Andrew Graziano Featured Athlete of October

Coachable | Hardworking | Positive

These are the attributes that we look for in our athletes. Each month we like to Feature an athlete who exemplifies these core values.

From the moment Andrew walked through our doors, we could tell that he was Our PEOPLE. It was love at first WOD.

Andrew is not daunted by anything we program. He happily goes for it with intensity and positivity. He is humble and easy to coach. Andrew encourages others so much, Miss Hollie recently made him our Deputy Cheerleader.

It’s also rare to see someone work so hard yet have fun and not take themselves too seriously. Andrew captures the essence of The Hill in this way- We’re not trying to set records or go to regionals, but we still give it our all and leave everything on the gym floor.

What’s your athletic background? I have been CrossFitting for about four years. Before that I was a lifeguard instructor and runner.

When did you start working out at The Hill? 24 May, 2018. It was a 5pm class on a Thursday.

What keeps you coming back? The community. Leadership at The Hill has fostered a community of positivity, support, and encouragement. This place and these people welcomed me when I moved to Kansas City where I knew absolutely zero humans.

Was this your first experience with CrossFit? My CrossFit journey began in Upstate New York at CrossFit Mohawk Valley. It was my first time picking up a barbell, attempting a pullup, and touching a kettlebell or rings. The coaches at CFMV were patient with me as my knowledge base and skill level grew. Never once in CrossFit have I ever been made to feel inadequate or weak. It is that mentality that I try to bring to every WOD I do. To make sure every human, no matter skill level, knows that they are putting in hard work and are adequate and amazing.

If you could write the WOD what would it be?

RUNNING
CLEANS
PULL UPS
DEADLIFTS

FOREVER!!!!!!!

What are some of your goals, fitness or personal- for 2018? I want to be able to clean over two hundred pounds. Also, I would be absolutely buzzing if I could get two or more strict ring muscle ups in a row.

Any PR’s that your proud of? One time Josh said he wanted us to go light for snatching one day. I PR’d twice. It was awesome.

There was a WOD where we had HSPUs, Bike, and Rowing. I was able to string all of my HSPUs together for each round. Which was a huge moment for me because I am very uncoordinated.

OH AND there was the day I PR’d C&J at 185. Everyone was watching because it was two minutes before class ended (obviously). Coach came up to me and said, “Get tall before getting under that bar.” And when I fired, something just clicked, and the bar was overhead. I screamed out MISS VANJIE and ran around the gym. It was a great day.

List one or two improvements you have seen in your life since starting CF? I gained ten pounds of muscle in two months. So that has been fun.

Also, I am more confident in who I am. Not in like a douche way, in that I am content with the person I have become. I am loud, and goofy, and HELLA awkward. But I know that I am kind. I encourage others. I make a concerted effort to bring joy to others. There was a time where I would be too scared or insecure to talk to people for fear that they would make fun of me or not like me. I am okay now being authentically me. Because I don’t think there are a lot of people out there that genuinely want to be kind and give life to others. CrossFit has helped me be authentically, transparently, unashamedly Andrew.

What do you like about KC? The Hill.
The people I have meet here at The Hill have accepted me into their lives. I cannot express how much this means to me.

Also, Tiki Taco is legit.

Why do you live in KC? And how do you like to spend your free time? I am a medical student completing three of my Third Year core clinical rotations at St. Luke’s Hospital.

When I am not at SLH or The Hill, I am hanging out with #fitfam from The Hill. Literally any of the members, I just turn up where they are. Like an awkward piece of furniture in their spectacular, beautiful lives.

I also read. Mainly Stephen King or YA fiction. 

What’s your favorite cheat meal? Probs Tiki Taco consisting of the Surf & Turf burrito, a chupacobba, and a steak quesadilla. Yes, I have and will eat that all. AND AFTER I WILL HOUSE A PINT OF BEN & JERRY’S CARAMEL CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE TRUFFLE

BECAUSE IT’S CHEAT DAY B*TCHES!!!!
??????‍♂️???????‍♂️???

What would you say to someone thinking about starting CrossFit? This is YOUR journey. No one starts knowing this. We all have to learn and grow. Be patient with yourself and know that you will make progress. I am on your side. I know you can do it.

