December Spotlight – Mike

How long have you been a member at CFD?

I joined CFD in December of 2017.

What made you want to get started?

I was looking for a fitness program that would push me further and improve my overall strength and fitness. I was a member of the John Deere Fitness Center for over 20 years. I would work out only during the winter months each year, the time of year I was the least active. This routine allowed me to maintain a good level of fitness and keep me from gaining weight. As I got older I noticed I was losing strength and muscle mass. I wanted to reverse that so I could keep active and maintain quality of life for as long as possible. My brother Jim and his family were CFD members. I noticed the impact CFD had on their fitness and knew this was something I needed to commit to. Once I retired from John Deere I made it a priority and joined CFD.

What is your favorite gym music?

Rock and roll music.

What changes have you seen in yourself since you started?

My fitness level improved dramatically in a short period of time. I’m physically stronger now than at any point in my life. That really surprised me since I’m 61 years old, I played sports my entire life and worked out prior to CrossFit. The results to this point have exceeded my expectations.

What do you like most about CrossFit?

The people. The coaches have been great teaching me the proper techniques to safely complete each exercise. The other athletes have made the workouts fun; they have been so supportive and push me to improve each time I’m in the gym, especially Ed. He is an inspiration to me. He makes me realize I should be able to do CrossFit for many more years as long as I’m healthy. The friendships I’ve developed at CFD are important to me now that I’m retired and no longer have day to day interactions with my work friends.

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

Any workouts that include burpees or thrusters. I don’t remember burpees being that bad during high school football, the last time I did them before CrossFit.

What is your go-to junk food?

I love sweets, especially dark chocolate.

Have you ever been really dramatic when completing a movement only to then see someone next to you do what you did silently and with ease?

Unfortunately, often, when I get tired I tend to grunt when completing the last few reps. It happens naturally but sometimes I realize I’m grunting loudly and sheepishly look to make sure no one noticed.

What are your goals going forward?

Become more fit and stronger so I can continue to do the things I enjoy; playing sports with my grandkids, golfing, hunting and hiking. As far as workout improvements I want to strengthen my core and get better at kipping so I can RX pull ups and toes to bar.

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

Commit and stick with it! Everyone at CrossFit went through what you are in the beginning. All CrossFit athletes are at different levels of fitness and abilities, and are trying to improve every time they are in the gym. When I first started CrossFit I struggled to get the 35 and 45 pounds plates off the ground and back on the storage racks. You will see results within the first few months. I’m in the best shape I’ve been in 20 years and stronger than ever at age 61. I’m thankful that I started CrossFit, it has changed my life for the better.

A special note from Mike’s wife, Melody:

I live with a CF guy. 

He is all about discipline and commitment. 

Yes, he is competitive, not only with other people but with himself. 
Fitness is important to him. I know that. I respect that. 

CF makes him “better in life,” in many ways. 

When you love someone, you want them to do things that make them happy. 

And he is happy.

Oh. Just one thing he’s not better at… planning meals and cooking. (I heard CF people are into that! 😂🤪)

Interested to see if CFD is a good fit for you? Sign up for a free introductory class, or e-mail us if the available intro classes don’t work with your schedule!