Each month we highlight a different CFR member using our “Athlete Spotlight,” where we will ask a series of “get to know you” questions. This will help introduce you to the members of our community that you have yet to meet, OR If you have met them, teach you a little more about them! You might just find out something new or something you have in common!
September's “Athlete Spotlight” is Angela. Ang is a "Founding Member" at CrossFit Recreate, who began with us at our grand opening. She has made tremendous progress over the years, improving and doing movements with ease which use to challenge her and cause her pain. With focus on safe and proper movement from her coach's, Ang's abilities have been amplified in the gym and she is loving movements she once loathed. She is easy to coach, and is very receptive to feedback. Ang has always been consistent, a member of the 500 club, and a staple at the 6:15am class. Recently she has hit numerous PRs in her lifts as a result of her dedication!
Angela Cardenas
Tell us a little about yourself (life, family, work, etc):
"I am happily married to my husband Adrian, I have a son, Isaiah that is 20 and a daughter, Ariah that is 15. We have 5 fabulous Shih-Tzus; Gizmo, Bam Bam, Mei Mei, New New and Nipsey. I have 22 years of employment with Consolidated Communications as a Billing Analyst. I also co-own a moving company with my husband (Super Mover Bros). We are in the process of purchasing a food truck because clearly we aren't busy enough.
What are your interests/hobbies outside of CrossFit?
"Cooking, random projects around the house, anything involving my pool or dogs. "
What is your favorite thing about CrossFit Recreate?
"I don't think I can pick one favorite thing. It is the first place I have found where I want to get up and go workout. I don't find myself trying to think of reasons I can't go on a particular day. More often I'm trying to find ways that I can squeeze in an extra day or a different time if I have an appt, not because I'm obsessed with working out, but because I just like the way I feel during class and afterwards.....it's a combination of the atmosphere, the coaching, the music (mostly when Ryan plays 90's hip hop), the people I'm working out with, and of course Parker."
What is your favorite WOD/movement and your least favorite WOD/movement?
"Favorites: Ski, Row, Snatch and OHS. I know, call me crazy especially because Snatch and OHS used to bring me to tears.
Least Favorite: Burpees, DB Box Step Overs, Running (I can't pick one, I equally hate them all) "
Any advice for “newbies” & those looking to try CrossFit?
"Don't take my favorite corner spot if you decide to try a 6:15 am class (just kidding....not really). My real advice would be to try it with a friend. I never in a million years would have walked in the doors alone regardless what anyone told me, but anything is easier with a friend by your side. I tried class with a friend on opening day at CFR and signed up the following day. I quickly gained new friends and confidence in being there."
Proudest CrossFit accomplishments so far?
"I will never forget the moment I was able to squat snatch more than an empty barbell."
What are your fitness goals for this year?
"Honestly, I stopped setting specific fitness goals. As long as I keep showing up to class 4-5 days a week and doing as good or better than I did the day or week before, then I'm succeeding. Don't get me wrong, I track my WOD times and weights that I lift, and try to be faster or lift more. One thing I am putting more focus on is eating healthier."
What PRs have you hit recently?
95# Snatch in August
135# Clean (which was actually a combo of a high hang clean plus a hang clean) in July
135# Split Jerk in July
255# Deadlift in May
As you can tell, Ang has a fun and witty personality which we all enjoy at class. A love of dogs is a common theme among our members, and Ang has quite the pack of her own. She's always a blast at member social events, and of course it's always good to know a good mover! We can't imagine CFR without Ang and we're proud to have her as one of our own. Can't wait to see what goals Ang accomplishes over the coming years!
Eager to learn more about our awesome members? Be on the lookout for next month’s Athlete Spotlight!
