Client Success Story Questionnaire
Name: Maria Fuenmayor
Age: 44
Occupation: Strategic Sales Director for digital health start-up
What is your athletic background?
I grew up playing Tennis and Volleyball in Spain. When I came to the states I fell in love with Basketball. I was encouraged by the fact that I sprouted up and was super tall for my age. The problem became apparent in high school though, when I stopped growing. I was lucky to play 2 years in college (hello bench) before my knee and back (car accident) gave out. Since then, I’ve been a devoted spectator - a diehard, lifelong New York Knicks fan. And a crazy Spanish national futbol fan. Hala Madrid!
What feels like a lifetime ago, I walked out of my job at MTV in my 20’s and became a personal trainer. I loved the work/life balance and living in Brooklyn while being a trainer had its perks. I loved helping people lower their insulin meds and attain some level of wellbeing. I still remember helping clients get healthier and what that meant to them.
So yeah, I love sports and I know my way around a gym.
What was your workout routine prior to CF Spero?
Nothing. I was recovering from double mastectomy. Before that, I had a trainer who was CrossFit level 1 coach while I ran the corporate wellness program for Equinox fitness.
What was your first experience with CrossFit?
2011 Brooklyn, while I was in the best shape of my life as a trainer I once tried a box.
When did you start CrossFit?
I hated my initial experience in a Brooklyn box. But back then I was a marathon runner. What did I know?! I guess you could say I didn’t really begin CF until I joined Spero.
Why did you choose CF Spero?
Convenience of being in the neighborhood. Because I’m Mediterranean (Spanish Italian) I thought Spero was owned by someone Greek so I went with it!? Ha!
What keeps you coming back?
The workouts are fun. I like our members and I love the coaches.
Why do you live in the Oak Park Area?
My wife and I moved from Brooklyn to Chicago and had culture shock. We craved diversity & being able to walk the neighborhood and find all walks of life together hanging out, so we moved to Oak Park.
What do you do for a living?
I run sales for a population health solution that focuses on mental health, preventative health, and chronic care management. I’m still helping people get healthier, especially those with multiple chronic conditions such as Diabetes and other life threatening diseases in my own way.
How do you like to spend your free time?
Hanging with my Family. I have terrific twin 8 year olds and a wife that loves me. I love to cook and grow my own vegetables in the spring & summer. I like meditating and gardening in my backyard. I play pick up basketball when time allows with friends. I love tennis and pickleball and I belong to a league. I also now love doing heated Ashtanga yoga. We already have two dogs and two cats but we also enjoy fostering kittens and try to help the animal care league of oak park as much as we can.
What are one or two improvements you have seen in your life since starting CF?
Stress management and energy levels.
What is the biggest change you have seen since starting CrossFit at Spero?
My pants fit me again. That’s nice. My injuries, actually. Because I’ve lost some weight and gained some muscle back again I feel like it’s kept some old injuries away. Now I just need to not fall off ladders so I don’t sprain ankles.
What are your goals for 2024?
Try and go as injury free as possible. I’d like to continue to work on my mobility. And continue to build my chest wall muscle since my cancer scare and double mastectomy surgery.
What's your favorite and least favorite movement?
Favorite: Deadlifting is my jam because its familiar.
Least Favorite: Snatches and toes to bar are really hard on my chest since surgery. I hate jump ropes.
What's your favorite meal?
I love really good Mediterranean or Japanese food. Favorite meal depends on the season. Winter time- a great ramen with my daughter. Summer time- a fresh seafood salad.
What would you say to someone thinking about starting CrossFit at Spero?
Don’t let the crazy people doing RX+ wod scare you. You can come in, do your thing scaled. You’ll still get stronger, faster and happier one workout at a time.
Anything else you would like to share with the Spero family?
Thanks to all the coaches for putting up with me. You’re all amazing people.
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