Caroline Hertz

Favorite WOD:  12 Days of Christmas Barbell

Least favorite WOD:  Fran

Tell us about your sports & fitness background: I grew up playing basketball, always having something to train for and always being coached by someone. When that ended, I struggled to stay motivated to train on my own and I didn’t really know how to properly train on my own. 

How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD… what was it, and how did it feel? I’d heard of CrossFit when I was in high school and debated joining for years before I finally decided to try it. My first workout was extremely humbling… I think Kelly and Rodney were genuinely concerned for my wellbeing. I believe it was 3 rounds of 800m run, 25 burpees to target, and 15 power cleans. I knew I needed to improve my strength and endurance after that, and being in a class setting with coaches was the best way for me to do that.

What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)?  I’ve definitely seen big improvements in my overall strength and endurance since starting CF. My running has improved and I think I’ve gotten a lot stronger with the barbell. I just feel healthier in general.

What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? Before joining CF, exercising felt like a chore, but I actually look forward to going to the gym now and getting my workout in. I’ve also gotten more comfortable with getting outside my comfort zone and trying new things.

Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFKSQ moments: Never doing a wall walk prior to the 2025 open, then doing 18 in 25.3. And making new friends 😊 

Any advice for people just getting started? Just keep showing up!

What are your hobbies, interests, and/or talents outside of CrossFit? Spending time with my friends and family (especially my dog), going for walks, traveling to new places, and going to country concerts