September 2024 Athlete of the Month
September 2024 Athlete of the Month
Fiona Zhao
Coach’s Thoughts: Fiona is an athlete who embodies everything we strive for at Core City Fitness. She shows up with a smile on her face, ready to give it her all. Her positive attitude is contagious, lifting up everyone around her.
Whether it’s a tough WOD or a challenging lift, Fiona never backs down. She works incredibly hard and is always eager to push herself. What stands out most is her willingness to learn and grow. She graciously accepts feedback and immediately puts it into action, showing her commitment to improving every day.
Her dedication, perseverance, and positive spirit make her an inspiration to us all. Keep up the fantastic work!
How long have you been doing CrossFit?
My bestie, roommate, and coach, Lori, recommended I try CrossFit. I started at Core City Fitness in December 2022, so I've been training here for 1 year and 9 months.
Favorite Movement?
My favorite movements have evolved over time. Initially, I enjoyed box jumps, then I focused on back squats, where I made significant progress. Recently, I've been into sit-ups and V-ups to strengthen my core. I remember being quite anxious about box jumps at first, fearing I might trip. I felt awkward and clumsy, but with encouragement from others, I eventually overcame my fear.
What advice would you give to someone who is hesitant to start CrossFit?
Don’t let fear of new movements hold you back. I used to panic every time I tried something unfamiliar, like rope climbs or banded pull-ups. I was often scared of wobbling or losing balance, but I always ended up feeling accomplished. My advice is to avoid stressing too much about how challenging it might seem. Embrace the experience, and you'll eventually succeed.
For barbell movements like deadlifts and back squats, starting with lighter weights and gradually increasing the load is a great way to build confidence and achieve a sense of accomplishment. A big piece of advice: Avoid focusing too much on lifting heavy weights at the expense of maintaining proper form. Prioritizing correct posture is crucial, as improper technique not only increases the risk of injury but also reduces the effectiveness of the workout. It’s essential to build and maintain strong core and back muscles to support your lifts safely and effectively.
I really value my time at the gym and often tell others that I wish I had started CrossFit earlier in life. I sometimes feel like I missed out on years of progress. However, people always remind me that it’s never too late to start, and I appreciate that perspective.
Favorite thing about CCF?
I appreciate the opportunity to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and professions. While remembering names can be a challenge for me due to my ADHD, I genuinely enjoy engaging in conversations about personal lives, sharing music, and simply relaxing with others. Please don’t be surprised if I ask your name a few times—I’m just working to overcome a bit of a short-term memory issue. Regardless, I always appreciate the interactions and the sense of community.
I also want to express my gratitude to the coaches and gym members who offer encouragement during cardio workouts, which is my weak area. Your support makes a huge difference and helps me push through when I might otherwise struggle. Without your encouragement, I wouldn’t be able to finish those challenging sessions.
What do you do when you’re not at CCF (job, hobbies, other fitness, etc)?
I have a strong passion for the arts, including dancing, music, and painting. I’ve practiced various dance styles such as hip-hop, urban, waacking, voguing, and choreography for years. I also enjoy a range of music genres like pop, rock, and rap. While I used to study traditional Chinese calligraphy and pastel art, I haven't practiced these in a while.
What is your next big fitness goal?
My next big fitness goal is to be able to perform a pull-up and rope climbing. Currently, I’m working with banded pull-ups to build up to that goal. Additionally, I need to focus on strengthening my upper body and core muscles to be able to perform rope climbs.
