“Undoubtedly, the thing that has kept me at CFN is the people period and end of story.
I really enjoy the new friendships I have developed, a handful of them, my new best friends.
That gift has been priceless.”
Tell us about your fitness/health background? (Did you play sports growing up? Try other gym settings? Workout at home?)
I played racquetball competitively as a junior player. Outside of that, I was a decent golfer and lettered in high school.
My first weight set was given to me by my Dad when I was 10. It was a 20 lb. junior barbell set. My Dad was in the Army and pretty athletic. He wanted me to be the same. I played organized baseball and football and a lot that was backyard.
How long have you been a member of CrossFit Northland?
I started working out seriously my senior year in high school and have belonged to a gym ever since outside of two years between 2009 and 2011. I joined CFN in April of 2011 when a friend asked if I wanted to come to a different type of workout. I was hooked and have enjoyed my CrossFit journey ever since.
You’ve had one of the longest memberships at CrossFit Northland, tell us what has kept you with us for so long?
Undoubtedly, the thing that has kept me at CFN is the people period and end of story. I really enjoy the new friendships I have developed, a handful of them, my new best friends. That gift has been priceless.
What are some changes you’ve noticed in yourself during your time here at CFN? (Physically, mentally, capabilities, daily life, etc.)
Changes I have noticed is my ability to work with load and endurance. I’m not one of the stronger guys at CFN, but the ability to understand my body as it relates to load has been a great learning. Of course, doing hero wods are my favorite. I love the slow, grinding workouts.
How does what you do in the gym prepare you for life and activities outside of the gym?
Getting up at 4:45am to workout is a mental win for me. It lets me know if I can do that then the rest of the day should be easy. Gives great context for my day.
Your daughter has participated in Northland Youth Development as well as personal training here at CFN. Tell us a little about her experience with us.
Tatum has trained with a trainer to add muscle to her skeleton. It has made her more confident from a stature and self image standpoint. Hayden did a great job with her, and she looked to him as a big brother. My wife, Angie, and I were grateful to have a great male role model for Tatum – that was bonus!
In your opinion, what is the most valuable aspect of CrossFit Northland?
The most valuable component of CFN has to be the programming. It is done with an overarching strategy and is constantly varied. It is the crucial pillar of CFN, and seems to get better and better.
Do you have a favorite type of workout? If so, tell us what kind of workout you like best.
My favorite workout are the Hero Wods that take 45 mins to 75 mins to complete. I like total grinders.
What is your favorite CFN memory?
My favorite CFN memory is when the 20X group was training in the middle of a February night with Mr. Willis as our cadre. We were at the base of the dam at Riss Lake going in and out of the Parkville Nature Sanctuary, and with only t shirts on our upper bodies Willis had us planking in 30 degree weather in an ice cold creek. If you came off plank, you had to rollover and just lay in the freezing water – it was cold!!
This one’s deep — What are you afraid of? No holding back.
I’m afraid of hurting myself. My CFN journey has taught me a lot about my body – what it can do, and what it should not do. The coaches have been gracious with me as I substitute certain movements that my body just does not like – my lack of hip mobility leaves me open for injury so I work with it and around it with more suitable movements.