Each month we bring you a story about one of our awesome athletes at Salus. We feature this person because they have something special. They give their best in every class (and then some), they are hungry to learn and always ready to do the work. Not only that, but this person supports their fellow classmates and encourages them to reach their goals, too. This athlete embodies what we believe the Salus Community should be all about.

“ The first word that comes to mind when describing Sandy is “consistency.” Sandy makes her health, both physical and mental, a priority by consistently attending class. She has no issue modifying movements because she knows moving her body is important, even if slightly different from what’s prescribed. She knows that 8:30 hour is essential to making her a better mom when she continues her day. And that squat depth is so pretty! ” ~Coach Erin Winters

Our November 2022 Athlete of the Month is Sandy Puzio.

I started at Salus in the summer of 2021. I had been doing CrossFit for a few years and circumstances forced me to look for a new box. Changing gyms can be really difficult and I always found it would take me a year to be comfortable and enjoy my workouts but this time was much easier thanks to the coaches and the people at Salus. Even in the temporary space I could tell I ended up where I belonged.

I feel much stronger and while I am still cautious, I am less afraid to lift heavier weights and try new things. I still lift a lot less than everyone else but getting stronger. I am also learning how to be more efficient on the cardio equipment, especially the rower. I have a long way to go but looking less like a monkey going no place than before at least.

Not necessarily doing anything new but definitely moving better and more consistently. Learning to use my legs to lift more instead of relying just on my arms.

I am definitely stronger and feeling leaner than I ever have.

Salus allows me to get a great workout in an hour and I never leave feeling like I didn’t get enough of a workout that’s for sure. While I still watch what I eat, I don’t feel like I need to watch every calorie to get the results I want the way I did with other workouts.

Salus is such a great box. Great people, great coaches, great programming. I really like the consistency of the programming- you know what to expect each and every day.

For me working out is more about my mental health than physical…the physical benefits are just a bonus.

I always feel better when I am done which is all the motivation I need. There’s something to be gained each and every day. There are days when the WOD is not in my wheelhouse at all and I laugh that I came anyway but I’m never sorry I did. My day is always better when I start it with class.

I really like any WOD with a couplet of cardio and weights like a few rounds of running and push jerks.
I tend to like a chipper a lot too.

If I had to pick a lift it would be the Bench Press.

You don’t have to be a “CrossFitter.” There are so many ways to modify the workout and still get the same benefits. There’s always something to be gained each and every workout.

No one is judging or worrying about what anyone else is doing other than to encourage you to push through.

I would really like to be able to do a legitimate toes to bar one day.

It would definitely have running and no gymnastics or rope climbs.

I am a beach lover so for me it would be a day spent on the beach reading a great book.

My favorite healthy dish is any really good salad with a piece of grilled salmon on it.
Favorite splurge meal would be chicken cacciatore with broccoli rabe.

I never wanted to be a superhero, adventure is not so much for me- I prefer to stay close to the ground and right side up. I would be Jennifer Anniston for all of the obvious and shallow reasons…I even have a daughter named Emma.

Probably be something simple like “if it doesn’t challenge you it won’t change you” because it is really the truth.

I am a sports fanatic, especially the New York Yankees. I like watching all sports and teams and really like listening to sports radio. I wish I had considered a career in sports broadcasting.

The post “For me working out is more about my mental health than physical…the physical benefits are just a bonus.” ~Sandy Puzio appeared first on Salus.