What do you do when you're not at CFA? I work with my wife in our kettle corn business. I like to hunt and be outside.
What led you to Crossfit and CFA specifically?
We were seeking a local gym with group training. I had tried it in the past and it didn't go well for me, but wanted to give it another shot.
When did you realize that CrossFit is right for you? Crossfit is right for us because it makes us fit and strong for our business work. I do wonder if it is right for me on occasion due to recurring knee and shoulder pain, but I also realize I probably wouldn't be getting stronger if I just did it on my own.
What movement do you despise over everything and why?
Burpees, It reminds me too much of high school conditioning and I cannot do them.
What has been your all-time favorite moment at CFA?
I don't know if I have a favorite moment, but I do enjoy being able to give kettle corn away when we have a surplus. I guess the time comes to mind when I did my own modified Murph and could actually participate with the majority of the group. But then there is the time Brian landed on his face off the box, that was a moment… lol
What motivates you during a tough workout? My mindset has changed so I am more able to embrace the challenge of the workouts. But also, I am trying to be healthier for my wife, so she doesn't have to bury another husband.
If you could write your own workout for a day, what would it be?
The things I can do the best would include the bike, cleans, ring rows and farmers carry.
What are your goals going forward and what do you think will help you achieve them?
My goals are to get more functionally fit for work and life, and to lose weight. The thing that will help me is to keep showing up in the gym and to keep up my cardio and to keep fighting the battle in the kitchen
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health, and fitness or just day to day life since starting CrossFit?
I weigh a bit less, I am stronger in many areas of my body, I can do full squats now, but mentally I know I am way more stronger
What would you recommend to someone who is just starting out with CrossFit?
I would recommend a new person to keep showing up and allow the process of CF to take hold. It won't happen in a week or a month or even 2. But by continuing to show up, your body and mind will change and you will become stronger in many ways, so that you can add other components like nutrition and cardio for desired results. You are preparing yourself for future unknown activities in which you need to be strong. If we hadn't started crossfit we would not be able to do some of the events we do physically. We didn't know what we were preparing for at the time. But now we know that we are preparing for more successful work. I am so confident going into this season with all we have done in our off season. I would also tell someone to not compare. I hardly ever am able to do full workouts without any adaptations, my movements are not great, but I know what it is doing to me. So I keep going. If i can do it, so can you
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?
I wish i could sing like Ruby…lol, not really, I do admire Art and how hard he works for a bigger guy. He keeps at it and it is affecting him for the positive. There are so many good CFA athletes there. I would like to add my appreciation to the coaches and encouragers at CFA
Quick Questions Favorite Cheat meal: I haven't cheated in a while, so my tastes are changing, but probably a cheese burger or nachos
Favorite Workout Song: Most of the classic rock is good
Favorite Place You Have Traveled: Israel
Favorite TV Show: Justified, Shark Tank, the chosen
Favorite CrossFit Athlete (if any): Debbie Gohn
Coach's comment: It has been great to see how much Big Mike has improved since starting with us almost three years ago. He has gotten stronger, his endurance/cardio has improved tremendously, and his mobility has improved quite a bit. Sometimes he is hard on himself but he has really come a long way since 2020. When he is not popping fresh kettle corn he is a regular at the MWF 7am class. Since the start of 2023 he has lost almost 40 pounds as well!! How awesome is that? Keep up the great work Mike, we are proud of you!