Anything else you would like to share with our coaches or the whole #fitfam? In all sincerity I cannot express how grateful and humbled I am. That all of you have accepted me into this beautiful community. I am very touched and thankful that you have let me be a part of your lives.

I must single out Coach Josh. You are patient and kind. You never get upset with anyone in class. Even when we get distracted. Even when I pull my clean too early. Or call you Dave Castro. I very grateful for your guidance, your example as a man of character & coach, and your friendship. Thank you.

Getting to know Dr. Heather of Unbroken Chiropractic

This month we are getting to know Dr. Heather Bourdon from UNBROKEN Chiropractic

It’s no secret that we are so lucky to have Dr. Heather at The Hill!

Heather doesn’t want to just crack, snap see you back. She finds the root of the issue, makes adjustments and gives you movements that help you actually heal. Not only does she take excellent care of her clients, (which include many members of our team and athletes) but when you are with Heather, you often find yourself smiling and laughing. In her calming and patient presence, you start to relax and feel that everything will be ok.  We believe this is the mark of a true Healer.

Let’s get to know more about Dr. Heather!

When you were a kid, what did you want to be? I wanted to be a Police Detective.

Where did you grow up? Duck Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Favorite class or activity in high school? Science and P.E.

Known in high school for? Being strong and beefy.

Most interesting part time job? During my summers in college, my sisters and I worked as “beer cart” girls at a local golf course!

Favorite Movie  to quote: A League of Their Own. And I can rap along to “Ice Ice Baby”

Got any hidden talents?  When I was in high school I was a podium finisher for the Western Canadian badminton championships. This was a serious sport growing up in Canada. The competition was serious; only 4 out of 500 girls made the team (3 out of 4 were my sisters and I). We played in special clubs and badminton gymnasiums with special lighting and fan placement to not affect the flight of the birdie (shuttlecock). When I came to the United States and saw ya’ll playing it outside on the lawn at backyard BBQs, my mind was blown! LOL. As an adult, I’ve realized by this question, that I need to find a hobby.

What do you like about KC? I love that it is like a small town in a big city. You have the luxuries of the city but I don’t feel like I am a small fish in a big bowl! I love KC!

How and when did you get connected to The Hill? Very early on, I started seeing a few patients from The Hill, and one by one I began seeing more patients as the months/years went on. I established relationships with each of the coaches as we worked toward the same goals with their clients who would come to see me. After time, we began working more together from a coaching perspective and I realized what kind, generous, and determined individuals I was working with at The Hill. It has been nothing but pure motivation, and inspiration being a part of The Hill. I am SO happy to be here!

How long have you been a Chiropractor? I have been practicing for 5+ years. I was a coach and personal trainer prior to my chiropractic education.

Why Practice? What motivates you personally? I am motivated by seeing the drastic and vast improvements with patients. Seeing how it affects their lives, their relationships and friendships, and how they see their own bodies. I love to educate people on how their body works, and how to help them help themselves.

What do you love about your job? Working with self motivating patients, seeing excited (painfree) expressions on faces after treatment, working in a gym and seeing patients workout between treatment sessions (to gather more information on their care), and education.

What certifications do you hold and which are you most proud of? “D.C. Chiropractic, B.S. Kinesiology, DACBSP (Certified Sports Physician), Associates in Religious Studies :), Rock Tape, Kinesiotape 1-3, FMT1, Several Nutrition Courses.
Of course I am very proud of all the certifications I receive. I think  education is an integral part of being a professional. However, the certification I am most proud of is actually a certificate I received by my educating body while in clinic. I received the “”Clinic Service Award”” which is an award given to an individual who provides great care to their patients, their patients like them as a provider, they show respect to other students, clinicians and the institution. I am most proud of this award because of what it states about my goals of being personal and professional in providing patients with great, quality care. That is my main goal.”

What continuing ed are you planning or currently doing? I plan to take the next steps to work on my Diplomate for my Chiropractic Sports Physician degree. Dry Needling/Acupuncture. I am also extremely interested in female hormone regulation.

How would you describe your coaching style? I practice with a mindset of being efficient, direct and understandable with a chill and easy going vibe behind the surface.

What’s something you wish everyone knew about health and fitness? You don’t have to live with chronic pain! We should live WELL into our older ages feeling vibrant and pain free!

