Congratulations to our June Athlete of the Month Brandi Gjoni. Brandi has been a member of CFSF since 2016, and it has been awesome to watch the many transformations that Brandi has went through during her time at the gym. She has made so many positive strides in her fitness journey including learning and understanding good movement patterns, to dialing in her nutrition and holding herself accountable in all aspects of her health and wellness. Brandi is not only an athlete at CFSF she is also a mother, wife and amazing nurse practitioner at Sanford Health. It has been great getting to know Brandi, Erald and there two awesome kids!
1. What is your background in athletics or briefly tell us about yourself (wife, kids, etc.)
I’ve been active in sports since I was old enough to walk. I played soccer through high school and was lucky enough to play a few years in college. I was troubled with a few ACL tears through the years and had to walk away from a great sport! Married to Erald for 6 years with two kids: Jacob and Eden. I’m a busy nurse practitioner at Sanford.
2. How did you get started in CrossFit/TreadFast?
My husband’s coworker invited us to try it out. We had been doing home workouts for several years. We were at a point where we weren’t seeing results and we were quite bored. In May 2016, we showed up for an EWOD and got our butts handed to us…. I was there the next day to do it again!! It’s been 3 years and I love it more every day.
3. What is your favorite part about CrossFit/TreadFast?
I love the community and the coaches are top notch. They’ve cheered me on, coached me, supported me through pregnancy and postpartum, injuries/surgeries, and even picked me up when I was down or frustrated. I also love that I never have to “plateau.” I can adjust load, intensity, even movements to meet my goals and needs. I’ve showed up pregnant, sick, and injured and I’ve always been able to modify to get a great workout. My goals have changed each year I’ve been here, but by working with the amazing coaches I’ve always been able to hit my goals.
4. How has CrossFit/TreadFast or working out in general changed your life?
I have a strong family history of early onset heart disease. I’m entering the year that my grandmother and my father had their heart attacks. It’s been so important to keep my lifestyle as healthy as I can in order to fight against genetics. Weight/fat control, diet, cardiovascular health, muscle development, avoiding diabetes and hypertension…. all things that CrossFit does.
5. What made you choose CrossFit Sioux Falls/TreadFast Running?
I looked at a few other gyms but knew I was in good hands at CFSF. I worried about my previous knee injuries, but the coaches worked with me on how to modify until I was comfortable. They can literally modify ANYTHING for your specific needs.
6. What would you tell your before CrossFit/TreadFast self?
I wish I would’ve jumped in years ago. I avoided it for a LONG time because we were comfortable in our home routine … little did I know that joining CFSF would impact not just my health but my overall confidence, my commitment to myself and my commitment to show my son and daughter that it’s important to take care of yourself. That it will be important for my son to know that it’s normal to see a strong woman (physically and mentally). That my daughter needs to see that it’s not about a skinny or certain look, that it’s about confidence, health and commitment to yourself.
Great Job and Congratulations on being our June Athlete of the Month Brandi!
— All of us at CFSF.