»Briefly describe your daily/weekly workout routine.
A never-routine CrossFit workout of strength training and flexibility.
»What inspired you to begin a regular fitness routine?
A trainer in North Vernon got me started in CrossFit in the winter of 2012. I saw some things in the media about it and thought it sounded interesting.
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»How have you done so far with workouts?
The strength training especially has come really naturally to me. I had never really played any sports, although I once messed around with tennis for a while. I was not active at all before this, although I once enrolled in a Zumba class. I liked those, but once I picked up a barbell, there was no turning back. I love feeling strong.
»Why is it something you have stuck with?
I just love it, even though I’ve never really stuck with much of anything. It’s fun to see the same people every day. It helps give me motivation. Of course, we do a lot of cheering for one another, too.
»How do you make time to work out?
I really don’t have a problem because I work a 40-hour week and lay out my workout clothes the night before.
»Have you lost weight or gained muscle mass through working out?
Yes, but I don’t know how much because I didn’t get tested for body fat when I started this.
»What does your younger brother, Brad Branham, think of all this? He wishes he had the time for it. And he knows that I’m stronger than him now. (Laughter).
»What’s your favorite exercise?
Handstand pushups, because when I was little, I always wanted to be a gymnast. And of course, I love the deadlifts (a personal-best on a recent evening was 365 pounds). It seems insane to me that I can lift nearly 400 pounds.
»Any exercises you dread, but do anyway? Why?
I hate pull-ups, because it’s one of the things that my body weight makes it difficult to go. And my grip isn’t quite strong enough. That’s my weakness — and running. I don’t like to run.
»Do you listen to music during your workout?
We always blast music from the speakers. I like anything ’90s. I especially like rap like artists such as Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre.
»Do you follow any special diet or eating plan? If so, describe briefly. Do you “cheat” much?
I am among the naughty CrossFitters on this. This is something that (CrossFit trainer) Jase (Robinson) has not yet been able to get through to me about. It’s about junk food. My favorite junk food: chips.
»What do you do to motivate yourself when you just don’t want to work out?
Sometimes ‘ll take my workout clothes with me to work so I have no excuse for not going (to the gym). And it also helps that we have to register for classes, so I know they’re counting on me to be there.
»What advice would you give someone who wants to begin working out?
I tell people that with CrossFit, there’s such a variety that it includes something almost everybody will like.
—Compiled by staff writer Brian Blair
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”About Chastity Branham” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
Age: 35.
City: Columbus.
Hometown: North Vernon.
Occupation: An accountant for Georg Utz Inc., an injection mold business in Edinburgh.
Family: Single. Brother Brad Branham is a Columbus North High School teacher.
Where you work out: Columbus’ CrossFit Retaliation.
Hours per week: Six.
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