How did you start CrossFit?
I was bored at Gold’s Gym, knew I needed to get in shape but hated the cardio equipment and avoided it at all costs. I wanted to find a way to do cardio with out actually going on an elliptical, or treadmill. And I knew I could never make myself do burpees on my own.
 
What is your favorite part about CrossFit?
Hanging out with my friends after a Saturday WOD. Having the support from everyone to tell me to have more confidence in myself when I don’t think I can do something.
 
What motivates you to continue CrossFit?
Definitely Nutella and peanut butter couldn’t eat them if I didn’t have a way of burning it off. Also I want to be stronger. I hate the misconception, outside of CrossFit, that only boys should be strong.
 
What are your favorite movements and favorite WOD?
Pull-ups. Burpee box jumps. My favorite WODs are anything with barbell cycling (except thrusters…)
 
What is your favorite CrossFit memory?
Getting my first bar muscle up.
 
What is the best advice you can give a fellow CrossFitter?
Do RomWod everyday! Learn to move well before you focus on making gains.
 
Tell us something about yourself (NOT fitness related) that others might not know.
I’ve had 5 knee surgeries for dislocated knee caps. During one of my surgeries something went a little wrong and now I have a weird bump on my shin; I’ve been told it’s actually my muscle. So one could say I have a shin muscle now.

​How did you start CrossFit?
As everyone here knows, workouts at the standard gyms and running on your own can become stagnant and easy to not keep yourself accountable.  Always looked at CrossFit as something I would want to get into and had a few soccer teammates who raved about it.  Loved knowing the workouts were regimented for you ahead of time.  To me, it was like having a personal trainer but with other athletes to push you…and that is exactly what it has been and more.
 
What is your favorite part about CrossFit?
Sounds cliché, but definitely the people.  Of course the gym itself is enviable, coaching is top notch, but like most dynamics, it really depends on the people.  Our 7am Crew is very tight knit and some of the best people  I know.  We talk almost hourly, ha.  Cannot say enough about them.  Also, the ‘Sunday Savages’ – we are all competitive and talk almost daily about workouts and results.
 
What motivates you to continue CrossFit?
I am absolutely one of those people (‘idiots’ might be a better word) who still think they are 25yrs old,  can wake up and run a marathon or do something I probably should not be doing at 36.  Definitely a character flaw, but the second someone says I cannot or should not do something, I immediately want to do it.  Fighting father time is huge motivator as well. I am usually on my phone at 6:01pm each night checking the WOD and excited for the sheer enjoyment of getting the crap kicked out of me each morning.  Also, I am sure you have all seen John at some point screaming obscenities at people during the 7am hour (especially when we partner)…. might be the very definition of motivation.  
 
What are your favorite movements and favorite WOD?
Running, rowing, rope climbs, cleans, double-unders, pull-ups are definitely my favorites.  Love a great double session Saturday Sweatfest with high cardio partner workouts.  Loved doing Murph with our Sunday Savages weight vests.
 
What is your favorite CrossFit memory?
There are a handful, especially with the 7am Crew inside and outside of the gym – but I would have to say when I threw John’s face on a tank top.  I am not a tank top guy (we cannot all look like Drew!) and I got a lot of gruff for never wearing one for Tank Top Tuesday; so I figured that would be the best way to finally show up with one.  Also, everyone during this past Open who gave pointers on movements I had never attempted before but somehow pieced them together on the fly…lots of good people at this gym.
 
What is the best advice you can give a fellow CrossFitter?
Do not worry about what others are doing and try to work on weaknesses.  Obviously always try to push yourself but do not try and lift the most, finish the fastest, and win at everything.  Work on technique and getting better, that is what is most important in the long run.  Damn, I should really take my own advice…
 
Tell us something about yourself (NOT fitness related) that others might not know.
People who know me, know I eat like an 8 year old in general, but I eat applesauce with almost every meal.  Pasta, chicken, steak, potato chips, etc.  Been eating it since I was a baby, and will be when I am an old man and the only thing I can eat!

