October Featured Athlete: Jynn McClinton

 

Take a moment to get to know this month’s Featured Athlete, Jynn McClinton!

 

jynn

 

  1. What’s your athletic background?

    I played volleyball, softball, and basketball in high school.  Found CrossFit in college!

  2. What was your first experience with CF?

    I heard about CrossFit through a friend who told me I should look more into it.  The first time I looked up a gym (in Waco,TX) I thought it was way too expensive and there was no way I could afford to do it, especially as a college student.  A month or so later, one of my sorority sisters mentioned that she really wanted to try it and invited me along.  I decided “Why not? First class is free to try!”  I was immediately hooked after the first workout.  I believe it was pull ups, push ups, and sit ups for a certain number of rounds, but it sucked!  I wanted to see what the next workout would be, so I came in on a Saturday.  Workout sucked again, but I loved it! Signed up as a member that day and haven’t looked back.  Still going strong 5 years later.

  3. When did you start CF?

    October 2011

  4. Why did you choose CrossFit Memorial Hill?

    I moved from Dallas, TX in May of this year.  I knew I didn’t want to take too much time off before I found a Crossfit gym here in Kansas City.  I googled for gyms in the area and CrossFit Memorial Hill was one of three gym near me.  I emailed Matt to see when I could drop in on a class or two and he got back to me really quickly.  I immediately liked the vibe of the gym and really liked the coaches and they’re coaching styles.  I didn’t feel I needed to check out any other gyms and joined the following week!  Also, dogs welcome! – That was huge!

  5. What keeps you coming back?

    Obviously, the community is great at Memorial Hill.  Everyone has been no less than welcoming and all are very encouraging and fun to workout with.  I would say the coaches and programming are also a huge factor in loving this gym.  You all seem to truly care about the health, well-being, progress, and overall goals of all of your members.  I’ve seen gyms that seem to only do it for the money and don’t necessarily keep their members best interests in mind.  That’s definitely not the case here!

  6. Why do you live in KC and how do you like to spend your free time?

    I relocated for work/family. Free time is mostly spent with our 6 month old puppy, Khan (seen in the pic and sometimes at the gym)! He’s crazy and requires a lot of attention! Otherwise, the boyfriend and I will go to a Chiefs or Royals tailgate/game; Alamo Drafthouse!; or checking out one of the many beer-related festivals in the city!  Recently heard of and tried pickle-ball, which might become a new hobby!

  7. What do you like about KC?

    The BBQ! Especially burnt ends! Also, the cold weather; I’m a fan of COLD, and I can’t wait until winter here!

  8. What are one or two improvements you have seen in your life since starting CF?

    Carrying groceries up stairs has become a lot easier! I’m physically strong and love it!

  9. What are your goals for 2016?

    In terms of CrossFit, to focus more on technique than I have in the past and focus more on recovery and listening to my body.

  10. What would you say to someone thinking about starting CF?

    It sucks, don’t try it!  No, really,  I would tell anyone to just go to a class and try it out.  I know and understand that CrossFit is not for everyone, but it can truly change your life for the better, as it did mine.  I had never lifted weights really before CrossFit, much less trying to stack on the plates and jerk, snatch, clean, press, etc… The “man area” (free weights) of every regular gym used to intimidate me but now, if I have no other choice but to go to a regular gym, I’m just waiting for those men to get out of my way so I can lift!  And if nothing else, you’ll meet a community of people that will daily go through the same “sucky”/grueling workout with you but still encourage and motivate you along the way.  CrossFit changes things.

  11. What’s your favorite & least favorite CF movement?

    Favorite: Hang Cleans!  Really, I like any of the Olympic movements, but I truly love doing Hang Cleans and Hang Power Cleans.  I don’t know why, I just do!
    Least favorite: Toes to bar; This stinking movement has been the bane of my existence since I started CrossFit. You can get one, great — now string them together.  I think the worst is when you’re less than an inch from touching the bar with your toe, but you just can get it there. No rep!  The day I could finally string them together, I think I about cried.  However, when I went to do them in a workout the next week, GONE! I couldn’t do it.  I’ll conquer them one day, but for now, they will remain my enemy.

  12. What’s your favorite cheat meal?

    Probably burger and fries + cheesecake!  Cheesecake is always welcome!

  13. Anything else you would like to share with The Hill family?

    You guys have all been great and I’m so excited to be a part of this CrossFit family!

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