TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF. WHAT DO YOU DO OUTSIDE OF THE GYM?
I have three wonderful kids, so I spend a ton of time learning about Pokemon and trying to understand why they enjoy watching other kids on Youtube open toys. I work in policy reform and strategy in my day job and spend as much time as possible opening doors for people to make long-term positive impacts.
WHAT INITIALLY GOT YOU INTO TRAINING AND WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK?
I initially got into training because I’d historically struggled with my weight and decided I wanted to get serious about my goals and make some lifestyle changes. I started with walking, running, and biking and once I began hitting benchmarks, I wanted to be in an environment that would challenge me to grow. I’d dropped 50 pounds and I told my wife I was ready to get to the next level I walked into the gym after it was closed, and Coach Darcy walked me around and introduced me to folks who had just finished the MURPH workout. Darcy asked if I wanted anything to eat and I said I was a vegetarian she said “well, great here’s a black bean burger” and I knew at that very moment I was home. I keep coming back because I am in the best shape of my life thanks to Hardware and you can’t get the community we have here anywhere else.
WHAT ARE YOUR FITNESS GOALS? HOW CLOSE ARE YOU TO REACHING THEM?
My fitness goals are simple, I want to be better today than I was yesterday. Fitness is indeed a journey with peaks and valleys, but I keep showing up and challenging myself to get better, which means I get closer to my goals every day. I also want to be able to beat my kids in a footrace well into their teenage years.
WHAT’S AN ACCOMPLISHMENT OR GOAL YOU’VE REACHED AT HARDWARE THAT MADE YOU THE MOST PROUD?
I co-captained our Crossfit Open team A Sight for Sore Thighs with Coach Fatimah last year and that was my proudest moment so far at Hardware. The Open is intimidating as hell and being able to fight with a team and compete was terrific. I will say that after being a co-captain I shared with one of my close friends that I wanted to win Athlete of the Month so now we are going to have to make some new goals for the upcoming year! These moments stick out to me because I know how hard fitness is and I am proud of myself for committing!
FAVORITE WOD/MOVEMENT?
Anything with kettlebells and if not kettlebells whatever the last movement of the WOD is because that means we made it through another spicy workout!
LEAST FAVORITE WOD/MOVEMENT?
Thrusters…we should defund thrusters.
ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE INTERESTED IN TRYING OUT HARDWARE?
I advise anyone interested in trying out Hardware to just show up to the gym and we will take care of the rest with you. We have Coaches who will literally get on the ground with you, walk you through every move, and help you develop your abilities. The entire community is helpful and when you come from other gyms where the environment is different, it may seem odd when every class cheers you, but I am here to tell you that it is real. We have a great program called “Bring a friend day” every month, come check out a Saturday morning class and do a partner workout.