How did you start CrossFit?
Prior to joining Resilience, nearly two years ago, I had fallen into a routine of frequent cardio (running mostly) and limited weight training.  It became a chore to get to the gym or to go out a run and I was looking for something to break out of the rut. That was coupled with some serious personal challenges I was going through and I wanted to make a change beyond exercise.  I’ve been athletic all of my life and fitness has been one of several dimensions I’ve turned to in life as a way for achievement.  In fitness or other pursuits I’ve had experiences where I’ve reached for something, put in the work and was able to change. It simply reminds me that there is more I can do and I get gratification from the results, especially, when the work is hard. Two years ago I needed that change more than ever. I had a limited knowledge of Crossfit through watching the CrossFit Games on television. I also saw a few workouts at a box in Auburn. The variety and intensity intrigued me, but I thought I was too old and lacked the knowledge to try it.  What I hadn’t seen on television was the coaching. When I finally drove to Hopkinton to inquire in person I was told about Elements and I learned that I’d have help and guidance and wouldn’t be on my own.
 
What is your favorite part about CrossFit?
CrossFit has delivered on the variety and intensity I was seeking and I enjoy that without question. Every session there can be something new. My favorite part is the coaching.  CrossFit Resilience is second to none.  I travel for a living and have been to CrossFit in 10 cities. We are so fortunate, not only to have the best CrossFit facility by far among the ones I’ve seen, but our coaches are exceptional.  If it was not for them, I wouldn’t have had the confidence to try the things I do reflexively today and I know I wouldn’t have made the progress I have.  Because of their care, consistency and guidance, I’ve been able to safely progress and I love the way I feel. I’m also continuing to grow with CrossFit. I achieved two PR’s last month and they weren’t measured by a barbell rather they were for pull ups and DU’s. I have gotten much stronger and fit in 22 months of Crossfit adding over 100 pounds on squat cleans for instance but it wasn’t translating as much into gymnastics. I was stuck on a rep count until one of our coaches came by and pointed out, again, some fundamentals to me (sometimes I’m not the best listener) and he stood with me and kept repeating one word – “Relax.”  1 minute later I hit 25 DU’s.  I truly believe there isn’t a plateau or rut out there in CrossFit especially if you take advantage of the knowledge and experience of our coaches.  
 
What motivates you to continue CrossFit?
That’s an easy one – It’s the way I feel, the people I’ve gotten to work with and our beautiful facility. I call it ours because I feel part of it.  Resilience is more than just a gym and Crossfit is more than just exercise.  I continue to enjoy my own transformation but I’ve also gotten to see so many other people transform. There was woman in who attends Resilience wearing a shirt that had the saying “if nothing changes….nothing changes”.  I agree.  Had I not joined two years ago, I wouldn’t feel the way I do today.
 
What are your favorite movements and favorite WOD?
I used to love Bench Press day because I can press a good amount for an old guy  and not deal with my personal frustration of not being able to do a power clean or overhead squat.  Now those complex moves are my favorite because they underscore how far I’ve come and how much more I can do.  I’m not doing giant weight for OHS – in fact I just graduated from the empty bar about 5 months ago. But I can do them now and with weight on the bar.  My lack of mobility and ability with that movement is almost a memory and that excites me. My favorite WOD so far is MURPH.  I got to do Murph with my son who is heading to the Marine Corps as an officer when he graduates from college and the reverence for veterans and others that CrossFit displays through Hero WOD’s mean a great deal to me. It was special to do Murph with my son.
 
What is your favorite CrossFit memory?
So far it’s the learning.  I can’t believe what I know in such a short time and I know there is still so much to learn.
 
