As the Head of Life Support and Water Quality for the South Carolina Aquarium, Chris built mission-critical strength and stability while finding friends-like-family at Rhapsody CrossFit in Charleston, SC.
What is your story?
I am a marine biologist who moved to Charleston in 2012. Currently, I am the Head of Life Support and Water Quality at the South Carolina Aquarium. In a nutshell, this role requires making sure all the equipment is running properly and all the water/environments remain within healthy parameters for a variety of animals 24/7.
“I have done some things at Rhapsody I didn’t think my body could ever do. I just try to learn, sweat, and most importantly, have fun doing it!”
What brought you to Rhapsody CrossFit?
I had known for years that CrossFit was something I wanted to do, but I struggled to find a place where I felt comfortable.
One day I met Alan and Trinity, and they invited me to come try some basic workouts while the gym was still under construction.
After meeting a few of the other people and experiencing the coaching style at Rhapsody, I knew I had found the place I actually wanted to be.
What have you gotten out of your experience with Rhapsody CrossFit?
Seeing an increase in physical strength is a given, but I have also gained a lot of confidence in my own abilities.
I have done some things at Rhapsody I didn’t think my body could ever do. I just try to learn, sweat, and most importantly, have fun doing it! Reaching fitness goals can be a slow journey, so enjoying the process makes it easier to stick with it and stay disciplined.
The relationships with the people I have met through Rhapsody are very special to me – honestly, they are less like friendships and more like family because of the way we show up for and support each other.
How does Rhapsody arm you to be better at what you do outside of the box – mentally and/or physically?
My job can be very physically demanding and I have seen the benefits of having added strength and stability to my fitness regimen when lifting heavy animals and cumbersome life support equipment.
I find I get injured less often on the job because I know how to protect my body when dealing with a taxing load.
The correlation between exercise and mental health is well documented, and I definitely feel the benefits of having daily workouts in a place I am confident has my best interest in mind and at heart.
Ready to get your fitness on? Join Chris for free class at Rhapsody today!
