Who are you? Tell us a little about yourself or something that would surprise us.
Sarah Gonzalez- age 30. I am a wife (to Ben), mother (to Allison Kate; age two going on twenty-two), and a High School US History Teacher in Katy. I live for a good rock concert, black coffee, anything sunshine yellow, beaches, Led Zeppelin, historical non-fiction, BIG hugs, and a good pair of blue jeans. A self-professed cardio queen prior to Behemoth, if it wasn’t running or low-impact exercise (yoga/pilates), I wasn’t doing it. Needless to say, Behemoth has not only made me stronger physically, but it has drastically altered my perspective on what proper fitness & wellness looks like.
How and when were you introduced to Behemoth?
My husband, Ben, introduced me to Behemoth in the Summer of 2014. He was interested in trying out crossfit, and did extensive research over which box would be the best fit. When we went to check out the box for the first time, it was during a Saturday community workout. These two giants walked up to me (enter Aja and Aryan), and warmly welcomed me to this “metal warehouse torture chamber” (that was my initial take on this place). Very friendly giants; masochists nonetheless. Who swings metal kettle bells for fun? Can we not just go for a soothing long run? Anyways, you people are a very convincing community; so I gave it a go and haven’t looked back since.
What are you most proud of, physically, mentally or both since beginning with us?
I’m actually most proud of the mental transformation I’ve gone through since joining Behemoth. I am now incredibly conscious of what goes into my body, my sleep intake, my state of mind- all of which is attributed to the teaching of our coaches. “Behemoth” is truly a lifestyle, not just a gym.
Why Behemoth?
Six reasons: Aja, Aryan, Leah, Jonathan, Lee, and Johnny. That’s why. These guys spend their whole life making sure others are healthy, whole, and well. Almost anyone can teach you how to properly power clean, but it takes a rare person to teach you how to love yourself and be proud of your journey.
What next? What are you excited about pursuing here in the future?
I WILL string together twenty perfect pushups. And it’s going to look easy. Furthermore, I’m going to be able to have a full conversation while I string together these perfect twenty pushups. Can’t wait to see my final transformation as Leah Barto this year.
“3, 2, 1…Go” Mad Lib section
-My favorite lift (movement) is… KBS
-My most frequent class I come to is… 6/7 PM these days
-I have always wanted to… Go to Guadalupe Island during Shark Week and see the Great Whites with Andy Casagrande
-When I’m not crushing weights, my favorite thing to do is… make my toddler repeat words that are funny
-Favorite “application of fitness” outside of the gym is… letting my kid beat me in foot races
-Favorite Pandora station… Anything hard rock
-Beast mode engaged when this song comes on… Forty-six and Two, Tool. Or any Rage Against the Machine.
