We're excited to share the inspiring and positive #CrossFitStory of Anne-Katrin Jamin, who has been training with us since 2016. Learn about his journey, his training to reach his goals and what motivates him to stay with CrossFit GVA.
Anne-Katrin, can you introduce yourself in a few words?
I'm 44 years old and come from Germany, but I've been living in Geneva for 23 years. My first job was as an engineer/architect. When I had my three daughters quite close together, I put my career on hold. My eldest daughter, Lara-Marina, will be 18 this year, Juli-Marlen is 15 and the youngest, Mila-Sofie, is 12.
After my third pregnancy, I trained as a personal trainer and fitness instructor. For the past 10 years, I've been coaching for pleasure, in particular through UrbanTraining sessions in my neighborhood. As a coach, I discovered that I liked to pass on my knowledge, so I studied German Studies and Pedagogy at the University of Geneva, and have been teaching German for the last five years.
What were your sporting habits or level of physical activity before you started CrossFit?
My first great sporting love was parachuting, which I started at the age of 14. I come from a very sporty family, so lots of activities were part of everyday life. I learned to ski in Switzerland and spent a lot of time in gyms, which inspired me to become a coach.
What made you want to try CrossFit for the first time? Did you have any fears or apprehensions?
As part of my training, I wanted to understand what this "new sport" called CrossFit was all about. I had no preconceptions, just the intuition that it was exactly what I needed. And so it proved!
How has CrossFit transformed your life, physically or mentally?
CrossFit has stabilized my life. It has strengthened me both physically and mentally. I went through some very difficult years, alone with my daughters, with sleep problems, a heavy mental load and studies to complete. I can say with certainty that CrossFit has taught me not to give up and to hang in there, even when it's really hard.
What progress have you seen since you started out, in terms of strength, mobility or everyday life?
I'm continuing to make progress in certain areas and I'm trying to stay on course in others. My physical strength has developed a lot in recent years, as has my cardio. My mobility, unfortunately, remains my weak point.
Has this practice had an impact on your general well-being or other aspects of your life?
Yes, clearly. CrossFit is an ingrained routine in my weekly schedule, and I miss it when I can't train. It helps me stay disciplined and think strategically - indispensable as a single mother. It also helps me transform negative emotions into positive energy. I often come out of training much better than I went in.
What do you appreciate most about the GVA CrossFit community?
I've been with GVA for nine years. I've met a lot of great people. Some come and go, but there's a core group that stays. I've made some real friends here, and I consider GVA to be my sporting family. Especially since my partner Martin shares this passion with me - he's become my favorite teammate.
What are your favorite memories or moments here?
I love the team competitions organized by GVA. Fighting alongside my friends is my favorite thing. My fondest memories are of my daughters coming to cheer me on. And of course, the victories shared with Martin.
What types of WODs or movements do you like the most? And which ones do you find the most difficult?
I like a bit of everything:
- Weightlifting: clean & jerks
- In the gym: HSPUs and pull-ups
- For cardio: double unders or rowing machine.
I love WODs that combine endurance, weightlifting and gymnastics. On the other hand, I don't like snatch, and I can say that the airbike is the worst invention ever created.
What advice would you give to someone hesitating to take up CrossFit?
As a coach, you have to try it out, and stick with it for a few weeks before judging. CrossFit isn't just a sport, it's a state of mind. As a mother: give it a go, a few kettlebell swings or devil presses and you'll feel better! And as a woman: it's the sport in which I've felt the most comfortable in my body.
Do you have a particular ritual or routine before or after training?
I like to train in the morning, on an empty stomach. It's my time to myself.
Is there a lesson or philosophy that CrossFit has taught you that you apply in your everyday life?
Never give up. Everything that hurts makes you stronger.
