MALE ATHLETE OF THE MONTH
How long have you been a member at CrossFit Nyack?
Since August [2011]
How did you hear about CrossFit originally?
Bob Mayer
In what area do you consider yourself the strongest when it comes to Lifting or WODing?
My strengths are Deadlifts and Back Squats
In what area do you consider yourself the weakest when it comes to Lifting or WODing?
Weakest are Cleans and Burpees
What is your favorite WOD?
Any that don’t have Burpees
What has been your biggest achievement since starting at CrossFit Nyack?
In my initial assessment Matt gave me credit for ½ Pullup but that was being very generous. I try to do non assisted pull-ups everyday that I am in the gym and I now can do 3 and close to getting a 4th [since writing this only a couple of weeks ago, Michael is at 5 pullups now]. Also the increases on my personal maximums have been very inspiring.
How many days per week do you work out at CrossFit Nyack?
Always get 3 days in, try to squeeze in 4th day whenever possible
What movement are you still struggling with and what are you doing to fix it?
Struggling with Cleans – and just keep on practicing them
Have you changed the way you eat? or changed your nutrition?
I am eating way better and thinking more about what I eat.
What motivates you daily?
I feel much better than I did in July, so I want to continue to improve my fitness and results.
What was your goal when you started CrossFit, and have those goals changed since then?
My goals were to get in shape, lose weight and to get stronger. They continue to be my 3 main goals.
What is your goal as you continue to progress?
To gain Muscle- Lose fat and get stronger.
Who is your favorite CrossFit Nyack athlete to compete against?
I really feel like I compete with myself, but I love lifting more than Bob. I love working out with Bob and Eric – they have both been really supportive and encouraging. We have a great early morning workout crew (Bob, Eric, Drea,Tiffany).
What keeps you coming back to CrossFit?
All the support from the coaches and fellow crossfitters and to continue getting in better shape. I had no idea when I started that this was the ideal workout program for skiing and it makes me feel great to be doing the workout that Ski magazine recommends every month. I did my first RX weight (185 for deadlifts) that got me really pumped once I was able to get off the floor.
What advice would you give to someone who might be intimidated by CrossFit Nyack?
Just try it, it is not as scary as it looks or sounds, The coaches really scale the WODs to your individual abilities and push everyone at the same time. I never in my life been able to go to a gym for more than 2 weeks in a row and now I am completely addicted.
Don’t be late to class – it is the thing that seems to upset Matt.
I would also like to thank Matt and Stephanie for their patience and support and most of all for getting me to do things I never thought I could do!
Coaches Comments
“Michael always shows up to the box with a positive attitude and hungry
to enhance his fitness acumen. He seeks skill assessment, sets goals,
and accepts challenges. I am stoked to have Michael making strides in
our box.” -Coach Pete
“6 am is early, that will never change, but I am always able to wake up just a little more when Michael walks in. Always out to have a good time, but always out to work as well. Michael has made some impressive gains in the few months that he has called CFN his home box. His form can sometimes leave something to be desired, but he works to improve on his weaknesses everyday. His strengths continue to improve as well, the most notable of these strengths would be . . . his strength. -Coach Matt
“One of the things that really excites me about Michael and his CrossFit training is how he applies his efforts and gains to his life outside of CrossFit. Michael is an avid skier, and is constantly sending links to CrossFit movements directly related to ski technique, or commenting on how and why he feels his skiing has improved because of CrossFit! Another thing that made it a no brainer for me to nominate Michael for athlete of the month is how proud he is of each and every gain he makes at the gym. Whether it’s a half rep increase on his pullups or technique improvement on his clean & jerk, Michael heads home with a huge grin on his face.” -Coach Steph
