Crossfit Allendale

Spend time with my wife and 2 young boys that are 19 months and 3.5 years old. I like to ski and really find any activity that gets me and my family outside no matter what the conditions are.

What led you to Crossfit and CFA specifically?

I was diagnosed with an auto-immune disease that made me extremely sick, resulting in lose of
weight, constant fatigue, and extreme inflammation in my joints. I knew the best way to
overcome it was to change my habits and get into the gym no matter what the circumstances
were. Crossfit provides a competitive environment that makes me challenge myself at my own
level. I used to scale everything and couldn’t do a pull up if my life depended on it and now with
a few years under my belt, I have developed into a considerable athlete.
We moved here from the East side of the State and needed a new place to go. I visited another
gym as a drop in but enjoyed the community and facilities at CFA way more than the other gym.
Josh and Kate are amazing owners that provide a great community of individuals who want to
do their best. The facility itself is superb, ranging from the space, equipment, and even the
sweat rags provided. A+

A year after I started. I used to be in terrible pain (probably more than most) due to my
circumstances, but I knew if I stuck to it, that I would prevail. The competitive nature of the sport is
something everyone can prevail at but I suffered severe pain in which my ligaments and muscles
would lock up in which I wouldn’t be able to certain parts of my body. It wasn’t until I was about a
year in, that I saw considerable results with my health and fitness level.

What movement do you despise over everything and why?
Really nothing. I don’t “despise” any movement because I think going outside of your comfort
zone is mandatory to improve overall. All movements could “suck” in some way but that’s also the thrill of it all. DU’s are my worst movement but that's just because I fail to practice them and
do them on a regular basis.

Honestly, being a good role-model for my children is always the best motivator. I sometimes think about where I started and how just pushing a little harder can get me where I want to go. I never thought I would be in this position before, so I think about the possibilities of where it can take me. Some good music is always a motivator.

What are your goals going forward and what do you think will help you achieve them?
My goals are to get DU’s and BMU’s consistently throughout the workouts. I really just need to practice them on a regular basis.

What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health, and fitness or just day to day life since starting CrossFit (before/after?)
Where do I start? Too many things to list but in a nutshell, I’ve been able to move, lift weights, exercise without pain, and live a life. I often wondered if I was going to have the energy to have children and through crossfit, I achieved more goals than I thought were possible. I have more energy, stamina, and feel more confident.

What would you recommend to someone who is just starting out with CrossFit?
Go at your own pace, don’t necessarily compete against the person next to you but only compete against yourself. Just because the people around you are doing the RX movements, it doesn’t mean you should be. The only competition should be with yourself and as long as you are improving, that is the important thing!

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?

Sounds a little cliche but I am motivated by everyone that shows up and puts in the effort. I understand and can relate to the beginners, and the people who are just now getting into fitness. I was one who scaled every workout, couldn’t do a pull up, etc. etc. but I challenged myself and love to see people do the same.

Favorite Cheat Meal: Nachos
Favorite workout song: Anything by “Tool”
Favorite place you have traveled: Alaska/Italy
Favorite TV Show: Game of Thrones
Favorite CrossFit Athlete (if any): n/a

Ryan recently celebrated his one year anniversary at CFA. About a year ago he started with us after moving over from the east side of Michigan and previously doing CrossFit. He has been a great addition to our community and is a very friendly guy. His fitness has improved and he is constantly getting stronger, faster and better at the technical lifts and double-unders. It also has been incredible to learn about why he started CF and how much it has benefited his health! Plus on top of that he’s a badass kickball player. Keep up the hard work Ryan, we are thankful to have you at CFA!