Tell us a little bit about yourself. What do you do outside the gym?
I live in Andersonville with my wife, Bridget and two kids, Wren (13) and Ike (11). I work as the pipeline supervisor at Warner Bros. Animation writing code that helps automate and support the production of our animated TV series and movies. No, I’m not an animator (and don’t have any visual art skills at all!). On my off days from Hardware, I like to run with our dog Baloo. Weekends are primarily family time and there are a lot of kids activities, soccer, volleyball, choir, etc. I also love binging good TV at the end of the day.
What initially got you into training, and what keeps you coming back?
I have always been an active person and when I can’t do something active, let’s just say I’m less of a tolerable person :). I have fallen out of shape from time to time which is very frustrating and have struggled with consistency. I love running, but I needed something else to help keep me motivated and balance my fitness. So I joined Hardware hoping it would help. It has ended up being so much more than I had hoped. What keeps me coming back is the community, the support of the coaches, the absolute acceptance, the fun, and the challenging variety of workouts. I’m always learning and pushing myself, and I feel really good.
What are your fitness goals? How close are you to reaching them?
Getting old sucks. Most of my goals are more general. I want to feel good, keep pushing myself, remain strong and mobile, and keep myself fit. Hardware has definitely helped tremendously for each of those goals. I still get my PRs and do things I never thought I’d be able to! But I still like to keep my primary goals focused more on the long game.
What’s an accomplishment or goal you’ve reached at Hardware that makes you the most proud?
The first time I ever did a rope climb I couldn’t believe it. Dana had been working with us in a class on how to clamp with our feet. I wasn’t quite getting it, and at the end he just said “don’t over think it, you’ll get it”. The next day I came to open gym to practice and shot right up to the top. I was so excited I almost fell off. Toes-to-bar was another thing I never thought possible. Double-unders and Pull-ups are my current challenges. I’m making good progress on both!
Favorite WOD/movement?
I think wall walks would win this one. Ugh. Of course, afterward I’m like “Yeah! I did that!” but during them, I’m more like “fuuuuuu—-”
Any advice for someone interested in trying out Hardware?
Just come in. The hardest part is showing up the first time. Once you’re here, you’ll see it’s awesome. Doesn’t matter if you’ve never lifted a dumbbell or don’t know what any of the movements are. The coaches, and your fellow members, will be there to encourage you and help you along the way. The coaches work with you to scale each workout to your personal ability so you never feel left behind. Every class, you’re killing it by showing up. And before you know it, you’ll be accomplishing things you never thought you could. I’m incredibly grateful that I found this place and especially this community.