Athlete Of the Month: Dana Page

Salus • Oct 05, 2014

Last year when Dana Page walked in the door, we knew she would be a strong CrossFit athlete. Her strong desire to improve her skills and take her training the next level was obvious. Through a lot of hard work, she is now our first female member who has accomplished a ring muscle up and is entering the world of CrossFit competitions. We’re proud of her accomplishments and would like to recognize Dana as our October 2014 Athlete Of the Month.

When and why did you start CrossFit?

I started CrossFit in October 2013. One of my best friends, Kelly King started the class and every time she saw me, she told me I should go because I would love it. (She knows me best!) I was always an athlete but I felt a void in my life like a huge part of me was missing without sports. Also, I missed the comradery of teammates and support from other athletes. I was getting bored of just weightlifting and wanted to change my body and become healthier. I thought that trying CrossFit was the answer. And it was!

I thought that trying CrossFit was the answer. And it was!

How has your performance changed since you started CrossFit?

Immensely!! I always crush my old times and PR almost every lift. I never thought that I could do half the things I do now. My body has toned out completely and I have gotten so much stronger. I look better, I feel better and I definitely breathe better! When I first started, I remember all I wanted to do was stop mid workout; now I focus on crushing every W.O.D. and fighting through it. My endurance has definitely improved and is still improving daily. Overall I just feel better with every workout I do. I feel like an athlete again!

I feel like an athlete again!

Are there exercises you can do now that you couldn’t do before?

Yes, a lot!! Handstand pushups, handstand walks, ring dips, overhead squats, snatches etc… I never did much Olympic weightlifting until I started CrossFit. I did the old boring routine of ‘pick up weights and put them down’.

How has your body physically changed since you started CrossFit?

Before I started crossfit I was mostly just powerlifting at the gym and not thinking much about my diet. As a result, I had muscle but I was not lean. Now I am JACKED! I’ve lost 35lbs (I was 175lbs and am now 141lbs) with 20% body fat and going down with the paleo challenge! I follow a paleo diet and it not only makes me look better but I feel better too. Overall I am much happier and energized.

How has CrossFit changed you in other ways?

As a Police I work crazy hours and shifts. CrossFit and the way I’m eating give me the extra energy I need to stay focused. And, CrossFit has boosted my confidence level (I now wear BOOTY SHORTS!) We all know I love to hide in big clothes, but, I have since lost most of those clothes and now shop in the woman’s section (thanks to Dina and Dark Horse aka Chanod).

How do you describe CrossFit to your friends?

I tell my friends and family that CrossFit is amazing! It’s way more than just a workout… It’s a way of life. CrossFit is a sport that anyone can do and it helps you become physically and mentally stronger. It is not just a workout, but a community. We all try to help each other, better ourselves and our workouts. It one big support group for any issues we all have (good or bad) or anything life throws at us. It is not all just about working out; it’s so much greater than that.

It’s a way of life. CrossFit is a sport that anyone can do and it helps you become physically and mentally stronger. It is not just a workout, but a community.

What keeps you motivated to continue?

My girls!!! Angie and Gino! (Trying to beat Angie or at least finish right behind her! =)
Every day is something new and exciting and you’re always bound to learn something. And to just look at a WOD or lift and know that it may be beyond me at the moment but through hard work and dedication the unobtainable becomes obtainable.
I’m also motived through the progress that I’ve had, the way I feel and how much fun I have when I am there. CrossFit has changed my life and I cannot imagine one day without it. It’s the air I breathe. I have made such an incredible bond with everyone in the gym inside and outside. CrossFit is my way of life. Although people tease that it’s a ‘cult’, I just think it’s the best family anyone can ever have! CrossFit is my support group! My lifelong friendships and coaches are what keep me there! Plus, not to brag but I am getting pretty good at this CrossFit thing and continue to get better and better! I am excited to see what a few more years would do for me considering I have already accomplishment a lot already. Taking CrossFit away is like losing your puppy. I would feel like a lost soul if I couldn’t walk into CrossFit Salus anymore.

…through hard work and dedication the unobtainable becomes obtainable.

Favorite WOD or lift?

Fight Gone Bad and Grace!!!! Deadlifts and cleans (even though my shrug needs work)

What advice would you give to a newbie just joining CrossFit Salus?

Take it slow! Go at your own pace, set your own goals and accomplish them. Do not be intimidated by all the heavy hitters when you get in there! Just watch them because they will teach you a lot and one day you will be kicking butt right next to them! Also, everything takes time so don’t try to rush it. Honestly I encourage everyone to try CrossFit! It’s a lifestyle and if you come to our box you will get a second family!!!

What is your next goal to accomplish…or goat to kill?

Muscle ups!! I’m so close I can taste it! (this was Dina talking!) But I am definitely getting those soon!
**editor’s note: Dana KILLED that goat just a few weeks ago!!**

Check out the video!

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