What made you choose CrossFit True?
– I was working out at a gym in New Haven that I really liked, but I had recently moved from New Haven to Hamden and the drive down in the morning was becoming a hassle, not to mention having to shower at the gym and go straight to work. I looked around at a couple different gyms and saw that CrossFit True was close by and what I saw on the web and social media made me want to give it a try. Moving from a 6am class at my old gym to a 5:30am was a bit of a mental hurdle, but after a week or so, it was fine.
How long have you been training with us?
-I’ve been at Crossfit True for a year now and have been doing functional fitness/CrossFit for about 10 years.
What has been your proudest moment in the past 90 days?
-I set myself two goals for the year. The first was to be able to kick up to a handstand and the second is to finally get double unders. I was able to kick up to a handstand a few weeks ago and while I need more practice, I was pretty psyched to have done it. Dubs are coming and I’ve gone from the single/single/double to to just one single followed by a double. I even banged out 3 consecutive dubs this past week. I avoid setting a lot of weight lifting goals since I don’t want to be tempted to hurt myself 😂. That being said, getting a 300 lb. deadlift would be cool (I’m at 285 now).
When you’re not at the gym, what do you do for work? What do you do for fun?
-I am the VP of Sales for a German plastics machinery company that has its US headquarters in Rocky Hill. I enjoy being outside, hiking when I can and playing a little golf. My wife and I bought an older home that we are slowly by surely renovating so that is also a fun diversion (at least most of the time).
How is your nutrition? How has it changed since joining CrossFit True?
-A few years ago I became a vegetarian and started being very aware of what I ate. I found that the more I paid attention to what I was eating, the more I noticed how much food impacts my day, how I sleep, and how the workouts feel – especially recovery. Now that’s not to say I don’t eat some junk every once in a while as it’s hard to live without the occasional bowl of ice cream or a chocolate brownie!
What are your 3 favorite movements/exercises?
-This is a hard one as I kinda like it all. If I had to pick just three, I would say box jump overs, rope climbs, and deadlifts.
What is your favorite style workout? (AMRAP, EMOM, Rounds for Time, etc)
-I would say a rep scheme that ascends and then descends. Once you get to the highest number of reps, you know its all down hill after that.
What about your favorite workout?
-Not sure I have a favorite. Being able to run outside and not be stuck on the rower or the bike is good. For sure any of the open workouts are fun even though they are crazy hard; just knowing that the entire gym is working together and lifting each other up during the open is a good feeling.
Any favorite workout songs?
-I am definitely more of a metal/rock fan vs dance and hip hop. Any 90’s alternative rock/Grunge/metal work for me. That being said, as long as it’s loud and is not remixed 80’s or 90’s ballad that has been jazzed up, I’m good.
Have you changed physically or mentally since you’ve been working out with us?
-In general CrossFit has made me more confident in being out in the world doing physical things like dragging a suitcase through the airport or not being winded when I need to exert myself. There is also this feeling that I can do hard things if I just keep going and not giving up. Crossfit True has just continued that and seeing how everyone has their own fitness journey and being a part of that is very uplifting.
What are your current goals?
-Overall my goal is to remain fit and healthy as I get older. If I can get a little stronger and learn some more skills, even better. Things like being able to do double unders consistently in a workout and improving shoulder strength are right up there. Oh, I almost forgot…I got a weighted vest for my birthday this year and plan to try it out soon.
How have your goals changed since you joined?
-My goals have not really changed. I enjoy working out with this community of like minded people of all ages and backgrounds.
What has been the biggest surprise since joining CF True?
-How much fun we all have. I fondly remember my time in high school/college running track and cross country. It was a lot of hard work, but also a lot of fun. While I have always enjoyed fitness at other gyms, I don’t think I have had this much fun since those days in school.
What can you do now that you couldn’t do before joining?
-My gymnastics have improved to the point where I can now do things like toes to bar and wall walks to the standard which I could not do a year ago. Most of my lifts are all heavier as well, even if it’s only by a few pounds.
Say something else, Anything!
-A huge thank you and shout out to everyone at CrossFit True for welcoming me and keeping me motivated on my fitness journey.