1. Were you active prior to Cross Fit?
Yes, very active most of my life from early childhood, through high school & college, military and through today. Normal sports – football, baseball, soccer, wrestling, fencing, etc. Also other sports – golf, tennis, snow skiing, scuba diving, hiking, etc. I’ve also been a martial artist for close to 25 years starting when I was in the Army. I am still very active today in Tae Kwon Do at King Tiger training under Master Terrence Evins.
2. When did you first start doing Cross Fit?
I started in August 2012 so right at 14 months. I was traveling a lot early this year and missed almost 2 months so really active at CFV for about 12 months.
3. What were your thoughts after your first workout?
I had a few thoughts after that first workout – are you kidding me? You want me to do what? What have I gotten myself into! I realized very quickly that I was not in very good “Crossfit” shape when I actually thought I was – very humbling & sore experience.
4. What do you enjoy the most about Cross Fit?
The variety of WoD’s and movements, the community, the coaches, the atmosphere. Steve & Jess have done an incredible job in creating an excellent Crossfit community, training facility and program. I’ve been to several other boxes and none compare to CFV. The people that I’ve met at the box are great and are always friendly, encouraging, positive and supportive. I can’t say enough about the coaches as they are very knowledgeable and great motivators.
I also enjoy the fact that I am extremely challenged in my fitness but at the same time feel safe in following the coaching and the ability to scale the workouts/movements when needed.
5. What were your goals when you first started?
At first I was only interested in getting in a little better shape in preparation for my 4th degree black belt test in Tae Kwon Do. I thought it would be a good “supplement” to my primary martial arts training. Maybe lose a few pounds….try this for a few months and I’ll be ready to test. Boy was I surprised.
What are they now?
Well, now my goals are totally different. I view Crossfit as a primary training activity to support my martial arts training and prepare me to be the best version of myself for my 4th degree test next year. I am continuing to improve on existing movements and learn new movements. I am thinking about competing at the Masters level in some local Crossfit events next year and also compete in Olympic lifting. My martial arts training are improved because of Crossfit. I am lighter, more mobile, flexible, stronger, and faster with more stamina and endurance than I had a year ago. I want to continue that improvement.
I now know that no one else is responsible or more interested in my fitness and health than me. I believe I am in more control of my fitness and health from a mental & physical basis than ever before in my life. I give Crossfit and CFV a lot of credit for that awareness.
6. What is your favorite Cross Fit movement?
Deadlifts and back squats…basically most of the weightlifting movements (except OHS).
7. What is your least favorite movement?
No doubt – burpees. Oh yeah, I almost forgot….running. I am not a very good runner, very slow but I have to say that since I’ve started Crossfit my one mile time has improved by over 2 and ½ minutes. Most everybody that has been in a class with me has heard this….”any WoD that begins with a Big Lap is going to be brutal…”
8. What kind of nutrition plan do you follow and has that changed since you started Cross Fit?
This year I really started focusing on my nutrition as I have changed my view to “food is fuel”. In the beginning I was not very disciplined but have become so in the last 9 months. Today I follow a “modified Paleo” plan. Lots of veggies, fruits and protein (beef, chicken & fish). Good quality complex carbs every now & then. I’ve gone pretty much organic and have eliminated most if not all processed foods from my cupboard/kitchen. If it’s in a bag or box I probably won’t eat it. I will be taking the Paleo challenge in January.
9. Talk about your results from doing Cross Fit?
So many results to mention – improved martial arts ability, improved mobility and flexibility, increase strength in all lifting movements, PR’s on a regular basis, improved gymnastics, increased endurance & speed. The biggest result is that I’ve lost 26 lbs and continuing to lose to achieve my weight goal of another 24 lbs to lose.