What is the best advice you can give a fellow CrossFitter?
Try it and scale it until you can do it.  And you will do it. Listen to our coaches. I played Division 1 college soccer and had a strength and conditioning coach but I never picked a barbell off the ground until 22 months ago. Because I’ve been taught the right and safe way to do things and was made to feel comfortable to go at a rate that was right for a beginner, I, at 50 years old, can do many of the WOD’s at the Performer RX.  Many but not all. I still need to put the work in to get to that consistent performer level but I plan to keep trying.
 
Tell us something about yourself (NOT fitness related) that others might not know.
A favorite hobby is playing guitar and performing.  I was in a band for years and still get out to the local establishments to play an acoustic set once in a while.

​How did you start CrossFit?
I was looking for a way to change up my workout routine and a previous RCF member, McCall, told me I should join her for a few classes and after my first one I was hooked.
 
What is your favorite part about CrossFit?
The variance in movements and types of workouts that we see. You never know what the coaches are going to throw at you on any given day and for someone who can get bored and unmotivated easily this is perfect. You always have the opportunity to test yourself.
 
What motivates you to continue CrossFit?
Apart from the progress I have never experienced with any other type of fitness activity it would be the great community Crossfit has, but more specifically our community here at Resilience. We have the perfect balance of all types of personalities that continue to push each other while keeping it fun.
 
What are your favorite movements and favorite WOD?
My favorite movements would have to be most of the gymnastics movements like bar muscle ups, HSPU, and pull-ups. My favorite WOD’s would be any that have deadlifts and although it’s an unpopular opinion, running.
 
What is your favorite CrossFit memory?
One of my favorite memories is the 2017 holiday party, the first one at the new box. It was such a good time and it is always great to meet others who you may not see in your usual class.
 
What is the best advice you can give a fellow CrossFitter?
Don’t ever let yourself get discouraged during any workout. You may not always be one of the fastest or strongest, but you can always be the one working the hardest and that is how you make progress.
 
Tell us something about yourself (NOT fitness related) that others might not know.
As part of a work assignment I had the opportunity to live in London, England where I travelled every chance I could all around Europe and parts of Asia.

How did you start CrossFit?
One of my good friends joined CrossFit and I tagged along to "bring a friend day" for about a year or so. I loved the workouts, but I did not want to commit to that specific gym. At the time, the woman I was working out with, used to work with Drew and Brooks - so whenever I talked about joining CrossFit, she would rave about RCF and the coaches. With her persuasion,  I made the decision to join and not surprisingly, she was right - I was sold on RCF after the first class.

What is your favorite part about CrossFit?
How accomplished you feel knowing that you were able to push yourself to a new level alongside great people.

What motivates you to continue CrossFit?
Motivation comes on a few levels; 1. I LOVE to eat, so I HAVE to workout to balance my appetite. 2. Measurable results. Whether it be in accomplishing a PR, beating a previous time in a benchmark workout, or simply feeling good about yourself - it is easy to look back at where I started and compare to where I am now and, not only see, but feel improvement. 3. Working out within a community of people that push you harder than you would push yourself. 

What are your favorite movements and favorite WOD?
Favorite WODs: Crazy ones that push you; the long grind. Movements: wall balls, DU and squat cleans. 

What is your favorite CrossFit memory?
My favorite memory is more of a reflection of my overall experience. I remember when I first started CrossFit, after a workout I would recover rather quickly. One night once the workout was over, someone in the class looked at me and said (of course in the nicest way possible) "If you are recovering that quickly, you are not pushing yourself hard enough." I remember thinking, there is no possible way I could push myself harder, but thank you - well, was I wrong. Eventually, pushing myself to a new level made so much sense and I finally understood exactly the feeling they were trying to portray all that time ago. Reaching a level where you personally feel you are pushing yourself, while surrounded by people, who have become great friends, pushing themselves to their own level - I would consider that my favorite. 

What is the best advice you can give a fellow CrossFitter?
Coming from someone who has zero patience; my advice would be to have patience with yourself and confidence in your own ability. Not every movement will come as easy as you want it to, but if you are persistent and continue to challenge yourself, you will accomplish goals you never thought possible. Frustration is easy, overcoming frustration and getting out of your comfort zone is not, and that is what it takes to personally conquer CrossFit.

