TERRY CHAPPELL– Athlete of the Month– November 2020

There is one defining character trait of TERRY CHAPPELL and that is her indomitable positive attitude. The coaches and members cannot think of one time when Terry wasn’t smiling in the gym and spreading good vibes. To her, there are no bad days in the gym and even the tough ones leave her giddy. She truly is thankful for what her body can do for her at age 55 and doesn’t put any undue pressure on herself.

 

It’s hard to believe now, but at one point Terry was an extremely unlikely potential member. We’ve been friendly acquaintances with Terry for over 8 years. We knew she was pretty anti-CrossFit, but we always respected each other as fellow group fitness trainers and enjoyed seeing her out around town. She was honestly one of the last people we ever thought would walk in our doors. But, she had (some pretty great 😘) Blackbird friends who convinced her to give it a try. She arrived apprehensive; which we are used to, but she was willing to give us a chance. She was immediately coachable and excited to learn. She took everything at her own pace and enjoyed the process. Terry quickly became a staple in the Blackbird Community. She fit right in…to the point where you forget it’s only been a year and a half! It has been awesome to watch her change her mind and fall in love with CrossFit.

 

Terry works hard in the gym and now even harder in the kitchen on her nutrition! She has lost 22lbs working with our nutrition coach and is feeling great. She not only brings the happiness to the Early Bird Crew at 5:30am, she has brought such joy to us as owners as well. She is the first to offer to her help with any event at Blackbird or behind the scenes stuff. She has been such a supportive and uplifting member during the pandemic. And we cannot thank her enough for all that she brings to our Blackbird community. What a blessing it is that she gave CrossFit a chance! Check out her story below!

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF.

Terry Chappell, Double Nickel age. 😊  Fiancé Ron, Daughter Natoscha, Son in Law Ryan, and Son Michael. Three beautiful grandchildren Gerard, McKinley and Isla.

WHAT MADE YOU START CROSSFIT? WHAT HAS KEPT YOU DOING IT? HAS YOUR MOTIVATION CHANGED SINCE YOU FIRST STARTED?

Warren and Kathy Naviasky – can’t thank them enough for all their encouragement.  I was a HUGE nonbeliever.  All I read about CrossFit… athletes hurting themselves, the crazy workouts…. But I knew I needed to change something in my life in 2019.  I knew Matt and Rebekah for a few years, and I trusted them…. So, after talking with Kathy and Warren, meeting with Matt, it was a no brainer.  And it has been the best year!

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED SINCE JOINING BLACKBIRD?

Anything is possible when it comes to lifting and being fit.

Early Birds in the outdoor Bird Cage

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST CROSSFIT MOMENT?

I truly don’t know if there is that one moment.  I think every time I walk into BBFC and I complete the workout…those are the moments.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LIFT, MOVEMENT, OR WOD? LEAST FAVORITE?

Favorite– Awful Annie was a blast last week. I like the cardio + weight workouts.

Least Favorite– nothing really…well, if I have to say one thing… Burpees are just awful!

5:30am ladies sharing birthday burpees.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BLACKBIRD OR JUST CROSSFIT IN GENERAL?

The People…you won’t find a more supporting encouraging community anywhere else!

WHAT IMPACT HAS CROSSFIT HAD ON YOU IN AND OUT OF THE GYM?

I am stronger! I want to be able to stay strong and healthy. And strong doesn’t just mean how much you can lift, it also has to do with your mind and movement.

WHAT IS YOUR DIET LIKE? HAS IT CHANGED SINCE STARTING CROSSFIT?

My diet did not change until we (Ron and I) met with Coach Steve…. It’s been 11 months and no Diet Coke has been consumed! The Blackbird Nutrition Program is a game changer! If you think you are eating healthy, I challenge you to sit with Steve or Ashley to really see if you are and if there are any changes that you can make.  Could I do better with my food choices, of course… but I am a stress eater… this year has been difficult… I know, bad excuse, but it’s reality.

WHAT CROSSFIT GOALS ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING TOWARDS?

My goal for 2020 was Double Unders…I completed 3 on Friday…Got so excited!  Also, my knees are horrible, but I started box jumps in October! Yes, I am stacking 4-6 plates and not using a box…but I’m jumping.  ***editor’s note: getting you to a place where you can JUMP at all Terry is huge, don’t down play that!

WHEN YOU’RE NOT CROSSFITTING WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO?

Well…depends…in the morning if I’m not in BBCF, I’m out walking my dog Ovi. Those days we normally do about 2-3 miles, and the afternoon we take another walk around 1 mile.  Besides that, spending time with my fam…. nothing better!

WHAT IS ONE FUN THING ABOUT YOU THAT WE MAY NOT KNOW YET?

I went to college on a Basketball and Catholic scholarship.  Coached my children in basketball…oh and Ron has never beat me at horse!

WHAT IS THE ONE TIP YOU’D GIVE SOMEONE CONSIDERING CROSSFIT OR WHO IS NEW TO CROSSFIT?

Just come in and talk to Matt and Rebekah. They are the most genuine honest couple I know. Their love for Blackbird shows through everything they do.  Just walk in…. we all will welcome you.

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU DO OUTSIDE OF THE GYM THAT IS NOW EASIER BECAUSE OF YOUR INCREASED STRENGTH & FITNESS?

Yes, walking my crazy dog and playing with my grandchildren. I have never been a sit on the sideline type of person. I want to be playing and chasing after them for years to come.

RESULTS! TELL US ABOUT YOUR RESULTS!!

I have lost 22lbs! Am I happy with it? Yes and no… I would like to lose about 10 more, but I have the tools to make that happen. I just need to practice what I have learned from BBFC.

FREEWRITE:

In all seriousness, Matt and Rebekah… you are wonderful…. You are loved and I am so thankful for you, the coaches, the members, and the friends I have made.  You are just the BEST!