Name: Pam Buxbaum
Hometown: Baldwin, Long Island, NY
Age: 40
CrossFitting Since: October 2011

Favorite WOD or Movement: I love partner WODs. My favorite movement is the deadlift, but I also love rowing.

Least Favorite WOD or Movement: I’ve had a rough time with the Olympic lifts because they’re so technical, especially the snatch. Last week, the coaches told me that I had a good clean & jerk – the first time ever I was told I looked great on a technical movement!

What is your fitness background? What were you doing before CrossFit?

I’ve been athletic my whole life. I was a really good tennis and volleyball player, I’ve taken spin classes since spin started, I did kickboxing, I’ve had personal training, and the list goes on. I love water sports – water skiing, wakeboarding, standup paddle boarding.

How did you get into CrossFit?

2011 was shaping up to be the worst year of my life. Anything that could possibly go wrong went wrong. I left a career in fashion after 20 years because I was miserable. I got mugged. I fought back but ended up with a torn meniscus which left me unable to workout for four long months. On top of everything, I was turning 40, still smoked cigarettes, and was bored with my workout routine. As all of this happened, I turned to my sister, Nicole, to lament.

She knew exactly what I needed to get myself back on track. For my 40th birthday, Nicole gave me a free month of membership to CrossFit Virtuosity. (Thanks Nicole!) I quit smoking cigarettes on October 3rd, joined CFV on October 17th. It’s been history ever since.

How have you changed since starting CrossFit Virtuosity?

I’ve never slept better, I’ve never eaten better, I’ve never been stronger, and most importantly, I’ve never been happier.

What are your goals for 2012? Where are you in terms of achieving them?

My long term goal is to get in the best shape of my life. I feel like I can be much faster, stronger, and have much better technique. I want to work on all of the skills I’m challenged with here and perfect them some day. I want to overcome my fear of being upside down.

This year, I’d like to train for something. I haven’t figure out what I want to train for, but I know that I want to train for some sort of competition. (Suggestions welcome!)

What makes CrossFit Virtuosity unique?

I love the camaraderie. Whether you’re the first to finish or the last, we all support and encourage one another. There are no egos at CFV. You might be the strongest or fastest for one workout, but you won’t always be. That’s what makes this place great – the friendly, competitive atmosphere.

Any best CFV stories?

They throw the best parties – best photo booth in the world! I’d also have to say that it’s awesome when my sister (who is 9 years younger than me) is my coach.

What advice do you have for people just getting started?

Keep at it. Don’t be intimidated by the movements you cannot do. Ask a coach for guidance if you don’t know how to do a movement – they are there to help. If you see a workout that intimidates you, then definitely go that day. The only way to get better is to keep coming!