Tell us something about yourself (NOT fitness related) that others might not know.
I am a Registered Dietitian and work in school nutrition.

​How did you start CrossFit?
For as far back as I can remember, I have been a competitive person. I played soccer my whole life and always enjoyed running despite having two knee surgeries. When I was 25, I found a challenging gym in Shrewsbury that changed the way I worked out and made be a better athlete. After 4 years, I “gym shopped” but never found a comparative gym. I ended up at a strength and conditioning facility where everyone just worked out to say they worked out. I found myself digressing and knew I had to make a change. My friends always suggested CrossFit knowing it was competitive, but I was totally that person that thought I would get hurt even more. I didn't realize that each CrossFit was individually owned and programmed. Christa Rebidue was equally frustrated with the gym we were at and her sister Sabine suggested coming to the CrossFit open house in September. We went with minimal intentions of joining, but after seeing the amazing new facility, trainers and programs that were offered, we decided to give it a go. We started in November, and I think after the second workout I knew I would be a permeant member. 4 months later and I am just mad that I didn’t start sooner.
 
What is your favorite part about CrossFit?
The trainers/programming. They are motivating and know their stuff. I like how they’re big on form and would rather someone use less weight and do it right. They’re constantly asking about my injuries, and suggesting modifications. They truly want everyone to get a great workout and become better athletes. Also, the community. I was nervous coming into a huge gym where everyone was already long time members and friends. After hopping the classes, I think I am officially a 7amer! Everyone has been so welcoming and helpful. It’s nice to see everyone push each other. I feel like I have made huge improvements in a short amount of time and it’s definitely due to the trainers and the community.
 
What motivates you to continue CrossFit?
Wanting to get better. There is always something new to learn or something to get better at. I feel like if you want to get better at something, all you need to do is practice. Butterfly pull-ups and TTB are next on my list. 
 
What are your favorite movements and favorite WOD?
Hmm.. deadlifts, rowing and now the ski erg is high up on the list. Both machines you can train at and improve at pretty easily. WOD – really enjoying the Thursday conditioning pieces Brooks has been putting together. 
 
What is your favorite CrossFit memory?
Training for Crash B’s with everyone was a really good experience. Also, watching someone hit a PR or finally get a movement they’ve been working on is exciting and fun to watch.
 
What is the best advice you can give a fellow CrossFitter?
Unsure I can give out advice being 4 months in, but I would say work at your weakness. Don’t skip the classes where there are movements you aren’t great at. Also, listen to your body and do what you can. Everyone is at a different fitness level and the coaches cater to each and every person.
 
Tell us something about yourself (NOT fitness related) that others might not know.
I meal prep for people on the side (this is not a plug!)

​How did you start CrossFit?
We are a very active family and have a saying “No friends on powder days.” Normally, that wasn’t a problem as I keep up with everyone. A few winters ago, snowboarding in some epic Colorado powder, I found myself with no friends - I could not get myself out of the deep powder I had fallen into. I also was completely lost in the back country because those...... lovely family members left me, and laughed when I found them over 2 hours later. There was a backpacking incident as well, but I’ll save that story for another time.
 
A friend of mine has had amazing results through her box in Westboro, even working out during cancer treatments. If she could kick cancer’s butt, I could kick my family’s butt. Rens Hayes (IV, not his baby VII)and Alan Connell, sons-in-laws of my friends, also seemed to be kicking butt. They convinced me to give it a try.
 
What is your favorite part about CrossFit?
That my 9 am’ers do not kick my butt when I heckle them. Which leads me into the camaraderie - I mean, my family HAS to put up with me, but you guys don’t. So thanks for that.  And the coaches are amazing, but you know that.
 
What motivates you to continue CrossFit?
I’ve never felt better and the sense of accomplishment I get after every class.
 
