Featured Athlete – Tammie “Pinky” Teo

by Sophie Straith Uncategorized

1. When did you join CrossFit BC?

I joined in March 2018 but then took the summer off to backpack around Asia. My first day back was in September 2018.

2. Why did you choose CrossFit?

I used to be a competitive swimmer up until the age of 16 and grew up in a very high-intensity, structured training environment. After leaving the sport, I spent a long time trying out other things but never quite found the push and challenge I came to love during my years of swimming. Being the least flexible and clumsiest person I know, I naturally also had a soft spot for gymnastics and always wanted to learn how to do cool things for parties when conversation gets dull. After Googling something along the lines of “cool gymnastics and strong people”, I stumbled upon CrossFit BC and thought, what the hell, let’s give it a try. I came in on a sunny Thursday morning for my first class with Rob and left that day feeling a pump in muscles I’d forgotten I owned. It was my first time in years being in a training environment that pushed me to do better while teaching me to know my limits. I fell in love instantly and have been doing CrossFit regularly ever since.

3. What changes in your health, physique and overall performance have you seen since starting CrossFit?

I’ve gained a lot of strength and endurance but the biggest gains by far have been in my mental toughness. CrossFit has taught me the resilience to keep pushing hard even when my mind wants to give up altogether. I have been surprised many times with what my body is capable of after bearing through the discomfort for just one more rep, and it has encouraged me to challenge my limits more often both inside and outside of the gym.

4. What advice would you give to someone with regards to starting CrossFit?

Just keep showing up. In my first couple of months, the toughest part was getting myself into the door. Once I was there, the energy and enthusiasm surrounding me was what pushed me to give it my best every time. I was often the slowest in class during WODs, but instead of being judged I was constantly encouraged and made to feel like I belong. I now genuinely look forward to workouts and have gotten so much further in my fitness than before, all because I made myself stick to the simple goal of just showing up.

5. What is your favourite CrossFit exercise?

Deadlifts, squats or box jumps. But any new exercise I learn to do usually becomes my favourite exercise of the week.

6. What is your favourite activity outside of CrossFit?

I love skiing and open water diving. Anything outside in peace and nature is usually a good time.

7. What is your proudest accomplishment at CrossFit?

It’s hard to pick just one. Deadlifting 243lbs was great, but so was doing 10 unbroken strict pull-ups, getting my first ever strict ring dips and learning rope climbs for the first time!

8. Have you made any changes to your diet?

I’ve started eating a lot more calories. It’s been fun.

10. What/who inspires you the most?

The people who train with me everyday, old and new. When I feel like I’m at the end of my rope during a WOD, all I need to do is look around to see my fellow classmates killing it. That is usually enough to inspire me to get right back to the grind.