Athlete Spotlight

A True Athlete

Back in April Brian came to me looking to get in shape.  He had heard about CrossFit through his wife Shelly and Giovana and decided to give it a try. One of the most amazing aspects about Brian is how he has literally transformed over the months in front of his fellow CrossFitters.  As you will read he could not do a single push up.  Now, 6 months later he completed Wednesdays push up progression (210 push ups) all in perfect military form.

When I first showed Carole Brian's email he sent to me back on the 9th of this month, we both joked at how we did not think Brian would continue just from shear frustration.  Thankfully he proved both of us wrong. 

Brian, as a friend and a fellow CrossFitter, I am very proud of what you have done and continue to do.  I would watch you struggle with your push ups in the "early days" and you would never give up.  Everyone knows how I feel about saying, "I can't", but Brian really couldn't at that time.  

Let's hear from Brian:

 

"Crossfit Michiana has re-structured my life.  I did not exercise prior to April when I first came to crossfit through Shelly and Giovanna.  Needless to say, I am hooked!  I do not miss a workout at the gym unless I am out of town.  The greatest non-physical aspect has been the discipline and time management it has put into my life.  It is amazing how I never had time to exercise, and now I will not miss a session if I can help it.

The discipline to exercise has also been noticed by my two oldest sons, 5 and 3.  They will ask if I worked out today and what exercises did I do.  For Shelly and I, it has forced us to work more closely together on our daily routine so that both of us can go to the gym, but also so that we get done what we need to get done at home.

Physically and mentally, I have never felt better!  I have seen amazing progress in 4 months.  The increase in muscle tone and strength have been incredible.  In April, I could barely do 10 pushups, Russian twists with 10 lbs., jumping pull-ups, DB snatch with 15 lbs., push press with 40 lbs.,  thrusters with 40 lbs., and the list goes on. 

Now I can do 30+ real push-ups without stopping, Russian twists with 35lbs., DB snatch with 30lbs., push press with 95lbs., thrusters with 75lbs (working on 95), and most recently Kip pull-ups (I have the badges of honor to prove it). 

Mentally, I feel absolutely better about myself because I am taking better care of myself and can see my self transforming on a monthly basis.  Nutrionally, I have not completely converted.  However, I am eating much better.  I do not skip breakfast and I eat many smaller portions throughout the day.  Fruits and vegetables are a bigger part of my diet than they have ever been.  After 6 months, I intend to get my cholesterol checked to see what impact CrossFit has had on my previous level of 240.

Crossfit has improved my self image, confidence and attitude not to mention my relationship with Shelly."

Thanks Jim,

Brian Smith

 

Now From April 9th.

 

"I told you I was going to get my Cholesterol checked after 6 months to see  if Crossfit would have an impact.  The results are in...I was at 261 in  February and it is now 184!!  The only changes that have been made are starting Crossfit and working toward a more zone oriented diet.  To think I  could have made that dramatic of an impact since April is unbelieveable.  I  was hoping for a 40-50 point reduction and blew right past that.

Just goes to show what a lot of hard work can do.  I really thought I was  headed for medication even though you would have looked at me in April and  maybe said no way.

Thanks for all the support and encouragement along the way."

Brian Smith

This is why I gave up 9.5 years in a "safe/stable" career.  This is about helping people.  People who are now or will soon be drug free and have a higher qaulity of life because they are not being sold crap!.  Keep up the great work Brian.  Many will benefit from the progress you make daily.

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Comments

[Cindy]

Brian the effort I see you put in a workout is never less than 110%. You're also one that is right there cheering & encouraging everyone else through the workout. You are the definition of what a crossfitter is - keep up the great job!

[Fay]

Awesome job, Brian!! Thanks for being an inspiration for all of us and way-to-go on your cholesterol, that is an amazing accomplishment.

[Paige]

CONGRATULATIONS, Brian! It is stories like yours that keep me going and keep me pushing. I, like you and so many others, believe that CrossFit, and Jim, saved me in so many ways. Keep it up!

[Schantel]

Brian- I agree with Cindy you are always there pushing everyone else and cheering them on. Thank You. Keep up the good work. P.S. Way to go on the cholesterol :)