What is something you are working on improving as an athlete personally? The seasons of my training are ever evolving. My practice has always taken precedence over my own training goals since I have started. My biggest goal in this season is to stay active most days of the week (if not all 7), by doing CrossFit, or other forms of weight training, cardio, swimming, biking, and walking (occasionally with a 20 or 40lb vest on) for overall health.

What are you looking forward to in 2018? Personal and Professional growth. I feel like moving to the Hill has given me new perspective on life. Professionally, it’s incredible to be surrounded by such self motivators. Its infectious! How can one NOT grow in this environment. Personally, learning what balance truly is in life, setting realistic goals for myself, not beating myself up about achieving every single goal but letting life happen and learning to adapt!

Anything else you would like to share with The Hill family? My experience here thus far, has been incredible. I enjoy coming to work everyday, and EVERYONE is friendly. There motivating people surrounding me which gives me this safety net to lean into if need be. As I get to know more and more of the members, I am intrigued by their stories. What makes them who they are, what they do for their job and hobbies and what motivates them. Which motivates me. I am just so happy to be a part of this gym and I am proud to call it home!

Follow @unbrokenchiropractic

Featured Athlete of September: Megan Sheeley

Coachable | Hardworking | Positive

These are the attributes that we look for in our athletes. Each month we like to Feature an athlete who exemplifies these core values.

Megan “Hot Pants” Sheeley is one of our head cheerleaders and the original “Woo-Girl” at The Hill. A natural leader, overcomer and an encouraging voice during difficult WODs. Loyal to her family and friends she loves her tribe and we can’t imagine ours without her.

What’s your athletic background? I played some high school sports, and ran a couple of marathons in my younger days.

When did you start working out at The Hill? October 2014

What keeps you coming back? The community is great. I love the people I work out with, I love the energy I get from being around like minded people. It keeps me healthy and happy. The coaches are amazing and continually strive to make working out fun and challenging at the same time.

Was this your first experience with CrossFit? First time ever doing CrossFit! I tried it once and am staying for life.

If you could write the Workout Of the Day what would it be? Back squat, cleans, maybe some wall balls. One of my favorite WODs was one where we had 30 rounds. It sounds awful but it was fun to do and you just had to keep going. The great thing about CrossFit is that as much as I don’t like the idea of doing some of the WODs I love the way I feel at the end of it!

What are some of your goals, fitness or personal- for 2018? One freaking pull up!!! One of my goals is to increase my endurance. I just finished the endurance class with Mindy and it was just what I needed. Hard as hell, but I did it and finished the workouts every time. I am always working to find the best side of me. I do this with my interactions everyday. I think the people I meet at CrossFit Memorial Hill reflect a lot of positivity and courage towards me and I can see that as I work towards my perfect me.

Any PR’s that your proud of? I just got a 15 pound PR on my clean- I don’t know where that came from but it was amazing!
I can also do 2 double unders!!! What? What?????

List one or two improvements you have seen in your life since starting CF? I love that I can feel so many muscles in my body. I remember driving shortly after CF and think.. Whoa! There is a muscle there!!! I am able to manage my stress so much better! My posture is much better since starting CF.

What do you like about KC? I am born and raised, so there really isn’t much about KC I don’t like!

Why do you live in KC, and how do you like to spend your free time? I live in KC for my family and my job. I like to spend time with my family and friends. I love to laugh so anyone that makes me laugh is a good time to me.

What’s your favorite cheat meal? Mexican Food! I love nachos!!

What would you say to someone thinking about starting CrossFit? You can totally do it!!! You don’t have to be a star athlete to have fun and get healthy in CF. You just have to be willing!

Anything else you would like to share with our #fitfam? I want to thank everyone that is in classes with me. I am so grateful that I have this wonderful community in my life. Every coach is amazing. They are so talented and care so much about the people at the gym. Joelle is amazing- always smiling and welcoming to everybody. It’s just a great place and I wish I could bottle the energy I get when I walk in the gym and carry it around with me all day. I am forever grateful of CF Memorial Hill. It has changed my life for the better. I am eternally grateful for all the people that walk into the gym every day with me and work towards a healthier and better version of themselves. You inspire me to be a healthier person and strive to be the best I can be.