Aurora Fitness

Overdrive action this week!
10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1:
Overhead Squats (115/85)
Burpee Box Jumps (24"/20")

Congrats LaFarra our March Athlete of the month, pictured here hitting her recent Sn**ch PR!
Coach’s Thoughts:
I first met LaFarra when we were both members at a different gym and was SO happy to see her walk through the doors of Core City late last year. She is constantly striving to be a better athlete every time she’s in the gym. LaFarra has a busy professional and personal life which could result in multiple missed workouts but for her (and in her words!) “you gotta get it in when you can''. This sometimes means killing a 5:30PM workout and coming back the next morning at 6:30AM to crush the next. Congratulations, LaFarra! We’re so thankful to have you at Aurora Fitness!
How long have you been doing CrossFit?
I started CrossFit in November 2019. Before I started CrossFit, I was going to a regular gym, I wanted to feel challenged, I wanted more out of a workout. I was expressing my frustrations with a friend, they said "hey have you heard of CrossFit" and that's how it started.
Favorite Movement?
Power Cleans and anything with a barbell lol
What advice would you give to someone who is hesitant to start CrossFit?
Just try it once and you will want more. Everything can be scaled to your level, everyone has a starting place and it's exciting to see your progress overtime.
Favorite thing about Aurora Fitness?
Aurora Fitnessmakes sure everyone is included, no one is left out. CCF has a very strong community presence. Lastly, the coaches make sure I am challenged, push me to go beyond my comfort level, so I can achieve my goal. I do not feel left out.
What do you do when you’re not at Aurora Fitness (job, hobbies, other fitness, etc)?
I am a LMSW, Clinical Social Worker. I supervise a staff of clinicians during the day. Evenings, I provide telehealth therapy, in a private practice setting. I love sports; I am a season ticket holder for Lions and Red Wings. I love any art/craft events. I am heavily involved with my religious group, too.
What is your next big fitness goal?
I am getting close…. PULL UPS. My goal is by April to get one Kipping PULL UP.

Congrats to our Athlete of last week - Carolina Hernandez!
Carolina is one of our more talented and experienced athletes (her butterfly pull ups and BMU are a thing of beauty!) Unfortunately, she’s been dealing with a pretty serious back injury but still shows up everyday and does what she can. She’s constantly trying to improve on weaknesses and pushes herself in every workout. We feel so lucky to have you at Aurora Fitness, Carolina!!
How long have you been doing CrossFit?
I started in 2014/15 ish when a friend dragged me to a free trial and I started going 2 times a week, but it wasn´t until 2016 that I watched the games documentary "The Fittest On Earth" I was so amazed I instantly knew I wanted to be more competitive.
Favorite Movement?
Chest-to-bar pull-ups or bar muscle-ups.
What advice would you give to someone who is hesitant to start CrossFit?
Try it! It is for everyone, don't be intimidated. There is always a way to scale movements at any level, the important thing is that you are moving and that is beautiful. Working out is not a punishment on the contrary it is a celebration of what your body is capable of and how amazing humans can be. Crossfit has changed my life for the better!
Favorite thing about Aurora Fitness?
The people! Being new in Detroit, I knew the best way to be social as an introvert would be Crossfit, but I must say I am beyond impressed and humbled with all the amazing people I have shared a workout with. I feel so welcome and coming here is definitely my favorite part of the day!
What do you do when you’re not at Aurora Fitness (job, hobbies, other fitness, etc)?
I am a Graphic Designer, I work conceptualizing and creating designs from digital to printed media, besides that I enjoy going to live music events, collecting records, snapping pictures, and anything outdoors like walking, hiking, or camping with my small family Max and Ever.
What is your next big fitness goal?
"No boys allowed" with Susannah, AM & PM unite!

Best of luck today to Susannah and Haley at their competition in Northville! See them compete at 9:52, 12:25, and 3:19! Let’s go 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

Another great head to head matchup last night with Rory challenging Abe!

Who do you want to see go in a head to head matchup?

Congrats to our Athlete of the week - Thomas Figer!
Coach’s Thoughts: Thomas is exactly the type of athlete that every gym loves to have. He is extremely hard-working, positive to be around, and open to coaching.
It has been great to watch his progress over the past year and see him tackle his weaknesses. I love his motivation to better himself as an athlete and look forward to watching him continue to improve.
How long have you been doing CrossFit?
I’ve been doing CrossFit for about 2.5 years now. I had heard about it previously, but only the bad things and never did any research myself until the pandemic hit and I was looking for another form of fitness. The movie ‘Froning’ came across my Netflix suggestions, so I watched that (and every other CrossFit movie), and a few of the stories I saw hit home for me. Then I thought, “I really want to try that”, and I left the standard gym for CrossFit. Since I’ve started, it has provided that fitness, coaching, community, and competitive fix I need to stay in shape.
Favorite Movement?
Lifting: Deadlifts, Gymnastics: Muscle-Ups (even though they still need a lot of work)
What advice would you give to someone who is hesitant to start CrossFit?
If you are looking for a lifelong form of fitness that never gets boring, is always changing, can be scaled for life, and even provides that competitive sports element (if you want it). Then CrossFit is definitely worth a try, and might be the right form of fitness for you.
Favorite thing about Aurora Fitness?
The people, the coaches, and the workouts. There’s a nice blend of those who are just looking to stay in shape, and those who are exceptionally fit that compete for fun all the time. Then you add the positive/welcoming energy of all the members and it creates a very balanced culture in the gym that has a great community.

Today was Dylan Miles final workout with us before he moves to Colorado.
Mike, we will miss you and wish you best of luck on your new endeavor! We look forward to seeing you when you visit!

Congrats to our Athlete of the Month - Kate Monaly!!!!

Coach’s Thoughts:
I was there the first day Kate tried CrossFit and when she says she was barely able to air squat she’s being 100% serious..flash forward to earlier this week when I watched her back squat 200lbs (easily). The educator in her thrives off of feedback and takes coaching cues and turns them into what feels like immediate success. Our 6:30PM class has grown into one of the most close knit and positive classes at Aurora Fitness and Kate is one of the main reasons for that! Also, her laugh is just infectious 🙂 Congratulations Kate!

How long have you been doing CrossFit?
I started CrossFit when I joined Aurora Fitness in March 2022. My partner, Abe, encouraged me to “just go once and see if you like it.” I secretly believe he knew I’d fall in love and end up forcing him back into a regular CrossFit routine of his own. Here we are, two years later!

Favorite Movement?
Power cleans and ring dips

What advice would you give to someone who is hesitant to start CrossFit?
Just try! I started CrossFit having never touched a barbell and barely able to air squat (no, really). One of the coolest things, which is as true for me today as it was then, is the opportunity to learn something new and to work to get better every time I walk in the gym. Our coaches help you scale any movement you need and it’s empowering to watch yourself progress and become stronger over time.

Favorite thing about Aurora Fitness?
Our community! Everyone at Aurora Fitness is so welcoming and encouraging. 6:30 pm workouts are the best part of my day - no matter what mood I enter the gym, I always leave smiling and laughing with friends. Close second: a Tuesday night Clint playlist.

What do you do when you’re not at Aurora Fitness (job, hobbies, other fitness, etc)?
I work at a non-profit that partners with schools and community orgs utilizing design thinking to co-create culturally responsive and equitable learning communities. Outside of work, I’m usually exploring any and all Detroit restaurants with Abe, walking on Belle Isle or in Woodbridge, or dreaming up our next house project.

What is your next big fitness goal?
Handstand walks