Brief personal history and journey towards beginning your CrossFit journey:
It all started as a kid, just being active and playing outside all the time. I played basketball, football, and soccer in high school. I took a weight lifting class and was hooked. I did bicep curls and bench press for days. (I still like doing them when Ben’s not watching) During and after college I worked out religiously with a bodybuilder who showed me programming and bodybuilding splits. I loved it but I felt like something was missing and it was kind of boring. I met Katie in 2012 and all she kept talking about was CrossFit. She would say “I’m going to do 50 double unders, 20 toes to bar and 10 HSPU RX, wanna do it?” I wasn’t sure what language she was speaking, but it sounded interesting. I was very skeptical, and it wasn’t till I tried it at the gym she was working out at that I realized it was one hell of a workout.
What brought you to CrossFit Oshkosh?
I relocated back to where my family lived after being a Police Officer for two years. I started doing real estate and looking for a gym to attend since I knew fitness would still be an aspect of my life. I wanted to check out CrossFit Oshkosh first because I really wanted to try it. I emailed Austin and he said he could meet me the next day.
Your first impression of CrossFit Oshkosh?
My first time at CrossFit Oshkosh was July 2015, Austin was amid full beard fever. He showed me the Olympic Lifts and went through basic strength movements. Then I did my first workout, I thought I was at boot camp and loved it! It brought that competitive feeling that I had not felt since high school. I was hooked. It was intense, but I was not intimidated, due to everyone being so welcoming. I was used to the headphones going in and people barley making eye contact and only speaking to someone asking, “How many more sets you have?” Here I could be myself, work hard, cheer on others, and then feel dead but great and the same time.
What was your biggest hurdle since starting?
Well if you haven’t noticed or don’t know me, I’m the guy that cramps up a lot. A LOT. It’s really annoying, I’ve gone to numerous doctors and it doesn’t go away. I usually just laugh it off, but it can be frustrating. CrossFit takes a lot of mental toughness and I constantly have to tell myself to keep going and keep moving. It always helps to have the coaches pushing us. I struggle sometimes to keep pushing. I just have to stay focused.
What is your favorite aspect of CrossFit?
It is by far the team aspect and comradery. We hold each other accountable and push each other that extra bit. I’ve gained so many new friends that I hang out with both in and out of the gym. All the coaches truly care about making you a better person both mentally and physically. It’s nice that CrossFit can do that. Working out alone sucks. Period.
What are your current goals in CrossFit?
I’d love to master all the movements. Currently on the radar are double-unders and muscle ups. I’ve recently learned to focus on one movement at a time. I want to lose fat and gain muscle. Just get bigger and stronger. I’d love to possibly get my L1 and open my own gym someday.
What is something we don’t know about you?
I’ve been to Australia, London, and Greece. I broke my back in 2007. I can play 5-6 different instruments.
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