May Athlete Spotlight: Chad

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

I joined CFD exactly four years ago in May of 2014. I looked into CrossFit because I wanted to try something new to stay fit, active and healthy. I had a compression fracture of a vertebrate in my spine a few years earlier and was told that I needed to increase my core strength to keep from having back problems as I aged. I also needed something to try to keep up with my 3 very active kids.

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

I have seen many changes in myself since starting at CFD. First of all, at 46 years of age I can honestly say that I am stronger now than I have ever been in my life. I never would have dreamed about lifting what I can lift now. Secondly, I have more confidence in myself both mentally and physically. I feel better now than at any point in the past.

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

Going way back, I was a Cross Country and Track runner. Heck, I was like a real life stick figure when I graduated, weighing in at a whopping 125lbs. After that I didn’t do much of anything and relied on my good metabolism to keep me looking thin. I doubt I could even deadlift my own weight though when in my 20’s and 30’s. Around 40 it seemed like my metabolism slowed down and I started getting some belly fat and even found it hurt my knees to climb a flight a stairs. I knew things could go downhill really fast if I didn’t change my routine (or lack thereof), so I decided to do P90X in the basement. Well, I did that program twice and did see some results, but that got real old quickly and knew I needed to find something else. What I like most about CrossFit is the wide variety of things we do in class each week. From squat cleans (which have gone from my nemesis to one of my favorite lifts) to double-unders (finally figured those out after several years), box jumps, KB swings, pullups, etc… I also love the camaraderie that is present at CFD. My schedule has me primarily attending the 9:30am or 1:00pm classes and sometimes the 4:00pm class. No matter what class I go to I know there will always be people cheering me on and sweating and having a great time along with me.

What type(s) of workouts are your favorites?

I like the workouts that have a variety of movements to complete. Chippers are fun (and brutal). Running is still up my alley and can often use a run as somewhat of a rest (does that make sense?) from some of the other movements in a workout.

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

I am not a fan of the Ass#@l* Bike. So I dread any workout that has the bike. I am also not a fan of thrusters. I guess any workout that has you going all out for short periods of time as opposed to a long and steady pace are not my favorite.

What are you goals going forward?

My goals going forward are to continue to get more proficient at the movements and to continue to get stronger. It seems that I am constantly working through some type of shoulder issue and would like to get stronger and healthier in that area particularly.

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

Give CrossFit a chance for several months at a minimum. Depending on your fitness level coming in, you will be sore and some of the movements can be intimidating. Once you get into the grove though, it is extremely fun and always challenging. If you give it a real chance you will be hooked!

Not a member? Sign up for an Intro Class today!  The next Intro class takes place on May 5th at 10:00, and Foundations starts the next week (May 8th).
RSVP to the free Intro Class here!