Prototype of the Month: Gerry and Shana Doiron

Mike Collette • June 4, 2020

1. Share your CrossFit Prototype experience and fitness journey:

Gerry – My CrossFit experience started back in January 2020 when I realized my old workout regimen wasn’t working for me anymore and Shana was loving her first few months at CFP.  At this point, I had only been into lifting and just general gym stuff over the past 22 years. I think everything was really becoming stale it wasn’t supporting how I wanted to feel or perform when snowboarding at my advancing age.  What I’ve learned at CFP in that short time has become refreshing, reinvigorating, and it has given me a world of inspiration as it comes to spicing up some of my older routines as well as doing some of the virtual programming during this quarantine.   

Shana – I met Jon and Leah at a fair in Westborough Commons last fall.  That was at a time where Gerry and I had a gym membership at a local gym but were only going once a week and I needed additional motivation to get healthier and fit.  I have always enjoyed group fitness classes and after talking to Jon and Leah I thought CrossFit would be a good fit.  What I didn’t realize going into it was that CrossFit wasn’t just throwing weights around, but was strength and endurance based.  Since day one, I love that I can go to the gym or do a zoom workout and for an hour I tune everything else out in the world and concentrate on myself.  I also worked with Jon on Prototype Nutrition and learned a lot about making healthy choices and understanding what my body needs to get stronger and healthier.

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

Gerry- It’s definitely the people.  From the coaches to the members; it’s made fitness fun for me again.  Also, the quality of the coaching has been tremendous.  I like the constant real time feedback on form and technique as well as the inspiration for new moves that I would’ve never thought of adding to a routine.   

Shana-  I really can’t pick one favorite thing about CFP! Although I only started in November 2019, I feel like I have been part of the community for a lot longer.  Our kids LOVE going to the gym and playing on the back mat with their gym buddies.  I think it is so important for kids to see their parents having healthy habits and exercising which makes them want to do the same and CFP has definitely helped with that!  All of the coaches at CFP have been so supportive of our fitness journey and are always friendly and willing to answer questions or provide additional instructions on the various movements I am still trying to figure out.  We love joining the CFP virtual happy hours and getting to know other members of CFP better.  Coach Leah has also been an amazing Coach and friend during the COVID shut down – a definite highlight every day is looking forward to the noon Thrive class and weekly Endure class!

3.  What are your hobbies and activities?

Gerry- Snowboarding, learning to play the bass, always finding and exploring new music.   

Shana- Dancing, arts and crafts, watching Netflix, endless walks around Target and HomeGoods, and the beach!

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

Gerry- Early results in regards to snowboarding were definitely positive.  By the time early March came around I could definitely feel more power in my riding.  Unfortunately the season got cut short so we’ll have to revisit this question next January!

Shana- My job entails sitting at a computer all day, so I am definitely a lot more conscious of getting up and moving more often.  I have more energy since I have joined CFP so I can chase faster after my little monsters!

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

Gerry- Slim down a bit and be ready for snowfall.  The past few years of parenting and finishing plates of food have caught up to me and my waistline; just looking to nip that in the bud and gradually incorporate more healthy habits into the mix. 

Shana- COVID definitely put a dent in my “get healthy and fit” plan so I want to continue exercising as much as I can while continuing to incorporate what I learned from Prototype Nutrition into my daily life.  I have been doing Thrive classes 4-5 days a week and mobility so now I need to work on getting stronger and eventually getting a pull up and handstand push up!

6. What is your favorite quote? 

Gerry-  “Don’t grow up, it’s a trap!”

Shana- “Shoot for the moon, even if you miss you will land among the stars.”

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