Crossfit Allendale

Home > About > Member of the Month > Jay Altman

What was your athletic background, if any?
 

Baseball for many years and that whole Army deal. 

What led you to Crossfit and CFA specifically?

I had a basic familiarity with Crossfit but no real understanding.  Ultimately it was a recommendation from Deb Zeinstra that CFA was the place to be.

What do you do when you're not at CFA?
 

Mostly wish I was at CFA ;).  I also do some work with Amtrak Trains a few days a week as an Engineer. 

When did you realize that CrossFit is right for you?
 

When I didn't die after my basic elements classes. 

Do you remember your first WOD?
 

Absolutely!  9X: 3 Power Clean, 5 Front Squat, 7 BF Burpee. 

What is your favorite or least favorite WOD/movement?
 

Strict Press and well, because it’s strict.  I should always be able to use the rest of my body!! 

What has been your all-time favorite moment at CFA?  

My first Rx workout.  It was a big deal for me personally.  

What motivates you during a tough workout?
 

Knowing I’m not alone in suffering the suck.

 

What are your goals going forward and what do you think will help you achieve them? 

To keep it simple and continue to grow in my fitness, strength, and overall wellness.  

 

What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health, and fitness or just day to day life since starting CrossFit (before/after?) 

  Before Crossfit I had a very sedentary lifestyle and a horrible lethargic approach to every aspect of daily life.  In just over four years I had gained a bunch of weight and what strength I had was gone.  I was reaching a point of no return and a bunch of metabolic disease problems on the horizon.   Fast forward to sitting in a parking lot and looking in the mirror and decided today was the day and I wasn’t going to stop until I walked into the Box.  

  After Crossfit:  Well they say Crossfit saves lives.  I believe in my case that it truly has.  I've seen dramatic changes in every facet of my life.  My energy and stamina has been my most notable change.  I still get tired but not as quickly as I did six months ago.  My body and mind no longer crave junk foods.  

 

What would you recommend to someone who is just starting out with CrossFit or is too afraid to try it? 

It’s okay, everyone is afraid at first but only you can decide to change.  Start out slow, learn the basics, and see how this fantastic community will help you every step of the way.  

 

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?

Dave Valko for sure.  Just the work ethic and discipline I’ve seen the whole time I’ve been at CFA.  It’s a true motivator without question I want to emulate. 

Quick Questions
 

Favorite Cheat Meal: Coors Light ;) 

Favorite workout song: Til I Collapse - Eminem 

Favorite place you have traveled: Naama Bay - Sharm El Sheik, Egypt 

Favorite Tv Show: The Office

 Favorite CrossFit Athlete (if any): Josh Bridges “Here We Go!”

Coach's comment:
 

Big Jay has been ready to work hard since the first day he walked into our doors last June. He has made tremendous gains including strength, cardio and even flexibility in the last 8 months. Outside of the gym he has been dedicated to eating right and they both have come in hand and hand. After about four months of CrossFit we had to do a double take at his original picture as I believe he was down 35 pounds at that point: Pretty incredible! It has been awesome to watch both Jay and his wife Jess become so dedicated to getting healthy and living an active lifestyle. We are thankful that Jay (& Jess) found CFA and he really is a good dude just like his favorite athlete JB!!