We’re back with another athlete spotlight featuring one of our amazing Artifact members.
One of the best ways to get a feel for our community and the atmosphere at CrossFit Artifact is to sit down with our athletes and find out what they love most about their experience with us every week.
Jasna just celebrated her one year Artifact anniversary, so we thought it would be the perfect time to find out what got her to take the leap and try CrossFit and what has kept her coming to the gym for the past year.
Keep reading to find out!
You’ve been a member at Artifact for quite a while now. Who or what initially made you try CrossFit?
Dawn, my sister-in-law. Well, she is my sister-in-law on paper, but in reality, more of a sister who was literally hounding me for over two years to try CrossFit.
Has CrossFit been what you expected it to be? Why or why not?
Initially, I had no idea what to expect, so I set myself up to not have any expectations. What I did know right away is that one class wasn’t going to help me decide whether I wanted to continue.
What attracted you to our gym?
At first, the coaches and their coaching style; shortly after that, the members; and a little while after, the overall feeling of community and acceptance you experience at Artifact. I have to say that the coaching style is unparalleled. In every class, the coaches are like personal trainers and are continuously ensuring your form is accurate while making necessary adjustments along the way, especially when our bodies get tired. This is ongoing, from that initial warm up to the workout, post workout skill work (if any) and cool downs. Moreover, they give you feedback and consistently push you to do better and improve, but at your own pace and comfort. Artifact is truly a special place and an irreplaceable gem.
You hadn’t tried CrossFit before, correct? What were some things you were worried about before your first class?
That’s correct, I never tried CrossFit before, nor did I think I would ever want to. Truthfully, the biggest worry was that I wouldn’t be strong enough for CrossFit. Boy, was I wrong. Last year when my family was in town for pretty much the whole month of July, Dawn and I went to classes together for about a week, and she helped me with the transition into the CrossFit world on my own.
How did you feel about everything after that initial class?
As mentioned, I knew one class wouldn’t help me decide but I didn’t hate it, so that was a plus – lol. I signed up for another week. And then I signed up for another month. I basically spent well over $200 “trying out” CrossFit, when deep down I knew I was hooked after that inital week. After one of the classes and a few days before my month was expiring, I said: “Ok guys (meaning you, Rachel and Micah), I’m ready to get married! (Meaning sign up for a yearlong membership). I guess I had “some” commitment issues. Now, I’m officially in my second Artifact membership year and often joke that you two (Rachel and Micah) are the only people in my life whom I willingly pay to torture me.
You’ve truly made it a priority to get to the gym, including making spreadsheets to get your 16 classes in for Committed Club. What keeps you motivated?
I still don’t understand why I MUST make the Committed Club, but I’m riding that wave while it lasts – lol. Work travel, family visits to Georgia, and any other travel I embark on, can, and often does make one’s schedule a little nuts. As a result of my quasi-OCD nature, I decided to track the potential days I can make it to the gym and those I can’t. This has somehow worked for over a year to keep me accountable and going, so I don’t believe it’s motivation that keeps me going anymore. I truly do believe Artifact has become part of my daily routine like working or brushing teeth. I have also gotten to the point that when I don’t make it to the gym in 2-3 days, I start feeling like $hit, and I don’t like that feeling. Did I mention the coaches and our members are wonderful? Also, to keep the feeling like $hit to minimum, when I am down south in Georgia (pronounced dahn saaath), which happens quite frequently, Dawn and I hit her gym, namely CrossFit Momentous. That is always such a blast because we exercise together, and she’s one of my best cheerleaders.
What were your goals when you first started at CrossFit Artifact? Are they different now? If so, why?
Like the 99.9% of the world’s population goals – I wanted to lose weight. The ‘weight loss’ is still a goal, but not the biggest one, and it’s taken a back seat. I’ve gotten so much stronger, and my mobility in general has improved beyond my imagination at my ripe whopping age of 41 years. I do care to shed a few pounds of course, and I hope that I do, but becoming healthier and staying healthy in the future has become the primary goal – cliche but true.
Speaking of goals, what are you most proud of achieving? Do you have any goals you’re working toward this year?
I’m proud of how much I’ve learned about CrossFit and embraced the principles. From that materialistic perspective, we all know how obsessed I am with Nobull shoes and CrossFit gadgets in general – lol. On a serious note, I didn’t think how an investment into weightlifters for example would help me with my form and technique when we’re doing overhead or back squats; or how much the bar grips will help prevent ripping your hands. The next massive yet simple goal is continuing my CrossFit educational journey. I’m starting with the Level 1 CrossFit certification and will also continue working on improving my form. Oh yeah, and movement names, too, because Lord knows I still don’t know the difference between a Push Jerk and a Push Press until one of the coaches or members reminds me.
How has CrossFit positively affected your life outside the gym? If you have a specific example, share!
According to my family, I’m a joy to be around now and not a complete punk. 
All joking aside, CrossFit has become my de-stressor for pretty much everything – work, personal crap, you name it. I may walk into a class p****d off, but I walk out feeling all unicorns and rainbows. Another massive accomplishment is my ability to run after my 2-year-old niece, Katarina. I’m not saying I can fully keep up with her, but I can hold my own from time to time. My 4-month-old nephew, Tarik, is a little tank and strong as $hit, and carrying him around is like carrying heavier dumbbells, so all of our strength training really comes in handy. Another example is that I’m able to carry laundry basket two flights of stairs without being out of breath, and the same thing happens when carrying cases of beer. All good stuff, you know.
What is your favorite thing about CrossFit Artifact?
Coaches and members first. Apparel and protein bars second.
What is your favorite lift?
Deadlift, hands down.
How about your favorite workout? Why?
CrossFit workouts are my favorite – lol. I don’t have a favorite per se, but I do absolutely love the variety of workouts CrossFit has to offer. I’m never bored. We use what, about two dozen different pieces of equipment including our bodies, yet the workout combos are practically infinite.
What was the most rewarding moment you’ve experienced at the gym so far?
It’s not necessarily one specific moment. Everything about our gym is rewarding – coaches, members, classes, various events like the Christmas Party, Games competition, hang outs pre and post classes, hang outs outside of the gym. Truly, all of it.
What would you tell someone who was considering trying CrossFit but was apprehensive?
I was one of those people. Just try it, you have nothing to lose. Yes, another cliche. Don’t wait two years like I did to try something that I ended up falling in love with.
Is there anything else you’d like to add about your experience at CrossFit Artifact?
Yes, locations across the country. (you never know! 😉)
Thank you, Jasna, for taking the time to chat with us about your experience at CrossFit Artifact. While we do everything in our power to make it the best time of your day, it’s truly incredible to hear how much of an impact Artifact makes in the lives of our athletes and their families. We’re so grateful!
If you’ve been on the fence about giving CrossFit Artifact a try, there’s no better time to get started!
Our Bring a Friend Week begins October 16th. You’ll have full access to our facility for the entire week for free! It’s a great way to check us out with no strings attached.
If you don’t want to wait until the middle of October to give us a try, come check out a class any time of the week. It’s free!
Lastly, if you have any questions about CrossFit, what we offer, our class schedule, or anything else, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our experienced coaches!
We can’t wait to see you here!
