Michael & Donna Taylor

When did you first start training at CFKSQ?  December, 2015

Favorite WOD:  Anything with rig work, rope climbs, dumbbells or kettlebells. And I love partner workouts with Donna or others.

Least Favorite WOD: Thrusters & squats, and I’m no longer a runner

Tell us about your sports & fitness background: I did limited team sports as a child, but I but enjoyed high school gymnastics and did pretty well in vaulting (MD state record) and floor exercise. I like to flip and twist, but no iron crosses on the rings for me.  As an adult, I did spinning classes at the Y for about 10 years when that was cool, then road cycling the past 15 years.

How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD... what was it, and how did it feel?  I wanted to build muscle strength and improve my cycling, so I started with Jared for my fundamentals training.  I never really held a barbell before except for an occasional bench press.  My fundamentals graduation was Fran.  Even though I dislike thrusters, I like Fran because it reminds me of Jared’s great training!

What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)?  It feels good to build some muscle mass and strength, and I know it’s important as you add years.  Now I don’t mind scaling the WODs as needed but enjoy an occasional Rx workout.  It feels great to be in a class with awesome, like-minded friends.  I feel at the top of my game when I start my work day after a great CrossFit workout.

What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? I didn’t expect CrossFit to be a community. I wasn’t necessarily looking for new friends, but it feels good to be accepted and welcomed when you show up for class and congratulated when you finish a tough WOD.  It’s the best way to start my day and I did not expect that.

Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFKSQ moments: CrossFit opens at CFKSQ are magical.  I don’t do it every year, but I never regret when I do.  The Twelve Days of Fitness (not barbell!) at Christmas time is tough, but so much fun.  I love partner WODs with Donna and it’s super fun when there are teams of 3 or 4!  Even as an introvert, it’s fun to be partners with someone you don’t know well.

Any advice for people just getting started?  Scale, make friends, and enjoy the experience.  You are not competing with others.  Rather, challenge yourself and push to do more than you think you can do.  You will be rewarded.

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? Donna and I both love growing our faith with our church family, loving and supporting our two adult sons and our awesome grandson, and working around the farm.  I enjoy cycling with my guy friends during the week and with Donna on the weekends.  I love outdoor sports, and we both love travelling to fun places!