Erin Adams- May Athlete of the Month
Erin Adams - May 26’ Athlete of the Month
Erin Adams has been a consistent and inspiring presence at CrossFit Bound since joining in late December 2025. Originally from Panama City, Florida, Erin now lives in Kennesaw with her husband Chris and works as an Associate Professor of Social Studies Education at Kennesaw State University.
Athletics and movement have always been a major part of Erin’s life. From soccer, track, and cross-country growing up to years competing in women’s soccer leagues, staying active has always been important to her. Erin first discovered CrossFit around 2017 while spending summers working in upstate New York, where early morning classes quickly became part of her routine.
After stepping away from CrossFit due to injuries and setbacks, Erin faced a difficult stretch that included multiple knee, toe, and ankle injuries, surgery in late 2024, long rehab sessions, and the physical and mental fatigue that came with it all. At one point, she struggled with basic movement and found it difficult to stay motivated training alone. Looking for structure, accountability, and community, she decided to give CrossFit another shot—and found the perfect fit at CrossFit Bound.
Since returning to training, Erin has made incredible progress. She credits the coaching, intensity, variety, and supportive environment at CrossFit Bound for helping her regain strength and confidence. Her commitment to three classes each week, combined with additional mobility, interval work, walking, and pickleball, has helped her rebuild physically and mentally.
One of Erin’s proudest accomplishments has simply been regaining the ability to move pain-free after her knee surgery. Being able to run again and complete box jumps are milestones she once wasn’t sure would be possible. She’s also noticed significant improvements in strength, especially in her arms and legs, and continues focusing on better nutrition and recovery habits.
Erin’s favorite movements include bench press, cleans, rowing, dumbbell snatches, and pushing the box sled across the floor. Pull-ups and rope climbs remain goals she’s still chasing—but if her consistency and determination are any indication, those milestones are only a matter of time.
What Erin values most about CrossFit Bound is the community. She appreciates the encouragement, camaraderie, and shared commitment that makes every class motivating and rewarding.
Her advice to anyone starting their fitness journey:
“Mobility is medicine. Take small steps and keep going.”
1: Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in Panama City, FL. My mom still lives there. My twin sister Jennifer lives near Fort Lauderdale. I came to Georgia for graduate school in 2006 and have been here ever since. I live in Kennesaw with my husband Chris. I started training at CrossFit Bound in late December 2025. I'm an Associate Professor of Social Studies Education at Kennesaw State University.
2. What originally brought you into CrossFit, and what made you stick with it?
I worked in upstate New York for 9 summers. A co-worker there got me going to a local CrossFit in Saratoga Springs (this was probably around 2017). I used to ride my bike to the 6:30am classes-it was awesome! I did CrossFit at a different gym here in Kennesaw for a few years but stopped around 2020 as a result of an injury and some other things.
I’ve played soccer off and on since age 8. I played in the GAWSA (GA Women’s Soccer Association) league for 8 years and I loved almost every minute of it. I was a high school athlete (track, cross-country, soccer). Being active is very important to me. But I have a nagging knee injury that got progressively worse. That, coupled with a toe and ankle injury from a season-ending soccer game sent me to the surgeon in December 2024. I’ve been rehabbing my knee ever since, but I could never quite get back in the gym like before. That, a few bad bouts of Covid, and turning 40 just wiped me out mentally and physically. My feet and knees were just wrecked from getting pummeled playing defense on my soccer team. I reached a point where I couldn’t get motivated at the gym when working out by myself and I knew I needed a change. I do best when there’s intensity and variety as I get bored easily. I needed the structure, coaching, efficiency and motivation CrossFit provides.
CrossFit Bound is near my house-about 5 minutes away! And I know Jen Wells from Kennesaw State, where we’re both professors, so it was a perfect fit! I was a little worried about my injuries but my knee feels great and CrossFit seems to be the best rehab program for it. I can run again and I’m so much stronger, although I may never get back to my 2024 speed or my 2019 strength and that’s okay. I’m just trying to get a satisfying workout.
3. You’ve shown incredible focus and consistency—what has helped you stay committed to your training?
I’m incentivized by the positive changes I’m seeing to my body and mind. I like the camaraderie of the gym and the way everyone cheers each other on. Having a specific time to work out keeps me accountable and forces me to leave my desk and computer. The parameters of the timed workout help me see the workouts as doable. I just try to have fun, hang in there and do my best. The workouts also let me focus on doing the current thing and the next thing rather than on work, email, and other distractions.
4. What changes have you noticed in yourself since starting (physically and mentally)?
I’m seeing more muscles in my arms and legs!
5. Your progress has been very noticeable—what habits (training, nutrition, recovery) have contributed most to your results?
The training has been most impactful. I need to work more on the diet part, but I am more conscious about my protein consumption (I love Good Culture cottage cheese, Egg Life, and I’ve started making egg cups).
6. What has been your biggest accomplishment or milestone so far?
I try to remember that in December 2024 (and into 2025) I couldn’t turn a bicycle wheel or climb a set of stairs because my knee was in such bad shape. So just being able to do anything is an accomplishment. I was particularly pleased to do box jumps again!
7. What role has the CrossFit Bound community played in your journey?
Everyone is very supportive and everyone is working towards their own goals. I love getting affirmations and encouragement from the community
8. What does a typical training week look like for you right now?
My job involves a lot of sitting so I have to make myself get mobile. I commit to 3 CrossFit classes per week no matter what. I’m fortunate to have a flexible work schedule so I can come in at different times. The other days I go to my other gym at work where I try to do some interval training and focus on leg strength. I try to walk a few miles at the park on weekends. I play pickleball on Tuesday mornings.
9. Favorite movement or workout? And one that still challenges you?
Pullups challenge me! I’ve never been able to do one unassisted but maybe one day I will. I’d also like to climb the rope (but need to get some tall socks!). Bench press and cleans are my favorite movements. I also like rowing and dumbbell snatches and pushing the box across the floor.
10. What advice would you give to someone just starting out or trying to stay consistent?
Mobility is medicine. Take small steps and keep going
