Athlete of the Month: March 2016

Yolanda Madison

Member since: January 2014
Nickname: YoYo, Yolo (thanks Louise!), I’ve never been on the board, but if I ever was, my nickname would be Pulp (an homage to my job)
Website: http://www.adentacare.com

Windy City: Yolanda jumped in to our very first Foundations group class in January 2014 and hasn't looked back since. After completing her foundations class Yolanda was immediately onto her next challenge when she joined the Stacked program which she has been a member of every day since. She is extremely disciplined and has made health and fitness a priority in her life- watch out if something stands in the way of Yolanda getting in her workout! She is constantly seeking out "what's next" and has yet to back away from any challenge the coaching staff has thrown at her such as the most recent Murph team training. We feel absolutely honored that Yolanda chooses to make Windy City her home away from home. 

“Vienne la nuit sonne l’heure.  Les jours s’en vont je demeure.” – from Le Pont Mirabeau by Guillaume Apollinaire

Yolanda:  When I signed up for Foundations, I was in desperate need of an exercise program compatible with my life.  I was in horrific shape and was having the darnedest time sticking with anything. I mean, I couldn’t even hang from a bar when I started!  However, thankfully, something just clicked. Could it be the fun of Crossfit, the warmth of the community, or the financial commitment? I would say all of the above.

Going to the gym has become as standard as going to work for me (and I may even be at the gym more than work during the slow season, ha). I just can’t see it any other way now. I feel so much better and have made amazing progress since starting. It’s so inspiring to see everyone putting in such hard work and taking their health very seriously. It’s also wonderful seeing those who bounce back from injuries and those who continue to exercise while being very much pregnant. All of y’all are part of my tribe!

When I imagined my life when I was younger, I most certainly did not envision this. I never would have guessed that this would be the time of my life when I would be the most active. I feel like most of my peers are settling down, while I am always on the lookout for my next adventure. Windy City has definitely prepared me for this and I will be forever grateful.

Recent Adventures

During the nutrition challenge of January 2015, I started taking belly dancing again.  I also started West African dance in the fall.  These are activities that I probably would not have done if I weren’t active at Windy City.

Future Adventures

When this is made common knowledge, I will be in Thailand!!!  I’m hoping this trip ignites a wanderlust.  A French language trip to Senegal is in the works and I have been toying around with the idea of going to Iceland, too.  I want to eventually cheer on the hometown team, the Jacksonville Jaguars, at a “home” game in London.  Taffi, Luis, and I have also planted the seed of taking a Viking River Cruise.

Personal Goals

At the gym:  A better, more consistent relationship with double unders and being more comfortable with hand stand work are the next logical steps.  Oh, and kipping.  I would also like to do Murph Rx and eventually with the weighted vest.  Basically, I want to be able to do anything that I can’t do yet…and do it all while comfortably wearing little shorts.

Professionally: I would like to expand my surgical skills with some additional training in atraumatic extractions, bone grafting, and implant placement.  Purchasing the practice I work in is also a thought.

Personal: Until now, I have only been loosely trying a macronutrient based diet.  I plan on taking this more seriously when I return from Thailand.  I’d also like to start a new hobby…another language?  Perhaps singing?  Mosaic making?  There just aren’t enough hours in the day.  And a pinup girl photo shoot, duh.

“Ever tried.  Ever failed.  No matter.  Try again.  Fail again.  Fail better.” – Samuel Beckett