Crossfit Allendale

Home > About > Member of the Month > Kevin Ahrens

What was your athletic background, if any?
 

I was always into baseball and wrestling since the age of about 4 or 5 through High School. I also ran cross-country to stay in shape. Now I play in pick-up basketball on a softball team in the Spring/Fall and enjoy skateboarding and snowboarding when I can!

What led you to Crossfit and CFA specifically?  
When I was at Grand Valley State I started in an intramural weight training program called (HIIT) or ‘High Intensity Interval Training’ a type of weight training that incorporated olympic like lifting along with cardio and strength! Very Similar to what we do here! I had some fun with it working on some new lifts other than the typical ones 95% of people know. At the end of year there was a competition open to the class and all of Grand Valley, The Fittest Laker, I nabbed the top spot both years I participated, don’t be too proud I think only 20 competitors is all I had to beat out :). In between those two years, I think it was 2014, a new gym rolled into town with a couple of young owners calling their new place of fitness a “Box” and their workouts “Wods”. I had no real exposure yet and thought thought hey this might be for me!? After googling crossfit and watching a couple YouTube videos of Rich Froning, I was pretty hooked! I showed up a few weeks into their opening, I think they were still drilling holes in the concrete to bolt down the rig! The rest is History.

(Kevin circa April, 2014...)

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

And recovering?? :) I am a Realtor, so I spend a lot of time helping clients with their real estate needs, but in between that I have a beautiful wife, new baby, a dog that will not tire, and a couple of spoiled cats! Also, getting together with family and friends is always important for me! And if money and time were no object I’d love to travel.

When did you realize that CrossFit is right for you?
 

I think it was after I did Fran for the first time and my time was under 3:00... :)

Do you remember your first WOD?
 

Not really but my guess is it had either row, pulls-ups and burpees or all of the above??

What is your favorite or least favorite WOD/movement?
 

Usually around the Crossfit Open it’s a little of both. But least favorite in particular it was the 2015 Open where we had to do 27-21-15-9 calorie row and 95lb thrusters. :(
 

What is your most proud CrossFit moment?
Being nominated as MOM is pretty huge, but I guess this past Summer where Leo, Brenden and I made it to the final event at the 8th Day Games with Team Remax! It was grueling but we stuck it out as a team, and had a ton of fun preparing for the event!

What motivates you during a tough workout?
 

Always getting better, knowing that each rep no matter how much struggle and pain will help me in the future.

What are your goals going forward and what do you think will help you achieve them?
I’d like to compete more in competitions, and team events. I’m heading up a team and we have competed this past year at the 8th Day Games! That was a great event to kick us off, and actually I think we are ready for another! Would love to have more of the CFA community on board if interested in competing.
 

What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness or just day to day life since starting CrossFit (before/after?)  
Physically I’d say definitely legs and strength in the core area. Overall I think making it to Crossfit throughout the week is a crucial part of my work/life balance. It melts away any stress or worry and I have fun doing it!  

 

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

Don’t be! It will open up you to so much opportunity to learn and grow your fitness. There is room for you to join the community at whatever level you are at.

 

If you could have one skill or characteristic of another member at CFA what and from whom would it be?

Anyone who attends the 5:30am morning classes!! Also, wish I had Josh’s Backsquat or Judd’s Beard.  

Quick Questions
 

Favorite Cheat Meal: I really don’t call it cheating... But between McNuggets or Pizza.

Favorite workout song: Mask Off by FUTURE, Centuries by Fall Out Boy and anything else rap especially NF.

Favorite place you have traveled: Fort Lauderdale

Favorite Tv Show: Ridiculousness

Favorite CrossFit Athlete (if any): Rich Froning

Coach's comment:
 

Kevin is well-deserving for December’s member of the month. He has been a part of CFA for over 4 years now, one of our original members. We appreciate his commitment to CFA over all of those years! Kevin has been able to power through any wod since day 1. Not only has he gotten faster and stronger, in 2018 he finally began showing up on time to classes, which is what makes us most proud ;’)   …..Aside from being extremely fit, Kevin is an all around good guy who is easy to talk to and workout with. Keep up the hard work, Kevin!