What was your athletic background, if any? I played basketball a couple years in high school.
What led you to Crossfit and CFA specifically?
I wanted to get stronger for high school basketball, so I started working with a trainer and he was having me do crossfit which I did not learn what crossfit was for a couple years. When I started at GVSU I wanted to continue working out at a crossfit gym instead of the rec center so I just googled CrossFit gyms close by and Crossfit Allendale popped up.
What do you do when you're not at CFA? When I am not at school or work I pretty much just eat and watch YouTube.
When did you realize that CrossFit is right for you? I realized early on Crossfit was right for me because I am a very competitive person so it was a good fit for me.
Do you remember your first WOD? I do not remember my first WOD but it had pull-ups, burpees, and some other body weight movements. I went as hard as I could immediately and was puking in a trash can a few minutes later.
What movement do you despise over everything and why?
My least favorite thing to do at the gym is easily the assault bike because I feel like im dying every time I ride it.
What has been your all-time favorite moment at CFA?
I have enjoyed all of the events outside of the day-to-day classes like the various fundraisers, in-house comp, friday night lights, and guys night for sure.
What motivates you during a tough workout? I get motivated by other people around me and the competitive nature of the workouts. Wanting to write a good score on the board and have some friendly competition between other members is very motivating.
What are your goals going forward and what do you think will help you achieve them?
A specific goal I have is to snatch 225 at some point. Most importantly, my main goal is to try to be injury free.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health, and fitness or just day to day life since starting CrossFit (before/after?)
Since I have started I have seen an increase in strength and my overall energy levels seem to be higher on a day-to-day basis.
What would you recommend to someone who is just starting out with CrossFit or is too afraid to try it?
Crossfit can be intimidating so the hardest part is just walking in for your first day. It can be very overwhelming to learn all of the movements and meet a bunch of people you don’t know. Just like anything else, the more you put into it the more you will get out of it. Not only will your health increase but you will form relationships with other members that make going to the gym fun and not a drag.
If you could have one skill or characteristic of another member at CFA what and from whom would it be? Or which other CFA member are you the most motivated by?
One characteristic I wish I had would be being able to bike as well as Heather can. It was super impressive how fast she did the 15 mile bike. Looking at that workout makes me cry inside but the way Heather was able to hold a steady and consistent pace is impressive.
I am motivated by ever CFA member who is coming into the gym and giving it their all. Crossfit is not easy so people who continually come in and workout is motivating to me.
Quick Questions Favorite Cheat Meal: Cheese fries, mozzarella sticks, chicken tenders and many others.
Favorite workout song: Any king of rap or rock
Favorite place you have traveled: New York
Favorite Tv Show: One Tree Hill
Favorite CrossFit Athlete (if any): Josh Bridges, Rich, Mat, and Jacob Heppner. To name a few.
Coach's comment: Josh walks, talks, lives and breathes CrossFit. When he first came to CFA he was a Freshman at GVSU and it has been cool to see him grow up and evolve into the college Senior over the last four years. It would be hard pressed to find many people who have attended the gym as regularly as he has since 2016. Some of his most impressive accomplishments are recently doing 21 unbroken ring muscle-ups and 35 strict handstand push-ups along with a 210# pound snatch. Not only is he super fit but he has been involved with every CFA competition, guy’s night, food challenge and fantasy football league we can think of. Shoes is all around a hard working and genuinely good guy and that's why he was an easy pick for MOM.