Geoffrey F.
Age:
26
Hometown:
I was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan but grew up in Hanover Park, Illinois.
How long have you been CrossFitting?
3 months.
Athletic Background:
I played soccer for seven years, baseball for four, and ran track and field in high school. I also lifted weights quite a bit my junior and senior year in high school as part of a class. I enjoy playing ultimate frisbee and doubles volleyball. CrossFit is the first time I’ve really done any serious athletic activity since high school.
What were your thoughts after your first WOD?
Honestly, I hated it. I didn’t feel good, I felt horrible. I wholeheartedly believe in process and that it takes time to fully understand how something impacts your life. Just because you do something once and it’s hard doesn’t mean you should stop. I’m still working through how CrossFit is impacting my life, but so far I know it’s all been positive and I’ve seen progress in both my fitness life and my personal life, mentally and physically. That’s enough to keep me coming back day after day. It’s a journey.
What is something no one knows about you?
I took ballet for a few years when I was a kid. Tap dance and contemporary jazz in high school and a little bit in college. It’s funny though, I can’t dance. Ha!
What are you training/fitness goals?
I want to feel good, be strong, not get winded going up a flight of stairs, enhance my overall quality of life to the point where people notice and ask about the changes I’ve made in my life, so I can ultimately give back and help other people make positive change in their own lives.
I’d love to do a Spartan Race. There’s one in Chicago June 11th and 12th. I’m going to start training in the latter half of December. Obstacle racing in general sounds like it would be incredibly fun.
What is your favorite CrossFit WOD/movement?
Deadlift and front squat.
What is your least favorite WOD/movement?
Right now it’s snatch. I feel crazy off balance.
What is your favorite cheat food?
Lou Malnati’s deep dish pepperoni pizza with butter crust, uncut. Craft beer. Van’s frozen custard. I know it said cheat food, but for me that’s the perfect cheat meal.
What’s your favorite thing about CrossFit?
My wife and I talk about how we feel like at CrossFit we can work out our shit. It’s the one place we can go where we feel like we’re not being judged and all the things most people are self-conscious about are right out in the open. The community is awesome. We really appreciate the emphasis on family at Enclave and it’s evident through the different programs offered. Love seeing parents show up with their kids, so cool.
Any advice for people just getting started?
Commit to going consistently. If you’re going to do this, just do it. Get to know people. Learn from others by being observant and be receptive to feedback. I suffer from some anxiety associated with working out and sometimes just showing up is a win for me. Learn to celebrate the small victories within the context of your own life and how CrossFit fits into it.