April 2012
April Athlete Profile
Denny Hawkins & Leah Platz
Denny
Ranked #1 World (Men Masters 55-59) Games Qualifier
Why did I start CrossFit?
Denny: “I started off my first cycle with -Angie- and knew it would be challenging and I wasn’t at all wrong, then there was FRAN, and to finish off the cycle was Elizabeth... Thats all it took and I was hooked”
Favorite WODs...
Denny: “Whatever is posted that day.”
Favorite Movements...
Denny: “All the ones I need work on. If I work on them, they get better. OHS, Snatch, HSPU, all squats, ring dips, muscle ups, push ups. In other words, I need work on everything.”
What do I like about CrossFit?
Denny: “What I like most about CrossFit is if you keep coming, you WILL improve.
What is it about CFNWA that is special?
Denny: “Its all the crossfitters at CFNWA, what a community NWA is!! So many new people coming in and its great to see the positive changes in people as we all keep improving. Lee has done such a great job with all the instructors he has and the overall program. Everyone’s progression seems to be much faster than anywhere else. Can’t say enough good things about everyone at CFNWA.”
P.S. “I like hanging out with all the young folks too... :)”
Leah
Ranked #29 North Central (Women’s Individual) Regional Qualifier
Why did I start CrossFit?
Leah: “I started CrossFit almost 2 years ago, my first WOD was -Stephen- and it was heavily scaled and still left me dry heaving in the parking lot. I actually had the confidence to start at CFNWA because of Megan Humphries, I remember stopping by her desk at work to ask her if she had heard of CrossFit and she told me all about NWA. She said I needed to come by to meet Jenn and Lee. The rest is history....”
Favorite WODs...
Leah: “My favorite WODs are Isabel, McGhee, and Nasty Girls. I also love team WODs. I have really great memories from these - Murph + Griff.”
Favorite Movements...
Leah: “I think everyone is aware of the fact I love my heavy lift day.”
What do I like about CrossFit?
Leah: “It has given me joy in life again. It sounds depressing, but its true! When I started CrossFit I was ten years removed from being a competitive gymnast, pushing 190 lbs, and just miserable with myself.”
What is it about CFNWA that is special?
Leah: “Coming to CFNWA has been amazing, it has given me my health, my competitive drive back, introduced me to amazing people, and allowed me to have experiences I never thought I would have again. Even though I work 50+ hours a week desk job, I still look forward to spending my evenings and weekends at the gym because it means that much to me. I love working out and I am very passionate about helping others experience the same things that make CF special to me. I know that everyone, well the 6:30pm class really, jokes with me a lot about being “mean” or being a “nazi”.... But its because I care and I want everyone to become better and achieve things they didn’t think were possible... Its all out of LOVE..“
