Client Success Story Questionnaire
Name: Jancy Liu
Age: 44
Occupation: Digital User Experience Designer
What is your athletic background?
Played some basketball in high school but not on school teams; loved track and field; Tried out for the tennis team but failed miserably. When I got older, got really into running until it hurt too much and the ultimately landed on Crossfit in Los Angeles in 2011.
What was your workout routine prior to CF Spero?
Not much of a workout routine but random spattering of trying to keep active which included hiking and bicycling in the Chicagoland areas.
What was your first experience with CrossFit?
The yoga spot in LA I attended closed and I was looking to try something new that would keep my interest. I decided to try a CrossFit gym simply because it was close to my apartment at the time but got into it. Went consecutively for 3 months straight (no days off!). Then when I moved to Logan Square in Chicago, I couldn’t find one nearby so I sadly stopped. After 5 years, we moved to Oak Park where my husband dragged me to go check out 'this Crossfit place called Spero’ to help him decide if it's a good fit for him.
When did you start CrossFit?
Jan 2021 on the tails of things opening up post Covid
Why did you choose CF Spero?
My husband found out about Spero and asked me to come with as a consultant since I'd done it before. The first meet was with Dave and despite that, I joined to try it out. JK! I chose it because my first few experiences was with Gio and his coaching won me over. I’m now 3.5 years in and look forward to more!
What keeps you coming back?
I really enjoy that the coaches are thoughtful and always watching in all the best ways. The members are equally super and make it fun to come and commiserate. I also really like that members are people of like mind, many are parents and from the community.
Why do you live in the Oak Park Area?
We landed on Oak Park as a compromise because my husband wanted to be in the suburbs and I wanted to stay in the city. Now both of us are both equally grumpy/happy.
What do you do for a living?
I’m a digital interface designer. In normal terms, making digital screens easy to use and less sucky.
How do you like to spend your free time?
What is free time when you have a child?? I quite enjoy camping, hiking, traveling and once upon a time, I drew and did other "creative" things.
What are one or two improvements you have seen in your life since starting CF?
By the 3rd or 4th month, I noticed an increase in energy and strength. I first noticed a difference when I was picking up bags of groceries. "Oh that was easier than before!" By the year mark, I was lifting huge coolers full of beer with ease!
What is the biggest change you have seen since starting CrossFit at Spero?
I've always had more strength in my legs but being at Spero, I can say my arms are now stronger!
What are your goals for 2024?
I've had on the sights strengthen the core, lose unnecessary fat and finally adopt and make more permanent better eating/drinking habits. Thoughts of trimming down on booze has crossed my mind...
What's your favorite and least favorite movement?
Favorite: Lunges, so simple yet so effective
Least Favorite: Pull ups only because I can't get it...yet
What's your favorite meal?
Healthy: My favorite healthy meal is what I call all-the-things salad (throw anything and everything in a salad and toss).
Less Healthy: My favorite unhealthy meal is a prosciutto, mushroom and basil NY style pizza.
What are three hobbies or things you love to do outside of the gym?
I've loved gardening and hiking for as long as I remember. I generally have aimed to find something that gets the blood going, could be a bungee jump off a bridge or just a ride on the bike.
Where is one place you would love to visit but haven't been able to yet?
Thailand has been on the list for a while. That and Brazil, Cuba, Peru, Greece.
What would you say to someone thinking about starting CrossFit at Spero?
I said it to someone the other day: Just try it, it's just fun, you'll be amongst people just like yourself and you won't be bored!
Anything else you would like to share with the Spero Family?
Keep up the great work everyone!