What are your favorite movements and favorite WOD?
Box jumps! Oh, and air squats. And maybe goblet squats. Things with squats.
 
What is your favorite CrossFit memory?
Becoming Athlete of the Month!
 
What is the best advice you can give a fellow CrossFitter?
Don’t forget to wear a tank top on Tuesdays. Also, have fun! 
 
Tell us something about yourself (NOT fitness related) that others might not know.
I have skied for 50 years and snowboarded for over 25 years. Also, I may be related to Eminem.

I started at CFR 4 years ago (almost to the day). Prior to 1997, I always thought I was pretty fit. I played, coached, and refereed soccer and enjoyed the occasional hike and bike ride. The thought of going to a gym seemed so unnecessary and unappealing. I always felt fit. In 2014, I was about to begin to understand that my previous feeling of being fit was a delusional state of mind.

A few months into 2013 I had come to accept that I had become too obese to continue playing. I was aware that the added weight and lack of other exercise was contributing to the frequent injury to my ankles and knees. I vowed I would not return unless I lost 40 pounds. I was beginning to wonder if I'd be able to walk without pain in my retirement years.

So what brought me to CFR? For two years, my wife Janet and son Nate, both Crossfitters (at Sobo, now Pennant), had been bugging me to join their box. I visited their box in Southborough and didn’t like the smell of the air from off-gassing of the rubber mats covering the floor nor lying on them. In January of 2014, Nate suggested we plan on doing a Spartan Race together. Only problem, we all knew I would have to get in much better shape to live through the ordeal and I only had 6 months. He suggested we check out CrossFit Resilience making me aware that it was only 800 meters away from my house. We met Drew and toured the facility. I liked the variety and abundance of equipment, the type flooring material used, and the apparent care taken to clean and maintain the box. I decided to give the Elements a try; after a few classes with Dan and Brooks, I was hooked.

By the time the Spartan Race arrived I felt reasonably ready, though I was pretty disappointed that after 6 months of CrossFit, had resulted in me losing only about 12 pounds. But we all finished the race, jumping the burning logs together.

I managed to trim a few more pounds by the end of the year. Then along came the 2015 Paleo Challenge! It was the Dananators vs. the other half of the participants. This was a life-changing event for me. I now had a team-based, competitive reason, to develop more disciplined eating habits and to win a few bucks too. With this challenge, I took the opportunity to weigh and track my caloric intake and set a goal to lose 2 pounds per week. Within 14 months after starting with CFR, I had dropped a total of 50 pounds, and had become more fit than I had been in 40 years. As I promised my soccer teammates, I returned to play at the start of the 2015 season, now being able to run circles around them.

I’ve come to realize my primary CrossFit goal is to focus more on maintaining my strength, fitness, and resilience the best I can for as long as I can, rather than trying for another PR. My favorite work-out activities are deadlifts, hang power cleans, back squats, and sit-ups. When I started, I was barely able to do one sit-up. Now it's one of the few movements of a WOD where I feel like I'm getting a rest.

The only advice I can offer CrossFitters (particularly newbies and senior citizens): don't be hesitant to scale the work-out to the level that best suits your goals each day. It's more important to just keep moving.

“Resilience” is the perfect description of what our box represents. Indeed, I may often feel battered and bruised, but am thankful for our coaches who are always flexible and helping me to never feel broken. Resilience is the perfect name for our box.

​How did you start CrossFit?
I used to go to take Kettlebell, Spin and Boot Camp classes at Workout World in Waltham I was ready for a change and another member told me about a Crossfit opening nearby.  So I gave it a shot and loved it.
 
What is your favorite part about CrossFit?
I love how the workouts are always different and challenging.  I also like how everyone “suffers” through the workouts together.  This is what brings us all together. In those moments that I feel like quitting I look over and see how others are pushing themselves and this motivates me to push myself even more.
 
