CrossFit Downey

Name: Jana Kobayashi

Age: 31
Height: 5’1″
Weight: 135lb.

Max Back Squat:195lb.
Max Clean: 135lb.
Max Snatch: 85lb.
Max Deadlift:250lb.
Fran: 9 min. 41 sec.
Grace: 5 min. 53 sec.
Cindy: 17 rounds

Q: Describe yourself. (personally, occupation or athletic background)?

I was born and raised in Los Angeles. As a child I was a gymnast and cheerleader. I have a 10 year-old daughter named Macie. I am currently working in Downtown LA as a server and am taking Nutrition courses. I go to the box at least 4 times a week, run and do yoga. Everyone at CFD knows when I am working out because I make funny noises and throw off my shoes mid-workout.

Q: How long have you been a member at CrossFit Downey? 14 months
Q: Why did you start CrossFitting?

I was bored with the routine workouts I was doing. I hiked 3 times a week and did yoga classes. I wasn’t seeing any results but I did feel in pretty good shape. A family friend owns a box and he told me how CrossFit was challenging and fun. I looked up local CrossFit gyms and that’s how I found CFD.

Q: How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle or level of fitness?

My life has changed so much. I wake up and am excited to see what WOD is gonna kick my butt today. In less than a year I have completed two Ragnar Relay Races, two 5K mud runs, a handful of charity events that involve fitness activities, and started competing with CFD. I am physically and mentally stronger but I know there is always room for growth.

Q: What do you like best about CrossFit Downey?

1) Oscar and Ray, they are great teachers and motivators 2) the family environment CFD maintains 3) after every workout I feel like I accomplished something

Q: What are your proudest CrossFit achievements?:

I was proud when I got my first pull-up, HSPU, and a muscle up on the bar. Every accomplishment makes me strive for the next step. Running the Ragnar Relay Races with CFD has also been very special to me. Before CFD, I could barely run a mile.

Q: Any advice for someone thinking about trying CrossFit or someone who has just started?

I tell people they should join CrossFit because it is the best workout and the community is awesome. For newbies, I tell them you will be sore for a month or two straight but you will build strength quickly. And thats makes up for the soreness!

Favorite WOD and Time? I love Tabata WOD’s.
Least Favorite WOD? I am not a Fan of Karen
Favorite Lift: Snatch
What are your fitness goals? To always be better than the day before.

Q: How do you maintain healthy eating habits?

I try to mainly eat Paleo. I am always looking for creative and fun ways to cook healthy.

Q: What was the most difficult obstacle when you started eating healthy and how did you overcome it?

As someone who has worked in restaurants for 10 years, I love food and sweets. It was very hard to stop eating at work so often. I have done a lot of reading on and have learned how to turn recipes into Paleo recipes. I now cook only Paleo recipes. But if there is a special event I do not restrict myself.

Q: What do you like to so on your spare time?

I like traveling, being outdoors, spending time with family and friends, and sleeping