1.) What got you started in CrossFit? How did you hear about it?
I was amazed at the athletes’ capabilities when I saw the “Fittest On Earth”
documentary years ago so it was in the back of my mind, but it was actually at low point in my personal life when my wife, Jen, encouraged me to “do something different” for my physical (and especially mental) well being. That was the nudge, and the next day I called, talked to Zach Mack and signed up. (P.S. When Zach described the adaptive athlete program, that was the closer. I realized, yes, All Level is for me and that the work is flexible for individuals with their specific needs, desires and goals)
2.) What is your favourite part about coming to the gym?
Especially not being physically at the gym much of this year, I realized that, while the gym is a wonderful playground of movement, it is really the approach to fitness and being part of a group of like-minded people focused on being their best selves that is the magic. My favourite part is seeing everyone do their thing. We have such a wide variety of people, I learn so much from watching people: marvelling at elite athletes’ accomplishments, seeing growth in regular people like me, and watching people find
their unique ways to overcome all manner of obstacles. Awesome!
3.) What is your favourite CrossFit movement? Least favourite?
My wheelhouse tends to be long grinders rather than explosive power. I am
usually excited to see toes to bar and rowing. Wall balls, snatches and box jumps are my nemeses. But I love them all – because even if I suck at it, they provide an opportunity to do better.
4.) What are your goals in CrossFit?
I want to be as active and productive as I am today well beyond 75 years of age and do so with physical, mental and emotional vigour!!
5.) How do you explain your newfound obsession with CrossFit?.
It seems like a sort of addiction grows to the process of approaching something that you are unsure if you can do, putting strong efforts in, and then ultimately seeing yourself do something you have never done before. That process, built on a foundation of consistent habits, is powerful!
6.) What advice do you have for someone who is thinking of trying CrossFit?
Know that CrossFit is for you. It isn’t one thing. You don’t have to be or do
anything beforehand, you will gain something from just starting. Jump in and trustthe process.
7.) What does CrossFit mean to you?
“Building My Better” – a comprehensive approach to mind and body that helps me meet my unique goals through commitment, coaching, consistency, and community.
8.) How has CrossFit helped you improve your life outside of the gym?
It has helped practically everything! I am just a more capable, better human being.
I am physically fitter which allow me to put more energy into my family,
work and other pursuits:
Consistently doing something hard and outside my comfort zone builds a
more resilient mindset to address challenges outside the gym
- CrossFit has become the reason to get up early
- The mindsets and approach to improvement have become the reason for me to pay attention and manage the “everything else” for my well-being: sleep, nutrition, stress management, hydration, mobility
- I am more focused on what is important and spend less time on things that don’t matter
- I feel better about myself and what I do and therefore my relationships are better (as far as I can tell anyway…maybe you should ask my kids and wife to see if that is true)
