July Athlete Spotlight–Brent

How long have you been a member at CFD, and what made you want to get started?

I started August of 2016. I came to CrossFit because Jaci Wright kept bugging me to go. I was always telling her no, because I didn’t want to be one of those “CrossFit People” CrossFit people always talk about their workouts. Plus, I was good doing my DDP Yoga. That was my thing at the moment, I thought I would get great results. However, Jaci never quit asking. I finally gave in and said I would try the foundations class. When I told my aunt that I joined, she acted like I joined a cult. Now I love talking about it. I understand why everyone talks about it. I accomplished things that I didn’t think I could ever do. There are days, where I ache (because of a muscles I haven’t used before) and I can’t help but talk about the work out that made me sore. A great thing about CrossFit People is that I had an issue come up. My wife and I were touched on how many CrossFitters reached out to me to see if I was ok.

What changes have you seen in yourself since your very first day?

I am so much stronger. I am lifting so much more than I ever have in my life. I am able throw my kids when we are playing in the pool again. I can walk up my stairs at home without losing my breath. I will say yes to my wife when she wants to go for a walk.

What did you do for fitness prior to CFD, and what do you like most about CrossFit?

I dabbled in a little bit of everything. I used to run regularly. I would do 5ks, I stopped every year when it would snow, and the year before CrossFit, I never started back up in the spring. I tried “Insanity”, but I would always somehow hurt myself and have to quit doing that for a while. So lastly, I was doing DDP yoga. I really didn’t get much out of it except that I am good at a Cat/Cow.

What type(s) of workouts are your favorite?

I like a workout that finishes with an AMRAP. Whether it’s running or rowing and then doing pushups, pullups S2OH etc.. for the remaining time. I like the short recovery and diving back in. (I will say 1 minute rest is a lot faster after row than 1 minute on a microwave when cooking food) I am completely whipped at the end, but I can see how much I improved over the last time. I also really enjoy doing sled pulls.

What type(s) of workouts do you least like to see come up?

Bench press with Mike Rooney! (Just Kidding) Before today, I would have said burpees hands down. However, after carrying the 2 45 pound barbell plates for 600 yards, changed my mind. Other than that all the workouts are challenging.. I would hate to go to a class and say “That was easy!” It would really defeat the purpose of coming.

What are you goals going forward?

I really need to start working on losing weight. I am so much stronger, but I need to work on what I put into my body. It would be great to be able to do a pull up on the bars, toes to bar and even a muscle up. I would imagine it would be easier to do those activities without the added pounds. I also have Warrior Dash scheduled in July that I want to complete.

What advice do you have for someone just starting out at CFD?

Don’t give any hecks about what everyone else is doing in class. Not everyone is at the same level. There may be days you are doing things better than others in the class, but probably more days when others are finishing quicker or doing more than you. Just figure out what is personally best for you and try and make yourself better. If you have a question, ask one of the coaches. They have always been very helpful. They are truly concerned about your well-being. Talk to your classmates at CrossFit. I have come to find out how wonderful my classmates in the 6:30 am class truly are. Just being at CrossFit is already better than being on the couch and doing nothing. So just walk in the door and give it your best, everyone there is wanting you to succeed.

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