What motivates you to continue CrossFit?
The fact that at 8 & 1/2 months pregnant I was able to lift more than Corey  :)
 
What are your favorite movements and favorite WOD?
My favorite movements involve kettlebells & burpees. For Olympic lifts I like power cleans and overhead squats. Favorite WODs:  any partner WOD because they always makes be push harder.  Adding my least favorite here as well: I hate running!
 
What is your favorite CrossFit memory?
PR'ing Fran just after returning from my first pregnancy.  It felt great.
 
What is the best advice you can give a fellow CrossFitter?
My advice would be to add those extra 1lb,  2 1/2lb or 5lb plates to the barbell. I guarantee that you can do it!
 
Tell us something about yourself (NOT fitness related) that others might not know.
I am a certified Spin instructor.. just never had the time to teach.

​How did you start CrossFit?
A little over a year ago, I had a conversation with friends about needing a "fitness change". They have been CrossFitters for years and love it. They kept telling me to try it. With anything new, I was a little skeptical (actually, a lot skeptical) about their claims that I would love it, but I decided to give it a shot. So, I did. It was one of the best decisions I have made!
 
What is your favorite part about CrossFit?
My favorite part of CrossFit is the challenge every day. The things I do now are things I would have never even attempted before - never mind think I could accomplish. I surprise myself almost every day. The community is also one-of-a-kind. It is a great feeling to know we are all in it together, cheering each other on. 
 
What motivates you to continue CrossFit?
One of the biggest motivating factor for me is that each day I see an improvement; no matter how small it may be. I also see the positive impression I am leaving on my kids. Playing "gym" is a daily occurrence in our house. It's a healthy and balanced lifestyle I am hoping will continue to stick for them.
 
What are your favorite movements and favorite WOD?
Anything with a squat would be a favorite movement. Any WOD that pushes me (which is all of them) are good ones! 
 
What is your favorite CrossFit memory?
I have two favorite CrossFit memories. My first is when made my first rope climb. I remember reaching the top and thinking, "Man, I wish I could tell my middle school self that someday this would happen!" My second is competing in the Dynamic Duo Competition a couple of weeks ago. It was a really fun experience.
 
What is the best advice you can give a fellow CrossFitter?
You can do more than you think you can do. Take the risk - it's worth it. 
 
Tell us something about yourself (NOT fitness related) that others might not know.
One of my favorite stores is the Christmas Store in Disney World because it combines my two favorite things: Disney World and Christmas!

​How did you start CrossFit?
I started in January, 2017 after consistently hearing a co-worker rave about his fantastic experience at his box. I have always been a regular at traditional gyms (Gold’s etc.) working out on my own, running, or following random fitness programs. But the structure and variety my co-worker talked about was what drew me in. After switching to a Paleo diet for a few months, including awesome dinners at Red Rock, I decided to join RCF in January 2017. Before joining, I thought the diet would be the hard part… boy was I wrong…
 
What is your favorite part about CrossFit?
Leaving the box after every workout.  LOL.
 
What motivates you to continue CrossFit?
Trying to keep up with Anna Ivanov and John Giordano (who is older than me) who kick my ass every time.
 
What are your favorite movements and favorite WOD?
Favorite movement…burpees!  No seriously.  Burpees were the first movement that I felt I was actually good at.  Friends and coaches early on told me I was good/fast at those and hearing that was really good encouragement. Favorite WOD…well, I try to quickly forget about them after I get through them J but I the WODs that have new or rarely used movements and exercises in them are my favorites.  We all do a lot of squats, presses, deadlifts, etc. but when things like rope climbs, HSPUs, and parallettes are involved, those are “fun” for me.  Plus the partner WODs…those are great and provide good comradery and motivation.
 
What is your favorite CrossFit memory?
The WOD after the Ashland Trail Race this past Spring.  After most of us ran the 5k through the woods, being there on the beach doing those WODs was just awesome!  We were rock stars!
 
