Jay B.

Age: 
41

Hometown: 
Hoffman Estates, IL

How long have you been CrossFitting? 
just over 4 months

Athletic Background: 
I've been a basketball player my whole life and still enjoy playing whenever I can. I've never had any exposure to anything even remotely similar to CrossFit tho. The last few years my exercise routine has consisted of a few rounds of golf per year and some beer-league softball which was way more beer and wings than exercise.

What were your thoughts after your first WOD? 
I honestly got into my car and tried to figure out what the hell had just happened. And I remember being so impressed by the form and the amount of weight the women of Enclave were throwing around.

What is something no one knows about you?
I sat in my car for a good 10-15 minutes before my first WOD listening to metal and trying to convince myself to walk in the front door.

What are your training/fitness goals?
I'd love to keep getting more consistent, keep building my strength and endurance and like to get my form down for all the movements. I think I've been inspired enough to go get my level 1 certification within the next year or so also.

What is your favorite CrossFit WOD/movement?
WallBalls, rowing and burpees. They all suck but they are pretty easy movements to see improvement in.

What is your least favorite WOD/movement?
Snatch and Overhead Squats. I'm really weak at these and my form still needs a ton of work.

What is your favorite cheat food?
Every single thing in the world is better with Mexican food. Authentic al pastor tacos, pasole and freshly made guac can snap me right out of any funk.

What’s your favorite thing about CrossFit?
I love the environment, the people and the fact that it's so easy to track your progress. I'm not a guy that can go to the gym by myself and come up with a productive workout. But with CF, I just show up, do the WOD and feed off the energy of the group. It really is special how everyone at Enclave wants to see everyone else do well and some of the best people in the gym are the first ones to stop and try to help you.

Any advice for people just getting started?
Stay humble, check your ego at the door, pay attention to proper form versus weight, listen to the coaches and most importantly: JUST GO. I mean it, especially if you don't feel like it that day or if today's WOD is full of things you struggle with: JUST GO. Not that I'm counting but I've walked through those doors 77 times in the last 125 days and that might be the thing I'm most proud of