July Featured Athletes - Laura Mattos & Carlos De Aguiar

1. Where are you from?
We are from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The marvelous city.

2. What brought you to Ithaca (if you aren't from here)?
We came to Cornell. Carlos just finished his Ph.D. in Design and Laura did a Master's in Real Estate. We are sad to say we are leaving...

3. What do you do for a living?
Carlos will research/teach design at the University of Illinois. Laura works at the Ithaca-based Visum Development Group as their COO.

4. How’d lockdown affect your fitness?
Honestly, Pallas gave us so much support that we were able to keep active during the pandemic. It was what kept us sane and happy despite everything.

5. What did you miss most about the gym?
We missed seeing our friends. Cheers 6pmers! The energy we feel from working out as a group is the best thing about Crossfit. We really missed that!

6. What are some CF goals you crossed off your lists?
Carlos - muscle-up (bar and ring) and HSPU.
Laura - I really wanted to do Dubs! I did my first recently thanks to Lauree.

7. What are some future goals you have?
Carlos - butterfly pull-up
Laura - TTB. I will get there!

8. Favorite CF movement?
Snatch

9. Least favorite movement?
Carlos - WBS / thrusters
Laura - Burpees!!! People always say "but they are good for you" and then I hate them even more! :)

10. If you could write a partner workout, what would it look like?
Carlos - snatch, overhead squat, lateral barbell burpees
Laura - Some cleans, dubs, snatches, and push press.

11. What do you do for self-care?
Meditation, Crossfit, drink a lot of water, and try to sleep well.

12. What was the first restaurant you ate at when things opened back up?
Sumo

13. What's your favorite meal to cook at home?
Rice, black beans, meat, and farofa. The perfect Brazilian combination.

14. Favorite season?
Summer! In Ithaca or Brazil.

15. Liquor/beer/cider/wine/all/some/none?
Caipirinha and wine!
16. What's one piece of CF equipment you couldn't live without?
Barbell.

17. What keeps you motivated?
Knowing we are taking care of our mind and body while having fun.

18. What would you tell someone hesitant about starting CF?
There isn't a more inclusive and community-oriented exercise than Crossfit. Give it a try and you will love it. We bet!