What is the best advice you can give a fellow CrossFitter?
Don’t get intimidated.  I tell myself this every day.  Don’t get intimidated by the WOD or the boot camp.  Do what you can each workout – push yourself but to a point you are comfortable.  Don’t get intimidated by the tight knit community (aka the mythical “cult”).  Participate and socialize if you want to – but don’t feel like you have to.
 
Tell us something about yourself (NOT fitness related) that others might not know.
Every year on St. Patrick’s Day I dress as a leprechaun and walk in the St. Paul Minnesota parade.  Let’s just say, I fit the part and the costume really well.  Ask me about this years “bounce”…

​How did you start CrossFit?
A dear friend of mine, Meghan Hornberger, a member at the time, convinced me to give it a try.

What is your favorite part about CrossFit?
The community first and foremost! Then the variety of our workouts.
 
What motivates you to continue CrossFit?
The continuous improvement in my fitness, strength and health. When I feel I have become stagnant, it is our community that motivates me to continue.
 
What are your favorite movements and favorite WOD?
My favorite movements are power cleans and thrusters. Favorite WOD:  any WOD that doesn't include push ups!!!
 
What is your favorite CrossFit memory?
Our farewell to Dan! He was such an inspiring and motivating coach and while it was our loss, it was our Nation's gain.

What is the best advice you can give a fellow CrossFitter?
Only compare yourself to others if it will motivate you to improve upon yourself.

Tell us something about yourself (NOT fitness related) that others might not know.
I'm a pediatric nurse practitioner.

How did you start CrossFit?
I had a client of mine that started telling me all about this guy named "Rich Froning" and how good the guy was at CrossFit. I went on to YouTube to check out past clips of the CrossFit Games and was instantly hooked!! After about a year of watching all of the past games I decided that I wanted to get into it and found RCF, and the rest is history!!
 
What is your favorite part about CrossFit?
It’s always challenging and you never stop learning, I'm always excited when I’m presented with a challenge, and floored when I meet that challenge! It's always interesting and I never get bored! Also, the community aspect of it, and how I've made so many friends through CrossFit already!
 
What motivates you to continue CrossFit?
I always want to get better, and want to be able to tackle any workout with extreme confidence!
 
What are your favorite movements and favorite WOD?
Some of my favorite movements are snatches, rowing is my jam!, and I'm crazy because I also like wall balls and burpees (just not over any sort of object).
 
What is your favorite CrossFit memory?
Definitely experiencing my first open, such an awesome time. And not to sound like a suck up or anything, but Friday Night Lights, watching Brooks tear up 17.3 and put up a 265# snatch was insane!!
 
What is the best advice you can give a fellow CrossFitter?
Never stop trying and never give up, things may take time, but it'll come eventually! Trust me I know through experiencing it myself with coming in thinking I was in pretty good shape going into CrossFit. I realized after Brooks tested me in my first elements class by having me attempt "Fran," at only 75#. It took me 21 plus minutes!! But I never gave up and neither should you!!
 
Tell us something about yourself (NOT fitness related) that others might not know.
Well I talk so much in class already that I’m sure everyone knows everything about me already, but I used to be a cook at UMass Amherst for about 8 years before moving to the Boston area.

​How did you start CrossFit?
Mike and I had dinner with Brooks and Dan every week during which they would kindly invite me to come try CFR. It took just over a year of them telling me how much fun it is, and how much I would love it for me to finally give it a shot. I went to 'Bring a Friend Saturday,' got pulled over on the way and nearly had a heart attack that I'd be late for my first class because I knew about the burpee penalties!  
 
What is your favorite part about CrossFit?
Aside from the awesome community I really like the accountability, the structure of a class, and the tips from our coaches. All I have to do is show up and I know that once I'm there I'll be pushed harder than I'd push myself.
 
I also find that I laugh a lot there - feels good to be silly with friends.
 
