Each month we spotlight a different CrossFit 1710 athlete who stands out and shows just how awesome they are. What is it that makes up an Athlete of the Month? It may not be the person that finishes the fastest, Rx’s every WOD, or gets a PR every time they walk in the gym. Although we love and celebrate when those things happen, the Athlete of the Month is made up of much more than physical ability. This person shows up, gives their best every time, and then gives a little more. They are hungry to learn and always ready to do the work. They support their fellow athletes and encourage them to reach their goals. This athlete embodies what we believe the CrossFit 1710 Community should be about.
Our December 2023 Athlete of The Month is Estella Rojas! Estella began her CrossFit journey with us on May 12, 2023 when she joined her daughter, Analicia, for a Mother's Day workout. Now Estella begins her day in our 5am class not only with her daughter Licia, but also with her husband Claudio and their son, CJ. Estella has made fantastic gains in strength, mobility, and endurance in the short time she has been with us! Her cardiovascular endurance has improved from walking, to biking, to running! We are incredibly proud of you Estella and look forward to more growth, gains, and games with you in the gym!
Get to know Estella in her interview below.
1. TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF.
My name is Estella Rojas. I am 54 years old and was born and raised in Wharton, Texas. I have been married to my husband Claudio Rojas for 28 years. I am the mother to 1 son, Claudio Jr, and 1 daughter, Analicia. I have been a beautician for over 20 years, and I currently work at Unique Hair Salon in Wharton.
2. WHAT MADE YOU START CROSSFIT?
My daughter Analicia had been a member of CrossFit 1710 for about a year and tried to persuade me to attend a class, but I always declined. It wasn’t until she invited me to the Mother’s Day workout that I finally attended, which also meant she signed me up for my free week trial. I completed the week trial and then she convinced me to sign up for a month. I have been attending ever since.
3. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED SINCE JOINING CROSSFIT 1710?
I have learned that anyone can do CrossFit. I always initially declined my daughter’s invites to this gym because I thought I wasn’t strong enough, fast, or even able to do the exercises. Once I attended, I realized that the coaches at CrossFit 1710 work with you and your ability to complete the workouts.
4. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT CROSSFIT 1710 OR CROSSFIT IN GENERAL?
I enjoy the supportive atmosphere at CrossFit 1710 from the coaches and teammates. I find much enjoyment in being able to complete all workouts each day and finding the right scaling (personalized) option for me. I like how it is not a competitive environment of who is better than each other, but more of you against yourself and working your personal goals. Lastly, it is a joy to be able to workout with my family (husband, son, and daughter) who are also members of CrossFit 1710.
5. WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST CROSSFIT MOMENT?
My proudest moment in CrossFit is when I improve mobility and strength. When I first started, I could only touch my knees when attempting sit-ups and now I am able to do full sit-ups; even completing a WOD doing weighted wall ball sit-ups. Also, graduating from a PVC pipe to actually adding weights to a barbell for workouts and completing a new PR of 165 in deadlift are moments I am proud of.
6. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVEMENT/LIFT?
My favorite moments would be workouts that include kettlebells and finding your new PR weight.
7. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITEMOVEMENT/LIFT?
My least favorite is the split jerk, rowing, and burpees. It is not that I do not like these movements, I just need to work on getting better at them.
8. WHAT IMPACT HAS CROSSFIT HAD ON YOUR LIFE IN AND OUT OF THE GYM?
The impact CrossFit has had on me is that it has made me stronger physically and mentally. It has changed my daily routine by starting my days with a 5am workout and feeling accomplished throughout the day. I have more motivation, endurance and am proud of myself for making changes towards a healthier lifestyle.
9. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AND HOW CLOSE ARE YOU TO REACHING THEM?
My goals as far as movements in the gym would be to start doing banded pull-ups and continue to graduate to heavier weights as I continue to do different WODs. My main goal is to continue to do CrossFit to ultimately live a healthier lifestyle.
10. WHEN YOU’RE NOT CROSSFITTING WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO?
I am family oriented and enjoy doing any type of activities with my family especially game nights (IYKYK). I also enjoy traveling and experiencing new places.
11. WHAT IS THE ONE TIP YOU’D GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS THINKING ABOUT STARTING CROSSFIT OR JUST STARTED?
The one tip I would give someone is YOU CAN DO IT! CrossFit is suitable for anyone at any level of fitness ability. Just start, sign up for your free week, and I’ll meet you at my box, CrossFit1710!
12. WHAT IS YOUR DIET LIKE? HOW HAS IT CHANGED SINCE STARTING CROSSFIT?
Since starting CrossFit my diet has gotten better and I am more self-aware of healthier food choices, but it is still a work in progress. Honestly one of my goals for this year is to be more disciplined with my nutrition.
13. RESULTS? TELL US ABOUT YOUR RESULTS!
Since starting in May there hasn’t been a huge change in the number on the scale, but I definitely feel the loss of inches in my clothing. I am not where I want to be but mentally and physically, but CrossFit 1710 is helping me get there.
FREEWRITE
I want to thank the coaches at CrossFit 1710 (Jason, Jodie, Patrick, and Shannon) for their support and more so for their encouragement by always making me feel like a strong athlete! I also want to say to anyone who is thinking of joining CrossFit 1710, we are a gym that supports and motivates you; just take that first step! Lastly to teammates- AY AY AY!!