The Athlete of the Month for October 2019 is someone who demonstrates true dedication to a fitness program. Through various setbacks and obstacles in her life, she has always kept fitness (specifically CrossFit) as a steady constant. We’ve been talking a lot about consistency lately. With the priority she has placed in fitness in her life, it has been fun to watch her progress from very little fitness to a constant participant in our Open Team Competition. Through our Coach’s Corner Program, she has continued to see fast progress with her fitness goals. She joined in the Sprint of 2015, when we were still young, and she has grown with us. The Athlete of the Month for October 2019 is:
Stephanie Smyczek
1. Where are you from originally?
Right here in Pittsburgh, the South Hills
2. If not from Pittsburgh, what brought you to Pittsburgh?
N/A
3. Where do you work?
I’m a Lead Infant Teacher at Tutor Time Learning Center in Bethel Park.
4. What is your favorite hobby?
I enjoy reading and Scrapbooking.
5. How did you discover CrossFit?
Coach Jen and I have been friends since high school. She was always talking about these “crazy” workouts she did that included running and weights and some wild thing called a Burpee!
6. When did you start CrossFit?
Spring of 2015
7. Why did you start CrossFit?
Coach Jen kept encouraging me to try it and I finally gave in and told her I would come watch her workout but I was not joining or signing up for anything. I was blown away by the atmosphere, the members and the intense workouts. I left that night and asked what I needed to do to join! Since then, it’s been a therapeutic outlet where I’m constantly being challenged to do things I never thought I could, or would.
8. What is your favorite thing to do in CrossFit?
I love rowing and weirdly enough I’ve grown to love Burpees
9. What is your least favorite thing to do in CrossFit?
The Assault Bike and SDHP
10. What is the number 1 thing you want to get better at?
Hmm… I would definitely say I could benefit from improving at everything even in the smallest amount – But if I had to pick just ONE thing it would be jumping on a 20″ box.
11. What is your favorite part about coming to CrossFit at Industrial Athletics?
The Community. No matter what kind of day you are having you come in and everyone is supportive and excited to crush the workout. It doesn’t matter what your skill level is there is a way for everyone to come in and get a great workout with good friends and encouragement along the way.
12. What is your favorite CrossFit WOD?
Any kind of partner wod or quick/fast rowing.
