1) When did you join CrossFit BC?
I started with CrossFit BC on day one. Approximately 5 years ago to the day I am writing this…Happy 5 year anniversary CrossFit BC!!!!!!!!! I think I was one of the first few members. For a number of years prior to CrossFit BC’s opening, Troy and I trained CrossFit together. I decided to join CrossFit BC the moment I learned that Krav Troy (KT) was adding CrossFit to his already established Krav Maga gyms, which at the time were in Deep Cove (now CrossFit North Van), lower Marine Drive in West Van (different location), and our current Yaletown location.
2) Why did you choose CrossFit?
I originally gave CrossFit a try due to some encouragement from my RMT. She knew that I was a little obsessive about fitness, which at the time was focussed around conventional gym workouts and a road bike. I went in to my fitness evaluation at CrossFit thinking to myself that I was going absolutely destroy this CrossFit thing. After my 400m ball run, tabata squats, and a pile of other hellish crap I could barely understand English and needed to sit in my car for about 20 minutes out of a fear of crashing if I drove. That’s when I knew CrossFit was for me.
3) What changes in your health, physique and overall performance have you seen since starting CrossFit?
Any and all changes have been for the better. I am in better shape now than probably any other point in my life. Everything from strength to cardio have all improved. Overall I feel more capable regardless of the workout. What I love about CrossFit is that regardless of what level you are at there is always something to be improved on. Just makes you want to keep working.
4) What advice would you give to someone with regards to starting CrossFit?
Leave your ego at the door.
5)What is your favourite CrossFit exercise?
Right now I would say snatch. Not because it’s my best exercise but because I am enjoying the challenges it presents.
6) What is your favourite activity outside of CrossFit?
Easy….Skiing and Motorcycling
7) What is your proudest accomplishment at CrossFit?
Again…easy. CrossFit Taranis Winter Challenge. Jayboy, Spydey, Cheerleader and I were a team. We made it to day 3. We were up against the Taranis team. Jayboy and I were going head to head against the Taranis guys. Spydey and Cheerleader were head to head against the Taranis girls. Speaking for myself I was a little intimidated. Jayboy and I finished ahead of the Taranis boys (proud moment). Spydey and Cheerleader were smaller in stature but as evidenced by their performance they had much more heart than their competition (proud moment #2). Yes…Taranis beat us but I was super proud of our team that day.
8) Have you made any changes to your diet?
Prior to CrossFit I had a much more regimented and measured diet. Biggest changes I have made have been to relax a little. I definitely eat more food and I am a less picky about how much fat I eat.
9) Is there something that people would be surprised to know about you?
My birth name is Luis Botello and I was born in Mexico
10) What/who inspires you the most?
I think lots of CrossFit people inspire me. Everyone from our newest CrossFit BC members getting there first RX on a movement to various CrossFit elite celebrity types absolutely killing a WOD during the regionals or the Games inspire me because they remind me that there will always be room for self-improvement.