BTSCF Newsletter - March 2023
Spring is here! The weather is getting nicer and the big door will be open soon! Check out what’s going on at BTSCF this month…
The CrossFit Open
We concluded the 2023 CrossFit Open with an awesome Friday Night Lights and End of the Open Party. Throughout the Open, we saw our athletes push themselves mentally and physically and testing all of the hard work they have put in throughout the year.
During our End of the Open Party, we recognized Jess A. and Vicente V. as the winners of the BTSCF Spirit of the Open Awards. Our Spirit of the Open Award is in recognition for exemplifying what it means to be a BTSCF Community member by putting forth their best effort towards personal growth while maintaining a supportive attitude throughout the 2023 CrossFit Open. Congratulations Jess and Vicente!
We also concluded our intramural competition with Team Frank taking the win, followed by Team Heather, Team Jon, and Team Addy. We are already brainstorming ways to make next year’s competition even more fun!
Bring A Friend Week
Thank you to everyone who brought a friend with you to a class during Bring A Friend Week. We are always excited to share what we do with new friends!
Don’t forget about our referral program. If you bring a friend to the gym and they sign up with an unlimited membership, both of you receive $75. There is no limit to how many times you can take advantage of this program and it is available throughout the year.
Just In Case You Missed It…
We posted an article written by GM of CrossFit Education, Nicole Carroll which defines the magic formula of CrossFit.
Take a look at this short video about The Magic of CrossFit:
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctzGuGqsDuw&w=560&h=315]
We learned about the story of George Goodhue in the article Surviving Trauma; Thriving With CrossFit, written by Brittney Saline.
Honoring Our Friend Larry
For many of us at BTSCF, there is a laugh that we can all still hear. It belonged to our friend Laurence “Larry” Chiocchi. To say Larry loved spending time at the gym is an understatement and we loved having him here even more. Larry was always working hard, laughing, and supporting everyone around him. He brought joy to every class he attended. On Larry’s birthday, April 1, we will be honoring him with a workout during our regular class schedule.
BTSCF Feature Athlete
Meet Kelly Schaaf
When did you start CrossFitting?
I first started on Long Island at CrossFit Stonybrook in 2014. They had an awesome community that gave the gym heart. I moved around and tried different gyms but didn't find the same heart until I landed at BTSCF.
When did you start at BTSCF?
I started at BTSCF in the summer of 2022.
What brought you to CrossFit?
After swimming and rowing in college, I didn't like 'going to the gym'. I missed having someone else to coach me, direct what I should be doing and work out as part of a group. As more and more old teammates joined boxes, I decided I needed to try it too.
What have you learned from doing CrossFit?
That good coaches and a good community are incredibly helpful for more than just getting through a workout.
What would you say to someone who is on the fence about starting CrossFit?
Just come in and try it out! Nobody is there to judge you for what you can or can't do so don't even worry about it, there are modifications for everything. There are so many people to encourage you and celebrate your accomplishments!
What do you like to do in your free time?
When I have the time, I like to do puzzles, get some time in on my road bike and hike or ride scooters with my kids.
What do you do for work and how has CrossFit impacted how you do your job?
I stay home with my 3 girls! I can balance one of them above my head to get things off the top shelf at the grocery store! Or hike out with one tired kid strapped to my back and another in my arms.
We threw some rapid fire questions at Kelly, here’s what she had to say:
Q: What super power would you give yourself?
A: The ability to control/pause time
Q: What's your favorite healthy food?
A: Apples
Q: What's your favorite not so healthy food?
A: Pancakes
Q: What TV Sitcom family or group would you be a member of?
A: Everybody Loves Raymond
Q: If you were famous, what would you be famous for?
A: Eek, I don’t know. Something about chasing kids around.
Q: If you could write your own fortune cookie fortune, what would it say?
A: You will never regret taking the high road or saying a kind word.
Q: If you were a professional wrestler, what would you finishing move be called?
A: Clean sweep
Q: Who do you look up to for inspiration at BTSCF?
A: I don't think I can give a short answer to this one so just the first that come to mind, because realistically it can be whoever you see in the gym on any given day. Heather. Jess. Lisa. Sam. Mary. Becky. Lindsay. So many and for so many different reasons!
Q: What is your favorite and least favorite movement?
A: Love anything overhead or upside down, could do without pullups and toes to bar attempts.
Q: What is the one thing you've done at BTSCF that your old self wouldn't ever believe?
A: Rope climbs!
Q: Anything else you’d like to share?
A: The gym has been a really important place for me, more so over the last few months than it ever has in my life. Even a hard day at the gym is better than the days you don't make it in.