What do you do when you’re not at CFA?
I garden, read, cook unnecessarily elaborate weeknight meals, play video games (I’m a Nintendo fangirl), and snug my pittie Mellon and frenchie Tommy. I did a lot of traveling in my 20s, but my 30s were all about becoming a certified Domestic King. I’ve also recently and accidentally found myself eating a vegan diet, so I’ve been dabbling in tofu and tempeh-making. Soy sauce, you’re next!
What do you do for a living?
I’m a Ceramic Artist! Find me on Insta at @jeffhamceramics and @jollyhamstudio, y’all! Until recently, I owned the Grand Rapids Pottery, a membership-based community pottery studio (not unlike CFA, but with clay!). I primarily make functional work, but I recently split my brand in two: Jeff Ham Ceramics is focusing on sculpture and conceptual work, and Jolly Ham Studio centers on functional commercial work.
How has your fitness changed since joining?
It started existing! I came to CFA 65 lbs heavier and with a pair of 20-year smoker’s lungs. I spent the first few months here stopping for a cigarette on the way to and from the gym (a great workout aperitif/digestif!). I kicked the proverbial habit in September, and that, combined with making CFA a consistent and centering force in my life, has produced a lot of aerobic and strength gains.
When did you realize that CrossFit was right for you?
It took a while! I do think Kate and Josh have cultivated an incredibly engaged and welcoming community, and that, more than anything, makes me feel like it’s “right for me.”
What movement do you despise over everything and why?
I have tiny, delicate wrists, so any barbell movement that forces my wrists back (looking at you, forward squat) makes me sad. I also hate wallballs, despite it being the most fun word in Crossfit.
What has been your all-time favorite moment at CFA? So many fun moments!
Gosh! Running my first mile since high school ranks up there.
What motivates you during a tough workout?
The all-seeing and all-judging eyes of our coaches. Also all the other people in the trenches! (And I have a nasty bit of a competitive streak, so that helps too.)
What’s something about you that most people at the gym don’t know?
I can whistle 4 octaves. I’m coming for you, Mariah Carey!
If you had to describe your CrossFit experience in one word, what would it be?
Breathtaking!
If you could write your own workout for a day, what would it be?
Buy-in of 5 wall walks, then 15 min AMRAP: 15 box jump-overs, 10 DB bench press, 200 m run.
What would you recommend to someone who is just starting out with CrossFit?
It gets better! And assume a beginner mindset, even if your muscles are already big.
If you could have one skill or characteristic of another member at CFA what and from whom would it be?
I hope I can keep channeling the resilience of anyone and everyone who just shows up! That’s the most difficult part.
Quick Questions
- Favorite Cheat meal: Detroit-style pizza with pepperoni, jalapeno, and pineapple, waffle fries with bacon, cheese and green onions, and ice cream with oreos, butterscotch cookies, and pecans. YUM!
- Favorite Workout song: TOXIC
- Favorite Place You Have Traveled: Cuba! I went in 2012 before the embargo was lifted. I had to be sneaky and travel through Mexico. Don’t tell anyone!
- Favorite TV Show: Avatar: the Last Airbender, baby! It’s a perfect gem of storytelling and character development.
- Favorite CrossFit Games Athlete: Anna!
Coaches’ Comment
Since joining us last July, Jeff has truly excelled (no last name pun intended). He has lost 65 pounds, quit smoking, and made significant strides in his health and fitness. Jeff has become a regular at either our 5:45 AM or 4:00 PM class, depending on the day. His dedication to biking to the gym, attending five times a week, participating in the OPEN, and completing the Adventure Race has been inspiring. We’re thrilled that Jeff has found a home at CFA and are incredibly proud of all his hard work. Congrats on being the newest CFA member of the month!
