1. When did you join CrossFit BC?
I joined Crossfit BC around 13 months ago with no real idea of what I was getting myself into. Filthy 50 as a first WOD had me leaving the gym (slowly) wondering how all these psychologically troubled people had managed to find one another. 2 days later I was back for more and the rest is history!
2. Why did you choose CrossFit?
By accident I guess. A few of my friends wanted to try it and wanted someone to come along. I had heard about it but hadn’t considered doing it myself. I can honestly say over a year later it has no become all consuming and it was the best “accident” I ever had!
3. What changes in your health, physique and overall performance have you seen since starting Crossfit?
EVERYTHING IMPROVES! Within Crossfit itself my performance has increased dramatically, all of my lifts have doubled or even tripled in some cases and gymnastics movements I could barely wrap my head around to start now feel comfortable (well maybe not comfortable) and consistent! I’ve also noticed huge changes in my physique, although I’ve still a long way to go, and my energy levels are higher then ever. I think doing Crossfit fosters a healthy lifestyle. You can’t help but eat healthier, get up earlier and just be generally more active even outside of the box!
4. What advice would you give to someone with regards to starting CrossFit?
Ignore all the media! If you want to have the best workout of your life with the best people you’ll ever meet then regardless of where you currently are from a fitness point of view Crossfit is for you. I can’t comment on the other boxes as I’ve never been but if the trainers have the wealth of knowledge that the CFBC ones do then you are in safe hands.
5. What is your favourite CrossFit exercise?
There’s a lot. I really like handstand pushups, bar muscle-ups and pistols which is funny because a lot of people hate them I also don’t mind Burpees. Recently though I’ve really started to like the Oly stuff more Cleans and Snatch Balance are fun!
6. What is your favourite activity outside of CrossFit?
Talking about Crossfit…. at least that’s what my non-Crossfit friends would say! I play football (real football) and snowboard in the winter but my favourite thing to do is just hang out with Tiger and friends and go to the beach or the pub and take it easy.
7. What is your proudest When did you join CrossFit BC?
Every new PR or quicker time feels like a culmination of all your efforts and hard work paying off so it’s hard to pinpoint one but I had so much fun working with Kiana at the CFBC summer challenge. In general though where you are at any given time is an accomplishment. I PR’d my deadlift a few days ago and being able to look back at where I was day 1 and where I am now and it feels incredible. Every difficult WOD completed, movement conquered or new weight lifted gives that same feeling!
8. Have you made any changes to your diet?
Lauren and I have definitely made changes to our diet but it’s an ongoing experiment. We tried Paleo and I hated it. I lost weight, felt weak and generally felt fatigued so I still eat plenty of carbs. I have cleaned up my eating a lot though and generally eat quality meat and get my carbs from better sources…. except for those damn organic wine gums….They are like crack and I definitely over indulge!
9. Is there something that people would be surprised to know about you?
Haha! Well given the fact that we are 3 years together tomorrow it seems appropriate that my interesting fact most people in the box may not know is that Lauren and I met on a TV dating show back in Ireland. That’s always a fun one for people to find out! Given how strong she’s getting now she’s probably going to kick my ass for putting that out there.
10. What/who inspires you the most?
We were lucky enough to go to the games in LA this summer and it was a huge inspiration to see KT perform down there. But, also going to the gym on an almost daily basis you see people working on a movement over and over, whatever it may be, after a WOD they are there in the corner trying to nail something and when they get it, weeks or months later, it’s always a great feeling to watch and it pushes you to work hard on your own goals because they are attainable!