Cyrielle Billion
Why do you CrossFit?
I was playing team sports during my high school and college years but when I moved to St Louis I was not able to play. I was looking for something challenging and some of my friends (and former teammates) in France convinced me to try Crossfit . I dragged my husband and a couple of friends to give a shot and I loved it. I really enjoy the community that Crossfit STL provides. I am a very competitive person and Crossfit challenged myself and I was able to do things that I never imagined I would be able to do. Also the results are amazing, I am in the best shape of my life, mentally and physically stronger!
Why do you choose CrossFit St. Louis?
The coaching staff. All of them were very helpful and welcoming since day 1. No matter who is coaching, they always do a great job helping, improving my techniques and making even the hardest WOD fun! I really enjoy the gymnastics classes, I was able to improve my skills fast and now I can do pull-ups! The community is also amazing (Hi 6:30pm class!).
What do you want to accomplish in CrossFit?
For me the journey is more important that the finish line. When I started Crossfit last September, I was barely able to hang from the pull-up bar and now I can do a 2-3 strict pull ups (work in progress!). My goal is keep pushing my own limits and challenge myself every day at the gym. For the next month, I will try my best to get into the handstand push up!
What is your favorite movement and why?
I don’t have any favorite movement but I really enjoy everything upside down! From the floor, the pull up bar or from the rings, all these variations are very challenging for me and make me see the world (or the gym!) a differently! I am not sure I should say that but I also like Burpees (I know I am a crazy person!).
What are your hobbies?
Beside Crossfit?!? I am a HUGE hockey and Blues fans but I don’t want to talk about the past season 🙁 If my husband and I are not at the gym on Tuesday or Thursday 6:30pm, you can find us at the Scottrade center cheering on the Blues!
Clay Willis
Why do you CrossFit?
In late 2013 I had an accident that severed my right bicep requiring two surgeries. It was a long recovery process and I allowed my health and fitness to decline. After recovering I struggled to get back on track with my diet and training. I lost a lot of hard earned muscle and gained a lot of unwanted body fat.
On November 7, 2016 my life changed forever as my daughter Isabella (Izzy) was born. She gave me the motivation it took to start working out again. I wanted to make sure I was happy and healthy so I could enjoy being active with my daughter. It was not easy and I struggled at first but in December I met Leeny Hoffman and she convinced me to give her Whole 30 Challenge a try. Leeny also convinced me to try CrossFit as part of the challenge. So in January of 2017 I signed up for The Whole 30 Challenge as well as for the On Ramp classes at CFSTL. From the first class I knew I was going to love CrossFit. It was the perfect combination of weight training and athletic movements along with a slight competitiveness that drives you to always work harder and get better. CrossFit has helped me get back to a healthy lifestyle.
Why did you choose CrossFit St. Louis?
I initially came to Crossfit St. Louis because of Leeny, but I have remained a member of CFSTL because of the amazing members and coaches and the sense of community one gets as a member. I travel for work and I drop in at a lot of different gyms but none compare to CFSTL. Cory does an amazing job with the programming and I have yet to meet another coach that makes you feel like your fitness goals are just as important to him as they are to you. I live in St. Peters now but I will remain a member of CFSTL because of all the amazing people I have met here over the past 1.5 years.
What do you want to accomplish is CrossFit?
I want to improve my health and fitness so that I can continue to enjoy being active with my two amazing children. I look forward to improving on all the gymnastics and weightlifting moves I struggle with (OHS, HSPU, MU). I also hope to improve on my overall mobility especially in my shoulders.
What is your favorite movement and why?
Thrusters are probably my favorite movement. I like that it’s a compound movement that hits just about every part of your body. I also like TTB as a gymnastics movement.
What are your hobbies?
Hunting, Fishing, Hiking, Boating and Snowboarding. Pretty much anything that gets me outside.
I want to thank Leeny for getting me started at CFSTL and Cory, David and all the other coaches and hosts (Gary Fitzmire) for making the gym so enjoyable. Also thanks to all the members for making it so enjoyable every time I come to the gym.