Member Spotlight: Ana Carvalho
Ana joined CrossFit Sanitas in February 2023 and since then she has lost over 20 pounds and is down 5.4% on her body fat percentage! She is a consistent attendee of the nooner through the week and the results speak for themselves. Much of this credit goes to Ana's discipline and hard work but many of the changes can also be attributed to her willingness to seek help by working with Nashley Banister, our in-house nutritionist.
Can you tell us about yourself? Hometown, where you work, important people in your life, how you enjoy spending your free time etc.
My name is Ana Carvalho and I am from Sao Paulo, Brazil. I moved to Boulder 4 years ago with my husband who is a student at CU. We’ve been married for almost 10 years. I work as an Accountant and I really enjoy working with numbers all day. Other than numbers, I like to ride my bike, go out with my husband to try new coffee shops, go to concerts and travel.
How did you start doing CrossFit and what's your background in sport/fitness/movement prior to that?
I used to play handball in High School and College and I was always a fan of different sports like soccer, volleyball, tennis, gymnastics. I didn’t know anything about CrossFit other than the name. I was trying to find something to get back into the habit of working out daily. I tried the traditional gym setting and home workouts but nothing was keeping me interested. In the beginning of this year I saw a post on Instagram from an old friend saying “CrossFit has saved my life”. She started to post her trainings every day and one week later I was Google-ing “CrossFit in Boulder”.
What initially interested you about CrossFit?
I can say at least 2 different things about that. First is to have a coach to help me no matter what my level was. It’s so nice to have them helping, inspiring, cheering on you every single workout. Second is the opportunity to learn a lot of different movements. It’s impossible to be bored doing CrossFit. Every day is different and it’s so good to see my improvement over time on each movement.
You’ve lost a significant amount of weight since starting, can you tell us about that?
I’ve lost around 20 pounds so far. The % of body fat has decreased from 37.5% to 31%. I have a good nutrition plan thanks to Nashley that has helped me not only to keep losing weight but also to improve my workout. When I started 9 months ago I was really concerned about my health and my blood tests were bad. I wasn’t happy looking at myself at the mirror and keep losing clothes. It’s only been 9 months but I know for sure that there is no end date. Other than the physical, CrossFit has helped with my mental health as well.
What advice do you have for people who think they need to already be in shape in order to start CrossFit?
There is something I always hear from one of the coaches: “just keep coming”. I am proof that you don’t need to be in shape to start CrossFit. The workout will be adjusted, the coaches will help you. It’s not about being in shape but being open to challenge yourself every single day.
How often are you training and what does that look like?
I am going to Sanitas 5 days a week Monday-Friday. I rest on weekends (for now). Never in my life have I been as regular working out as I have been with CrossFit.
What's your favorite thing about being a member at Sanitas?
I once heard a quote that said “everyone who does CrossFit things that its box is the best in the world”. Well, I agree! The community at Sanitas is so supportive, encouraging and friendly.
What inspires you about other members in the gym.
Their regularity and the fact that they challenge themself each day. There’s no competition against each other. It’s you against you.
What are your favorite CrossFit movements? Any you can't stand?
I really enjoy anything on a pull up bar but at the same time it’s been one of the hardest things to develop. I am still learning but it’s good to remember when I started I wasn’t even able to move my feet off the ground. It’s funny because there are some movements that I couldn’t stand months ago like running or burpees. Right now I really don’t mind doing these. Wall balls is now the movement I can’t stand. Don’t ask me my why. I just can’t. But I do, every single one.
What do you like to do when you’re not in the gym?
I like to ride my bike, go out with my husband to try new coffee shops, go to concerts and travel.
