Athlete Profile: The Andersons

Jessica Anderson

Hometown: Roseland, Nebraska

Age: 33yo

Occupations: OB/GYN/Infertility Nurse Practitoner at Littleton OB/GYN Associates PC

Started CrossFit in February 2011!

Favorite WOD: Any team WOD's...they are so much fun and push me beause I don't want to let my teammates down!

Least Favorite WOD: Hmmm...I could think of a few...

Fitness Background: I played volleyball, basketball, and ran track in HS. I went on and played volleyball in college. After college I stayed active but struggled with "loving" the workout minus the team. I never loved the environment of chain gyms...even though, I must admit, I met my husband at one! It was just too easy to not push myself. Then after getting married and having three children, my committment to physical activity took a nose dive. I was out of shape and way too sedentary. I didn't feel strong, capable or confident. I missed everything about how I used to feel when I was in shape.

How exposed to CrossFit: My husband, Nate, joined CFL while I was pregnant with our third child and he fell in love with it. He kept telling me I would love it too. He said it would appeal to my competitive nature and push me like nothing has before. I was intimidated and and drug my feet to join...finally, I knew it was time to do something for me. I didn't want to be this unfit, out of shape and overweight person I had become. I joined in February and it has been everything Nate said it would be and more!

What sorts of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CrossFit (before/after)? I can feel my body getting stronger and I feel more self-assured. I still get a little nervous before a workout but I actually love that feeling...it reminds me of how I used to feel before a game. Nate and I plan our week by what WODs we can go to. He's a great support and has helped make it just another part of our crazy schedule!

1st WOD and how it felt: I still remember the first workout of Skills Class...it was AMRAP of lunges and 20" box jumps. I could not walk up and down stairs for three straight days...I kinda stumbled down and had to drag myself up. My poor baby couldn't figure out why momma couldn't carry her up the stairs anymore!! I was so sore, but I did it and that felt so good!

Advice for people starting CrossFit: Take advantage of Skills Class! Jeremy and Ian are great and I learned so much about the movements. It gave me more confidence in the open classes. The best advice I can give comes from Kyle...he always says, "the best shit happens on the edge"! Always keep pushing yourself to "your edge" in every workout. I'm amazed how quickly that edge changes! It feels so good!

Please share with us any favorite CrossFit/CrossFit Littleton moments: Oh!...the Girl WOD for sure!! This was my first open class WOD...how lucky am I?? Jello shots make every workout better!!

Hobbies, interests, talants outside of the gym: I love spending time with my husband and kiddos! Reading, shopping, red wine, spending time with girlfriends and my sister round out my favorite things to do!

Nate Anderson

Hometown: Omaha, NE

Age: 33

Occupation: Police Officer

Begin Crossfit: May 2009

Favorite WOD: Fit Gone Bad!!!

Least Favorite WOD: Angie

Sports background: Baseball and Weighlifting.

-I was first exposed to Crossfit by Matt Shay after speaking with him about the crazy workouts he was doing there. I became interested and checked out a class. Never looked back.

-The first WOD that sticks in my mind included multiple Burpee 2 Pullups with 800 meter runs.

-My personal health and fitness has changed immensely since beginning. I have never been so strong and had this level of confidence. My stamina is growing everyday as well because I am pushed to my limits every workout.

-There are no unexpected changes in my life since starting. Everything I have done and that has been done for me by the CFL staff is expected and now a way of life, from diet to sleep.

-The best moments at the gym are seeing other members accomplish something they have been working on for a while like a muscle up or something as simple as a pull-up.

-My advice for new members is to start slow. Don't over train too quickly. Let your body adjust.