Member of the Month:
Tyler "OX" Pavliga
Name:
Tyler "OX" Pavliga
Age:
24
From:
Dayton, OH.
Member Since:
September, 2018.
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What was your athletic background, if any? I ran track at GVSU- 400m hurdles, 4x400, and long jump
What led you to Crossfit and CFA specifically?
I've always been interested in CrossFit and weightlifting, especially after I was done running track and wanted to try something different than just lifting at the gym.
What do you do when you're not at CFA? Work and eat. I don't have a life much outside of CrossFit 😅. I do enjoy the occasional casual walk around Grand Rapids.
When did you realize that CrossFit is right for you? The first week I was at CFA. I loved the environment and atmosphere of working out with everyone and the competitiveness of the classes.
Do you remember your first WOD? Yes, it was, I believe, 10-8-6-4-2 squat snatch with a 200 run in between. I was horrible at squat snatches and failed miserable at it and was 100% dead at the end of WOD.
What movement do you despise over everything and why?
Burpees and all things burpees related, thrusters with a close second. Who really likes burpees anyways.
What has been your all time favorite moment at CFA?
Definitely being apart of Friday nights CrossFit open WODs. All the people together cheering each other on is what I love about the atmosphere and CFA.
What motivates you during a tough workout? Being able to drink an O2 afterwards and Charlie, Kenny, and Royce!
What are your goals going forward and what do you think will help you achieve them?
I want to do more CrossFit competitions and possible be able to go to a bigger competition in the future. Sticking to the process and pushing myself in tough WODs, even when I feel like slowing down or quitting.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness or just day to day life since starting CrossFit (before/after?)
I've gotten much stronger since I've been out of track and my muscle endurance has gone up. I've learned to do a muscle up (bar/ring), handstand push up and walk, snatch and overhead squat properly, and much more. My overall fitness level has increased significantly since starting CrossFit at CFA.
What would you recommend to someone who is just starting out with CrossFit or is too afraid to try it?
Don't compare yourself to others, everyone is there to work on themselves and better their lives. Also, sometimes it's best to leave your ego outside, don't try to do something you aren't comfortable with. The best part about CrossFit is that you can scale anything to your comfort level and still be able to get the work in and push yourself because at the end of the day, it's about your fitness and getting you better.
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?
Josh schumacher- to be able to 30 ring muscle ups as fast as him and his ability to knock out strict handstand push ups. And I want Kate's ability to love burpees as much as she does.
Quick Questions Favorite Cheat Meal: Pizza.
Favorite workout song: Anything Queen, Whitney Houston, and Lil' Pump
Favorite place you have traveled: Madrid
Favorite Tv Show: The Office
Favorite CrossFit Athlete (if any): Marquan Jones (newer athlete) and Tia Claire.
Coach's comment: Tyler is well deserving of October’s member of the month. He joined our CFA family around August 2018 and has put in a lot of work since then. He has made huge improvements in his gymnastic skills from when he started. Pretty recently he has taken his fitness outside of the gym and has represented CFA well in multiple CrossFit competitions. He is a real personable guy and everyone enjoys working out with him in our classes. Keep up the hard work, Tyler!