Athlete Spotlight: Kieran

What made you choose CrossFit True?

I had tried CrossFit for a few classes when I lived in Montreal and really enjoyed the workout format.  When we moved to Hamden (and as I started to approach 40) I thought it was the right time to try again. Choosing CrossFit True was a no brainer after my no sweat intro with Moe and on-boarding with Ryan.

How long have you been training with us?

Since Oct 2022, so just over a year.

What has been your proudest moment in the past 90 days?

Hitting my 300th class felt like a milestone, and the fact that it coincided with the fun/brutal New Year’s Eve workout was nice. It’s a little more than 90 days but getting close to a 400lbs 1-rep max deadlift was something that I never thought would happen.    

When you’re not at the gym, what do you do for work? What do you do for fun?

I’m a scientist working at the intersection of biology and psychology. I study stress/mental health during pregnancy and how this shapes health across the lifespan.  

CrossFit is a major source of fun for me, especially the banter we have in class (you know who you are!!), the gym socials are also really fun. 

Before our son Hugo arrived my husband and I loved to travel…..now we really enjoy getting baby-giggles out of Hugo and getting as much sleep as possible! 

How is your nutrition? How has it changed since joining CrossFit True?

I am more aware of my protein intake but otherwise my diet hasn’t changed all the much. During the weekends I do look at the workouts, which is a great wine-deterrent!

What are your 3 favorite movements/exercises? 

Box jump overs (you feel like such a kid!) or high box jumps, rope climbs, the assault bike or running (when it’s warm outside). 


What is your favorite style workout? (AMRAP, EMOM, Rounds for Time, etc)

I really enjoy AMRAP but rounds for time really makes you hustle, which can be fun.


What about your favorite workout?

The 12 Days of Christmas or the Dec 31st workouts were super fun. The energy in the gym during the CrossFit Open was wild: I can’t wait to experience that again.

Any favorite workout songs? 


Anything with an up tempo beat, Macklemore ‘Can’t Hold Us’, Rhianna ‘We Found Love’ and Calvin Harris/Florence Welch ‘Sweet Nothing’ have helped me finish workouts that I thought might kill me. 

Have you changed physically or mentally since you’ve been working out with us?

Where to start?! Lots of physical changes perhaps most noticeably on my hands: those calluses are no joke! Seriously though, I feel much stronger. I’m enjoying seeing how my body responds to training. Mentally CrossFit True is my outlet, I can’t think of a better way to reduce stress, build confidence, and stay positive.


What are your current goals?

Toes to bar are something I am working on. Other goals for 2024 include getting at least one handstand push up, that 400lbs deadlift, and trying to hate Snatches a little less. 

How have your goals changed since you joined? 

I recently looked back at my 2023 goals that we wrote down on SugarWOD last January. I wanted to be able to do push-ups, pull-ups, and double unders in WODs. I’m now able to incorporate those movements into my workouts and now I have a whole list of other goals.   

What has been the biggest surprise since joining CF True?

Finding out that I enjoy the assault bike! I only started using the bike when I hurt my shoulder and rowing wasn’t working for me: now the bike is my go-to. 

What can you do now that you couldn’t do before joining?

Putting anything heavier than 45lbs above my head (and not having to worry about knocking myself out!).

Say something else, Anything! 

There is a sign when you walk into the gym saying ‘This Place Will Change You if You Let It’: this is 100% accurate. I’m excited to see what the future brings for me at CrossFit True and feel lucky to be part of other members’ CrossFit True Story.