We are proud to share our October Athlete of the Month;

Karen Yevak

About Karen:

Age: 68

Occupation: Retired Educator

Fitness background: High School Sports (Field Hockey, Basketball); weight training and aerobics; yoga

Hobbies: Church, travel, spending time with my sister

Favorite pre/post workout meal: No real favorite but I like chicken with vegetables and fruit; salad with chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, seasonings and apple cider vinegar

When did you start Crossfit and why did you choose OP?

Fall 2016 – I saw a Facebook article about women/men 55+ who were interested in improving health, strength, ect.  So I called for an appointment, visited and decided it might be exactly what I needed.  I had worked with a trainer before but this was more comprehensive and included overall fitness and health.  The plus for me was there being a class meant just for people my age and older.

What was your first workout/most memorable workout?

I don’t remember my first – memorable workouts are the ones where I achieve a PR! For example; being able to deadlift (90lbs, my max) when I had never done it before or actually completing one of Dani’s Challenging workouts!

I would have to say that EVERY workout is memorable

What are your favorite Crossfit movements and why?

• Love the Functional Fitness workouts!
• It’s hard to pick out a favorite movement(s), the strength training parts of our workouts are a favorite because I am able to see my improvements week to week, month to month.  I also am beginning to love the Core work such as planks and bridges.  When I think back to when I started, I could barely do a plank on the box.  Now I do planks on the floor like everyone else.  For me, that’s showing actual strength growth!

How has Crossfit and the OP community helped you accomplish your goals?

• To improve overall health and fitness
• Weight loss (proud to say I’ve lost 36lbs so far!)
• To enjoy the workouts while being challenged
• New Friendships

The OP community is a family that supports and encourages.  Always positive comments and support for the Legends.  They make us feel that there isn’t anything we can’t accomplish.

What is your proudest Crossfit accomplishment?

When I reflect back on my journey and see where I started how far I have come and where I am headed my, Crossfit experiences are endless!  To be chosen for Athlete of the Month for me, is quite an accomplishment  My family is proud of me and they encourage all my endeavors.  Also, to be 68 (almost 69 years old in 2 months!) and working out at Crossfit, a true international “box”, well, I never thought I would be doing something so challenging at this stage of my life!

What’s something memorable you’ve realized or learned while being at OP?

Age is just a number!! Under the best, the correct, the positive leadership of qualified coaches who show their knowledge of overall fitness, the possibilities are endless.  Our trainers (Dani, Trey, Roxy) know each of the Legends so well.  They push us to be the best we can be, they challenge what we think we can do with what they know we can do.  And we are amazed!  At the same time they listen to us and there is always alternative movements or two that we can do.  We love them!

More from Karen:

The Legends are a special group of Athletes and I’m proud to be a part of them.  We invite any of the athletes from the early morning classes to the evening classes to come and check us out, I think you would learn more about who we are and what we can do!  Thank you Dani for highlighting the Legend Athletes in October!