- What was life like before you became a member?
Before becoming a member, my hobby was playing a lot of video games. I spent a lot of time behind a screen. At work I was stuck at my desk most days and would come home and sit at a desk some more. I decided I needed to get up and move more than I was at the time.
2. At the time you enrolled, were you already exercising? What was your previous background in fitness?
When I enrolled, I was working out once or twice a week with Kasey at Crunch Fitness, but it was fairly boring going there for me. Growing up my life revolved around fitness, I was a year-round athlete. I played baseball, football and wrestled for my school. I also did MMA for almost 10 years, snowboarded, skateboarded, and rode BMX.
3. What originally prompted you to seek us out?
Kasey started to teach me Olympic lifts when we would go to Crunch. It was awkward at first, but it grew on me. That’s what drew me in and made me want to come to my first class.
4. What was your goal when you originally signed up?
I didn’t necessarily have a goal when I first signed up. I just wanted to move more. I could feel my body starting to slow down. My goals started when I realized how advanced some of the movements are and challenging some of the gymnastics can be.
5. What have you liked best about working with us?
So far, my favorite thing is that every class feels like I’m part of a team again. Going to Crunch was okay for small amounts, but when everyone in the room at Keystone is dedicating their time to doing the same workout or work on the same lift, there is something about that, it really motivates me.
6. What are you most proud of achieving since you started?
I am most proud of some of my lifting PR’s and the movements I have been able to achieve. Never once in my life did, I think I would be squatting almost as much as my deadlift.
7. With everything that you have accomplished, has your view of yourself changed?
I think my view of myself has changed. I am more confident in myself in what I can and can’t do and know where I need to focus my time and energy to better myself. I have started eating better and taking care of my body much more than I was before I started with Keystone.
8. What would you say to anyone else who might be dealing with any similar struggles you did?
To anyone who was stuck at a desk like I was, start small. Start of with simple things like maybe doing some sit-ups or pushups in between commercial breaks if you’re watching tv. From there start challenging yourself. See what can and can’t be done and work on making what can’t be done possible.
9. Do you have any special moments/memories?
I really enjoyed challenging myself to getting my first bar muscle up. When I finally was able to make the transition into getting over the bar, it was a great feeling. Keystone has inspired me to work on other movements as well outside of the normal realm of CrossFit. Getting my first real frog press inspired me to take that even further. I am currently working on being able to do a straight arm handstand press and hopefully progress that even further into a planche even if it is for just a second.
10. What is your favorite movement/lift?
I like any and all complex movements. The harder the challenge for me usually makes me enjoy it more. I like snatching, clean and jerks, handstand walking, double unders, and most pull up work and variations.
