Name: Josh Cato
Age: 45
Occupation: Commercial Real Estate Underwriter
Q: How long have you been a member of CrossFit Northland?
A: What brought you into our gym? Been a member for just over 1 year. I joined because my wife (Amber) was a member and convinced me after my complaints of being too sedentary and joints hurting. She got tired of hearing me say “I’m too old for ____…”
Q: Tell us a little about your fitness background? I was an athlete growing up – football, basketball and track.
A: I played small college football for a short time. Was into weightlifting in my 20’s but that became very off and on as I got older.
Q: What are some of your favorite CrossFit movements?
A: #1 is deadlift, no question. I’ve also gotten much more comfortable with the rower and kettlebell swings. I also really like the gymnastic movements, but I’m not very good at them yet.
Q: What is on your CrossFit bucket list?
A: I’d love to be able to do double-unders consistently and be able to do a bar muscle up. Becoming for efficient and eventually learning butterfly pull-ups.
Q: What is on your general bucket list?
A: I’d love to travel more overseas and play golf in Ireland and/or Scotland.
Q: What is something most people do not know about you?
A: I met my wife at an under-21 country dance place called Broncos. I was 18 and she was 16.
Q: How would you describe CrossFit Northland to someone?
A: A great place to meet other people of all different backgrounds and abilities, but to build camaraderie based on a common goal of trying to get a little better every day. Coaches are very knowledgeable and also genuinely care about us, which is a motivating factor in and of itself.
Q: What does “living life on your own terms” mean to you, and in what ways are you living life on your terms?
A: Not having to base decisions on physical restrictions or fear. Also, being able to build physical strength and callous my mind to take on whatever life throws at me. I want to serve others and be an example to my kids that a fit and healthy life is a happier life.
Q: What do you enjoy most about CFN?
A: It has allowed me to learn proper technique while improving my fitness beyond what I thought was possible in my 40’s. The coaches are very charismatic, knowledgeable and help to make the pain bearable. The community is full of kind and fun people accepting of anyone who walks through the door, no matter what their skill or fitness level.
Q: What motivates you and keeps you coming back week after week?
A: The progress I’ve made over the past year I didn’t believe was possible. A year ago I couldn’t walk stairs without knee pain and this week I was able to do 1,000 box step-ups. It’s fun and challenging at the same time and I like the people I work out with. The noon class is a great way to break up my day so I’m not too sedentary working from home.
Q: What PRs or accomplishments are you most proud of?
A: 305 lb bench in best bench ever was a lifetime PR. Completed a full Murph in my first attempt this year and was able to complete Chad (without ruck pack). Working toward a 400+ lb deadlift for another lifetime PR (hopefully soon). I didn’t think any of these would be possible at 45 years old.
Q: If you could have one super power, what would it be?
A: To be able to fly – would cut down on a lot of the time it takes to go to places I like and to places I want to go but haven’t been.
Q: What advice do you have for people just getting started with CrossFit?
A: I was very intimidated when I first started, but realized that wasn’t necessary. I would tell them to just show up and move. Keep an open mind and do what the coaches say and changes will come almost immediately.
