Client Success Story Questionnaire
Name: Chelsea Voulgares
Age: 46
Occupation: Underwriting Assistant
What is your athletic background?
I don’t have much of one. When I was a teenager, I avoided gym class and team sports. I have always been relatively active, however. I’ve taken dance and yoga classes, and I was an avid backpacker for several years.
What was your workout routine prior to CF Spero?
Prior to Spero, I mostly took spin classes or ran on a treadmill. The year before I joined Spero was the height of the pandemic, so during that time, I mostly walked or rode a stationary bike in my basement.
What was your first experience with CrossFit?
I used to walk past a gym in Ravenswood and think about how miserable everyone looked. Ha! But then my first ever real experience with Crossfit was when I joined Spero! I had never touched a barbell in my life. When I first joined, I would look up all the movements on Youtube before class because I had no idea what anything was. I’ve logged my workouts since day one in SugarWod, so I can see that my very first WOD was bike sprints and farmers carry.
When did you start CF?
May of 2021 at Spero
Why did you choose CF Spero?
The location is extremely convenient for me. I live nearby. I was intrigued by the idea of Crossfit, and did some research online about the gym. The Spero website and Instagram account gave off a welcoming vibe, so I decided to sign up.
What keeps you coming back?
I absolutely love the community. There is a sense of camaraderie and support that gets me through even the hardest workouts.
What do you do for a living?
I’m an assistant at an insurance company, but I moonlight as a novelist.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I write a lot. I like watching movies and going out to eat. I enjoy live music too. I also play Dungeons & Dragons weekly with a group of friends.
What do you like about Oak Park?
I live in Berwyn, but it is great to live so close to Oak Park. There are tons of great restaurants, and I love to see movies at the Lake Theater. I am a huge fan of the little arts district where Spero lives (Taco Mucho rules!), and I also like to spend time in downtown Oak Park.
What are one or two improvements you have seen in your life since starting CF?
My endurance is so much better than it used to be, and I’m much stronger. My blood pressure is lower. I’m happier too. The regular exercise really helps my mood. That’s more than two!
What is the biggest change you have seen since starting CF?
My body has changed a lot. I have actual biceps now! The muscle definition in my shoulders and legs is also much better.
Why did you decide to add Nutrition Coaching?
I've lost a decent amount of body fat, and built several pounds of muscle mass since joining Spero. I hit a plateau with that last fall, though. After the spring nutrition challenge, I knew that I could progress past that plateau with a little more attention and accountability. Nutrition coaching has really helped in both of those areas.
What are your goals for 2022?
Time is ticking, but I would really love to get a pull-up this year! One of my goals was to improve my form on push-ups, and I think I’ve achieved that already. There’s still room for improvement, but I’m on my way to perfect push-ups!
What's your favorite and least favorite CF movement?
My favorite CF movement is squats. Back squat, front squat, all of them! It was a really challenging movement for me when I first joined the gym, but my progression has been enormous, so they make me feel proud whenever we do them in class. My least favorite movement, like all other Crossfitters, is running. ;)
What's your favorite meal?
It’s hard to choose, but probably sushi. I really love a good salmon roll.
What would you say to someone thinking about starting CF?
Crossfit is totally worth it. The workouts are infinitely scalable, so you can start wherever you currently are in terms of your fitness. Your endurance and strength will improve exponentially within a few months, and you will always have a group of friends there cheering you through the workout.
Anything else you would like to share with the Spero family?
The Spero family means a lot to me, the other members and the coaches. You challenge me every day, and I am a better person for it!
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