Each month we spotlight a different CrossFit 1710 athlete who stands out and shows just how awesome they are. What is it that makes up an Athlete of the Month? It may not be the person that finishes the fastest, Rx’s every WOD, or gets a PR every time they walk in the gym. Although we love and celebrate when those things happen, the Athlete of the Month is made up of much more than physical ability. This person shows up, gives their best every time, and then gives a little more. They are hungry to learn and always ready to do the work. They support their fellow athletes and encourage them to reach their goals. This athlete embodies what we believe the CrossFit 1710 Community should be about.
Our March 2023 Athlete of The Month is Amy Bustamante! Amy began her CrossFit journey with us in March 2022. Amy is incredibly hard working both in and outside of them gym! She's a full time student at Wharton County Junior College, pursuing a degree in nursing. Even though school keeps her busy, Amy consistently makes working out at CrossFit 1710 a priority. Amy challenges herself in the classroom and gym each week. She competed in the 2023 No Bull CrossFit Games Open and completed all 3 weeks' worth of workouts as an RX (advanced) athlete. Amy- We’re proud to have you as our March 2023 Athlete of the Month and as an awesome example of consistency and discipline.
Get to know Amy in her interview below.
1. TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF.
My name is Amy Bustamante. I am 23, turning 24 in April. Currently, I am a full time college student at WCJC. I was in the Navy for a short time and got to travel to different countries, meet many people, and experience a lot while enlisted. I’ve been with CrossFit 1710 for about a year now and it definitely has been one of the best decisions I could have made for myself to get healthier!
2. WHAT MADE YOU START CROSSFIT?
I was taking Coach Jodie’s General Psychology class at Wharton County Junior College and she mentioned CrossFit sometimes during class. Jodie always had good things to say about CrossFit and one day after class I asked her some questions about it and she told me I could try it for a week to see if I liked it. I ended up trying it out over spring break and was determined to stick with it. At the time, I was unhappy with my physical and mental state and I’d figured then was the time to do something about it. I am grateful I did!
3. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED SINCE JOINING CROSSFIT 1710?
I’ve learned to be patient with myself and be consistent. I’ve always known my body could do some pretty amazing things, but laziness would take over and I never applied myself further than that after high school. I’ve learned that diet plays an important role to feeling and looking better. Probably the most important thing is that even on the days I don’t feel like showing up toto CrossFit, I remind myself that I have an end goal and I have to put in the work to reach it, regardless of how lazy I’m feeling in that moment. That it’s okay to not be motivated because as longs as I stay dedicated and disciplined, I’ve eventually get to where I need to be.
4. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT CORSSFIT 1710 OR CROSSFIT IN GENERAL?
Specifically, for our CrossFit 1710 gym, I like the close-knit type of relationships within the gym that I have formed with other athletes. When I first joined the gym, I remember everyone being so welcoming and encouraging. That was really helpful and one of the main reasons I kept wanting to go back into the gym. Even with a new gym (location) and new athletes, that welcoming and encouraging environment never left. I also enjoy how much we push each other. Most of the athletes that have been at CrossFit 1710 for a while will not tolerate another experienced athlete having a lazy or easy day. We push each other to add 5 extra pounds to the bar or do that extra 5 reps before the clock goes off. That’s what really challenges and pushes me every day at our gym!
5. WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST CROSSFIT MOMENT?
I can’t pinpoint my proudest moment because lately there has been so much for me to be proud of. But, I’d say I’m always proudest walking into the doors at CrossFit 1710 for at least being dedicated enough to attend the day and when walking out those doors knowing I pushed maximum effort out for another day.
6. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVEMENT/LIFT? LEAST FAVORITE?
I don’t currently have a favorite movement but some of the movements (burpees, rowing, kettlebell swings) that I used to strongly dislike have gotten easier and I’ve learned to move more efficiently so they aren’t that bad anymore.
7. WHAT IMPACT HAS CROSSFIT HAD ON YOUR LIFE IN AND OUT OF THE GYM?
CrossFit has made me the most confident I’ve ever been in my entire life physically and mentally. It’s the fact that I know I can always push myself and see amazing results in anything I do CrossFit related. Even outside of the gym I am being more conscious with my eating habits.
8. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AND HOW CLOSE ARE YOU TO REACHING THEM?
There is always room for more improvement whether it be physical, mental, or even with dietary changes. Of course, I’m always open to learning new movements in CrossFit and being able to move efficiently in all of them! I have come a long way from when I started, but I always look forward to what’s to come in the future.
9. WHEN YOU’RE NOT CROSSFITTING WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO?
I love spending time with my Mom, Dad, Husband, and pets. I love listening to music! Occasionally, I’ll binge watch some movies and TV shows, read, ride my motorcycle, or hang out with friends!
10. WHAT IS THE ONE TIP YOU’D GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS THINKING ABOUT STARTING CROSSFIT OR JUST STARTED?
I’d say just go and try it out and stick with it. I think the hardest thing about starting at a new gym is basically the mental stress we put on ourselves. When I first joined, I was always worried about how out of shape I looked, that I couldn’t keep up, or that I couldn’t do most movements. But in reality, no one is looking at or focused on your during the coached classes. Most of the time the athletes are just as tired and are not paying attention to the what the athlete next to them is doing other than telling them that they are glad they are there! Also, be really patient with yourself. Don’t be so hard on yourself if you fall short with coming every day or when you don’t “eat clean.” Being the healthiest version of you is very hard, but you will eventually get there with baby steps, patience, and discipline. That’s how we all got to where we are now. It didn’t happen overnight- I promise!
11. WHAT IS YOUR DIET LIKE? HAS IT CHANGED SINCE STARTING CROSSFIT?
I have changed quite a few things about my diet and it has overall improved these last few months. I started not too long ago and with minor changes that I felt were achievable, such as cutting out sodas and fast-food. Then I stopped purchasing sweets such as candies, ice cream, and unnecessary sweet snacks (cookies, cereal, juice, etc.). Instead, I will substitute fruit when I feel like eating something sweet. I have also tried to incorporate more vegetables when making dinner and when I go out to eat. I usually get double servings of vegetables and water as my drink. Of course, I will occasionally choose to eat some sweets in moderation from time to time, because I have learned they are not as harmful to my healthy changes because I am consistent. That discipline has definitely improved how my body feels on a day-to-day basis.
12. RESULTS? TELL US ABOUT YOUR RESULTS!
I have seen most of my results come from how I physically look. Not much has changed on the scale, but that doesn’t bother me because I can see the difference by just looking in the mirror. My family and friends have also noticed a difference in my appearance since starting CrossFit. I also see results with our workouts and the progress I have made with moving more weight (on the bar), moving more efficiently and faster, and running faster as well!
FREEWRITE
I definitely want to give a huge shoutout to CrossFit 1710 for being patient and coaching me. They pushed me even through my bad days. I created really great relationships in the military and I thought I wasn’t ever going to get close with people like that again. But, joining this gym has made me realize that even after separating, I can still be close with people and creating lifelong relationships. Some athletes I would even consider like family at this point. So, with all that I want to say thank you for showing me how to become my healthiest, confident, strongest, best version of me yet. I know I can get even better though. I am eternally grateful to Jason and Jodie and all the athletes I have come across and worked out with! I will always be thankful to myself for having the courage to have taken the step to show up my first day an all the hard work I’ve put in since!
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