What motivates you to continue CrossFit?
I have seen improvements in my body comp and strength more in CrossFit than I have in any other fitness regimen. I've also been able to continue working out through all different phases of my life bc the workouts have adapted around my lifestyle - whether I'm rehabbing from an injury, growing a human, or trying to focus on improving specific areas.
 
What are your favorite movements and favorite WOD?
I love cleans! I've been able to continue those the longest throughout my pregnancy ...even though they may be looking more like reverse curls at this point. I'll correct it when I'm back :)
I love/hate the bike and burpees because they're THE WORST but I notice such an improvement in endurance when I incorporate them more.
Stretching and mobility- it feels so good and I don't do it enough and it seriously improves my form.
 
What is your favorite CrossFit memory?
The excitement of getting up the rope the first time and then realizing I didn't know how to get down.
 
What is the best advice you can give a fellow CrossFitter?
Get comfortable being out of your comfort zone.
Refresh your workout wardrobe with new stuff regularly because you'll feel like a badass and you'll stink less.
Clock anxiety is a real thing.
We're all there to improve upon something.
 
Tell us something about yourself (NOT fitness related) that others might not know.
I took fencing lessons back in the day.

​How did you start CrossFit?
Since before we were married, my wife Gabby and I always did some form of regular exercise.  We ran outside for years, but once the kids arrived, we moved mostly to using exercise equipment in the house.  A little over four years ago, Gabby told me that her sister had starting doing something called CrossFit and she wanted us to try it.  Always ready to try something new, I of course said: "No way!” But, persist she did, and the next thing I knew we were in the Elements Class with Brooks Farrar.  That was when I first uttered my now most-used expression: “Wait, what?”  And yet, since I so easily mastered the snatch and clean on the first attempt, I agreed to join. 
 
What is your favorite part about CrossFit?
Hands down — it is the community.  Over the last four years, I have made so many new friends — and not just the casual-at-the-gym kind. No, I am talking about the kind of friends that you truly love and know you will treasure always.  Did these friendships develop serendipitously because there are so many wonderful people at CFR? Perhaps.  No doubt wonderful people is the required ingredient.  But I think working really hard to do your best while others are doing the same thing around you, and helping each other along the way — I think that is the magic recipe.  And that is what CrossFit is all about.
 
What motivates you to continue CrossFit?
Besides the community, it is my desire to age as slowly as I can.  Since, I am far from perfect with my diet— the only answer is continued exercise.  Crossing that age 60 line also made me more keenly aware of the fact that I will have to work harder to maintain my functional mobility.  As long as I adjust  to my changing capability (not easy — and we have to help our fellow masters to feel good about themselves when they do this), then I hope to be able to continue until Gabby says it is time to go.  
 
What are your favorite movements and favorite WOD?
OLY lifts with less complexity such as back squats and deadlifts, and pretty much every body-weight exercise. And any WOD that has a partner or two always makes me smile.
 
What is your favorite CrossFit memory?
Talk about a difficult question!  I have so many—  from doing competitions with friends to competing in the Open with everyone.  If I had to pick one though— it would be the time that I was doing (or attempting to do) cleans in a WOD.  Drew Carnase walked over and stood in directly front of me— and with a look that was somewhere between very serious and something else— said: “You’ve been coming here for almost four years now, don’t you think it’s time you got this?”  It absolutely cracked me up and warmed my heart at the same time.  And it demonstrated just how in tune with each of the members all of the coaches at CFR are.  Would that have been the right thing to say to anybody else but me and would Drew have said it to anyone else? Absolutely not!  Was it perfect for me? Without doubt!
 
What is the best advice you can give a fellow CrossFitter?
Always be mindful of your current health and capabilities and don’t reach beyond either.
 
Tell us something about yourself (NOT fitness related) that others might not know.
I once crashed a car into a telephone pole and flipped it over because I watched a painted turtle confuse the passenger-side floor mat for the turtle rest room.  So now, although I prefer that you wait until we get to a rest stop, if you don’t, I will still keep my eyes on the road.