April Member Spotlight: Karen Wagner

Tell us a little about yourself and what got you on the path to CrossFit…

I’ve been an athlete my whole life….not really a choice with three older brothers! I had been going to Pilates for about 18 months but didn’t feel like it was, hmmm tough enough. My husband did Crossfit while deployed and thought it would be a good challenge for me. Boy was he right. So I reached out to Kyle and here I am. Man, was I scared to come to the first class. I figured everyone was so young, fit, and strong and I would look ridiculous. I almost didn’t come but told myself to shut up and do it. I am so glad I did. It’s been both humbling and empowering. I even earned the female rookie of the year title!

What keeps you coming back each day?

The people and the challenge. I wasn’t aware of the great community that came along with getting fit. What a bonus. Everyone is so encouraging. The challenge of what I can do next. Upper body stuff is definitely my challenge. I never dreamed I could get halfway up a rope climb…someday I’ll reach the top dammit.

What is your favorite at-home exercise to do?

Yoga

If you had to do 100 reps of one movement (not running), what would it be? Kettlebell swings.

What are 1-2 of your goals for 2023? Have you accomplished any of these? My goal is to do a pull up….not there yet.

Favorite lift?

Deadlift

Least favorite Crossfit movement?

Burpees of course.

Hometown?

St. Albans, VT (born on Long Island, NY).

Favorite Charleston Restaurant?

High end is Halls. Just fun is The Griffin. Local Bohemian Bull.

If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be?

Nurse

What would you most like to tell yourself at age 13?

To explore more.

If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet?

Now that I am a parent to adult children I would like to be able to spend a day with my parents and get some of their wisdom (and apologize for shit I did, haha).

One thing about me people would be surprised to know?

That I am trained with a gun for my prior job.

If the CFJI coaches came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare? Dave’s wicked Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad with garlic bread. He makes his own Caesar dressing and it is the bomb.

Give us a “Question of the Day” to use in class.

What was your favorite outside recess game when you were a kid?