What do you enjoy most about Thames CrossFit?
The team spirit, the awesome fellow CrossFitters and the excellent support when struggling through workouts! Everyone is there to support the last man/woman standing during a crazy workout and coaches are great! Coming in at 7am for a morning session is a great way to start the day and although not always having slept enough and being totally exhausted after a work-out, I always leave the gym energized with a big smile on my lips!
Have any advice for our new members or potential CrossFitters?
Come and try – this form of workout suits everyone no matter what your background is, and progress is quick! You should’ve seen the excitement when me and Julz did out first handstands 
– you’ll surprise yourselves! I promise you – you’ll get addicted (in a very positive way!).
Most importantly: What is the greatest sports movie of all time?
Step Up 1 and 2 – great dance movies! The final dance act in Step Up 1 is awesome and you’ll sure sign up for a dancing class after seeing it! Don’t ask me how many times I’ve seen them…
Mark
Age: 29
Height: 6′ 4″
Weight: 100kg
What do you do all day?
Training and development for the FSA, dream about training and cake, and arm-wrestle anyone who passes my desk.
Can you give us some of your benchmark workout stats?
CrossFit Total: 375kg
Fran: 8m 40s (But with bands for the chins, so it doesn’t count!)
Fight Gone Bad: 351
What has been your favourite workout so far?
I haven’t tried most of the benchmark workouts yet, but I have discovered I have a real love for any WODs that come with a psychological element. I really believe that mental challenge is fundamental to becoming a better athlete and I try to put myself in the most uncomfortable situation I can, even if it means I fail.
With every failure comes a lesson learnt and a way that I can grow and improve, constant success means I become complacent and think I’m a far bigger bad-ass than I actually am! A lesson I learnt the hard way the very first day I walked into TCF!
What is your athletic history?
Wasn’t much of a sporty kid, but in my early teens turned to martial arts, karate, jui-jitsu, kick boxing and kung-fu were all on the menu. At the age of 16 I turned my eye to resistance training and bicep curls (3 SETS OF 10!!!) and some endurance running thanks to Men’s Health magazine (BOOO!!!), got to a point where I was so skinny my abs stuck out further than my chest thanks to the thought instilled in me that I must have a 6-pack!
I wavered in and out of training for many years following, and it was only after some nasty surgeries that I realised I was out of shape and needed to sort it out. So at the back end of 2008 a friend of mine turned me onto kettlebell training and destroyed me in the space of an hour, from that day onwards I wanted to continue to push myself hard and researched training with pretty much every spare second I had, this led me into powerlifting, strongman training, clubbells, and a vast array of methodologies. Then as I delved deeper I encountered Crossfit and Gym Jones, and realised where I had all these glaring weaknesses and found Thames Crossfit soon after.
What is your biggest strength in the gym?
Picking up/carrying/throwing heavy things from the floor with minimal technique and maximum noise.
Oh…and looking like a sweaty pirate.
Biggest weakness?
Flexibility, skipping and basic gymnastic work. Years of partial depth squats have ruined my hips! But on the plus side very recently got kipping pull-ups so it won’t be long before I’m tearing through those in WODs and moving onto muscle-ups!
Oh… and not having any other pirates at the gym to sing sea shanties with.
What’s your drink?
Jack Daniels (for the man in me) and Chai Tea Lattes (for the lady-boy in me)
What’s your biggest fitness goal?
Right now it’s to address all my weaknesses, stop over-training, and get myself into a state where I compete in the regionals of the Crossfit games next year. Ideally I’d like to be able to give it my best shot next May, and then turn up to be a serious competitor in May 2012.
What do you enjoy most about Thames CrossFit?
The fact that there is no hiding! By this I mean that you have to address all areas of your physical “game”, it’s truly humbling stuff! Also the camaraderie is unrivalled and the effort (and suffering) you share with your fellow crossfitters really builds great bonds, and is definitely the reason for the support you receive from the ever-growing TCF community.
Also a big thanks to all the trainers for their encouragement and support on each and every single WOD!
Have any advice for our new members or potential CrossFitters?
Overall I’d say the best way to experience it is to have a session with one of the trainers and get a real taster of what Crossfit is, I’ve trained in many different ways with many different groups of people and I can honestly say I’ve never trained in an environment that pushes me as hard as I want to be pushed or with people who are so much fun to train with, come on down is all I can say!
Most importantly: What is the greatest sports movie of all time?
Pumping Iron!!!
I know it doesn’t really fit into the functional fitness realm, but Arnold Schwarzenegger was (and still is) a real inspiration to me, not in terms of exercises (but even to this day, I always visualise my guns to be like mountains!) but in terms of his true dedication to his sport/art, an unfaltering belief in himself, his fruity Austrian accent, and the dedication to give it everything to win! And in this documentary he compares training to orgasms, what’s not to like?!
