Name: Will Bryant
Hometown: Lynchburg, Virginia
Age: 23
When did you first start training at CrossFit Lynchburg? November 2013
Tell us about your sports & fitness background: I played soccer and basketball until I tore my ACL as a Junior in high school then I picked up golf and ended up playing at Liberty University for 3 years.
How did you first get exposed to Crossfit? I saw the 2011 Crossfit games on TV and had no idea what I was watching but I thought it looked pretty neat.
What was your first workout and how did it go? I’m not sure what my first ever workout was because I followed Crossfit Lynchburg’s programming and did all the workouts at Liberty’s gym along with the programming we had to do for golf…and yes the golf team worked out. The first workout I ever did at CFL was either Fran or the 7 minute AMRAP of burpees—both of which about killed me.
Favorite Workout/Least Favorite Workout: I don’t like running really all that much at all ever but I have done Nancy a few times and thought it was a good one. I’ve done the workout “Cindy” before and, while it wasn’t that hard, it was one of the most boring workouts I have ever done.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting Crossfit? I have noticed that I’m much more flexible even with the strength I have gained..and that came as a big surprise to me. I have never been one to pay much attention to warming up and stretching before I did any type of workout...crossfit has changed that greatly and now I am very aware of what I need to do in order to be properly warmed up for the movements we have for the day.
What sort of unexpected changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like Crossfit? Besides the confidence you get from completing a WOD or making a new PR or getting your first muscle up, I have found myself a lot more productive in life outside of the gym. No one makes you join a gym, no one makes you go to class, and no one is making you finish the WOD...that is all on your own conscience and motive. With that being said, being able to do that, I think, absolutely makes for a better all around person and that is something I did not see coming when I joined. Also, I didn’t expect to meet my fabulous roommate Chris Kerr.
Please share any of your favorite CrossFit/CrossFit Lynchburg moments: I knew joining Crossfit Lynchburg would 1) make me stronger and more in shape and 2) sure I’d meet some gym bros and we’d hangout and drink protein shakes and talk about how strong each other is... Nothing could have prepared me for the genuine relationships and friendships I would make—there must really be something about almost dying during a workout that brings people close together. I know this isn’t necessarily a specific memory but it is my favorite part about having joined CFL. Also, being able to go to support our members and coaches at Superfit competitions and the awesome experience of going to the Mid Atlantic Regional’s to support our team is something I found to be pretty darn awesome.
Any advice for people just getting started or new to Crossfit? I was in contact with Amanda and Jerrod for almost a year before I finally decided to join. I absolutely regret not joining sooner and I would tell anyone to just give it a shot. CrossFit is intimidating and it is a little intense but find yourself a good box with good coaches and a good supportive community and you’d be amazed at what you can accomplish.