What do you do when you're not at CFA? I am a nurse manager at Corewell Health and enjoy spending time with my wife and 2 kids, one on the way lol. We spend a lot of time outdoors doing things and creating memories with our kids.
What led you to Crossfit and CFA specifically?
I had always kind of been interested in Crossfit and watched this interview with Greg Glassman and how he founded Crossfit and showed how people of all ages got healthier and fitter by doing it, for one of my MBA classes. At that point I was like I want to try this myself and knew CFA existed and living in Allendale would be the place to try it out, and they were running the summer special so I thought there was nothing to lose in trying it out.
When did you realize that CrossFit is right for you? Once I started going to the classes and discovered the awesome CFA community and that Josh and Kate and the other coaches just really push you to challenge yourself. Once I started going I was hooked and knew I could never go back to a regular gym.
What movement do you despise over everything and why?
Probably rope climb as my coordination with my feet sucks and I have yet to successfully complete an entire one.
What has been your all-time favorite moment at CFA?
Completing The Murph Challenge as that has been a goal of mine for several years. Beyond that my favorite moment is the camaraderie with everyone else in CFA during the workouts.
What motivates you during a tough workout? Seeing everyone else working hard and pushing themselves motivates me to push myself a little harder and just telling myself you can do it.
If you could write your own workout for a day, what would it be?
S/S Bench Press, working heavy 2 reps every 2:30 x7. Then 200m run, 20 renegade rows 10/10, and 10 dumbbell thrusters (both arms) x4.
What are your goals going forward and what do you think will help you achieve them?
I would like to compete in a competition this year and decrease my Murph time. Consistency of showing up everyday and pushing myself. Fueling my body appropriately, definitely something I learned during the recent nutrition challenge.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health, and fitness or just day to day life since starting CrossFit?
I am in better shape now at almost 40 than I have been at any other point in my life including when I was in the Army. I have more energy in my daily activities and in playing with my kids. I am leaner, stronger and have gained muscle.
What would you recommend to someone who is just starting out with CrossFit?
Show up and keep showing up. No matter your fitness level Crossfit meets you where you are at and every workout can be scaled to allow you to do the workout. As time goes you can increase your ability to do the workouts and push yourself harder and farther than what you knew was possible. Don’t look at those doing the workouts at the Rx or Rx+ levels and be intimidated because no matter how you complete the workout everyone is in it together and is there to encourage you and cheer you on. CFA is more than a gym, it is a community and one that I am thankful to be a part of.
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 normally go to 545, and that group is pretty consistent. To be the workout guinea pigs everyday and to push it like they do, it motivates me to push myself like they do!
Quick Questions Favorite Cheat meal: Pizza and Bourbon
Favorite Workout song: AC/DC Back in Black/Thunderstruck
Favorite Place You Have Traveled: St. Lucia
Favorite TV Show: Yellowstone
Coach's comment: Since starting CrossFit in May 2022, Will has shown remarkable progress and dedication to his fitness journey. His commitment to the program is evident in the impressive gains he has made in strength, endurance, and overall well-being. He recently won our nutrition challenge and went SIX whole weeks without a cheat meal and working out 5x per week. That is impressive enough in itself. Will's consistent hard work and perseverance have truly paid off, and he serves as an inspiring example for others looking to start on their own fitness transformation. Keep up the good work Will!!