Roberta Anderson-Southam
Name: Roberta Anderson-Southam (“RoRo”)
Age: 40+
Hometown: London, England
How long have you been CrossFitting? 1.5 years but really about 1 year because of travelling (back in the day).
What is your favorite WOD/Exercise? Crazy, but I like all of them. All give me a mental challenge and something to work on physically. But my favorite kit has got to be the rig! Pull-ups, toes-to-bar are so hard but when you get it right, it is such a buzz.
What is your least favorite WOD/Exercise? It used to be anything involving much hip action (think wall balls). But now I see every WOD as opportunity to learn about my body, improve functionality…..and mobility in old age!
What is your previous workout/athletic background? My fitness foundation was reasonable, I practiced boxing training daily, weight training couple of times a week and Pilates or yoga, but CrossFit is athletic, functional and highlights many, many, many areas for development benefiting everyday movements.
What was your first experience at CrossFit Cayman like? Inspiring and frustrating! Inspiring because I saw a diverse group of people working hard at different levels. Everyone was really welcoming, Tarasa, Amanda, Matt and Nathan have such a wealth of knowledge, experience and patience. They scaled the WOD’s so I participated safely, wisely and reassuringly. My frustration was not being able to lift the weights I used too and do the movements - ego had to exit haha. The coaches made sure I was getting the technique right, avoiding injury, while getting a workout and the members encouraged patience – everyone had been there before.
What results have you seen since CrossFitting? Mentally - increased happiness and determination. The joy of completing a WOD to the best of your ability utterly outweighs how long it takes or what you look like at the end – generally a hot sweaty happy mess. Physically, I am more athletic rather than just fit, dynamic and defined.
What do you do to get yourself through a tough workout (mental thoughts, tips and tricks, etc.)? I have a box of tricks. Such as imagining there are 2 or 3 more rounds/reps so it is over “sooner” and able to push through. Repeating mantras from people like Mohammed Ali or David Goggins. Of course, reminding myself that doing the WOD is the only way I’ll get stronger or faster. Thinking about fitness doesn’t make you any fitter….you gotta move so I repeat “get it done”.
What's your favorite aspect about working out at CrossFit Cayman? Cliche but I love the community, walking in and seeing a bunch of friends, different personalities who are on this mad journey with you and encouraging each other is brilliant. I also love that the WOD’s challenge me by making me do exercises I would not do!
What advice do you have for someone thinking about joining CrossFit Cayman? Just turn up! Then commit to it even on days you don’t want to (especially days you don’t want to!). You can modify the weight, rowing/running distance or even the change WOD, but turn up and start your transformation.