Prototype of the Month: Carissa Couture

1.)    Share you CrossFit Prototype experience and fitness journey

It was a want, a wish, & a need. March of 2013 I had had enough. I was sick of being overweight and depressed, I always felt sluggish, miserable and tired, and I had no self-confidence. I started going to the gym on my own and paying for a personal trainer while dieting. But, being on my own after a while, I began to lack motivation and determination. I had no one besides myself to push me harder on days I wanted to give up. I randomly looked into CrossFit, (nervous as hell to start!). I heard amazing things about Prototype and decided to join around September of 2014. Safe to say, I have been incredibly hooked ever since. I finally found just what I needed: constant enthusiastic support from the community and coaches! Since becoming a member at CFP, I have gained a whole new respect for myself. It starts from within, you have to love who you are before you begin bettering yourself. I feel better than I ever did. I have proudly gained confidence within myself, something I never would’ve thought I’d do. I encourage everyone to dream big. Set little goals for yourself, and strive to accomplish them. Anything is possible when you don’t give up.  It was a wish to lose weight, a want to look better, and a need to feel good. Nothing is impossible! I’ve successfully kept 50 pounds off and continue to gain incredible strength!

2.) What is your favorite part about being at CFP?

The community is extraordinary!! Aside from the incredible programming, the people are my favorite. They keep me going. I look forward to each workout; because I know I’ll see my friends who will push me to my ultimate potential and cheer me on when I get tired or hesitate to lift more weights. With the help of the community and coaches at CFP, I can now confidently say that I love the gym! I have gained so much knowledge about fitness and exercise; especially the correct form and technique on how to perform certain exercises.

3.) What are you hobbies and activities?

Outside of CrossFit Prototype, I love spending time with my family and twin brother, shopping, and laughing with my friends (and making them laugh, too)!! Laying in the sun and going to the beach is fun too, I guess.

4.) How has (if it has) CFP helped you outside the gym (in sports etc)?

CrossFit Prototype has helped like crazy! I have gained crazy strength and speed! I’ve lifted heavier than I ever have and I was able to cut more than 2 minutes off my fastest mile! Now I can confidently commit to any activity because I know I’ve built a strong cardio and strength base for me to conquer just about anything.

5.) What are you continuing fitness goals to this point?

As I continue with fitness, my goal is to become stronger both physically and mentally; and eventually be able to string together kipping pull ups and T2B’s! 75 unbroken double-unders would be awesome, too! (I can remember one of my first WOD’s; doing assisted pull-ups with two thick blue bands and saying to Brian “I ain’t no crossfitter yet!!!!” as I was mid giggle… now just to string them together!!).

6.) Favorite Quote

I call this a Mantra and I borrow it from UnderArmour but … “protect this house”. It digs deep to why I stay focused on my health!
“When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”