What do you do when you’re not at CFA?
When I’m not a CFA I’m hanging out with my wife Jenelle and our 3 kids Gradin (15), Noelle (13), and Zander (11). We are currently involved with the Grandville Marching Band, Grandville Robotics, Intramural Rugby, and Scouts BSA. Outside of actively running kids around, I work for AVI Systems out of Minneapolis, MN. We work globally to build and design audio visual systems for our clients. My role is essentially a marriage counselor for people and their technology.
What led you to Crossfit and CFA specifically?
Two fold answer for this. My parents and watching them age and how difficult it is for them to get around in the last 10 years has been bothering me to the point where I wanted to make sure I can be mobile and active for my future grandkids and for myself in the future is a huge motivation for me. The other answer would be Dave Valko and watching him post workout videos. Sitting on my couch one night as I ate an unhealthy snack watching his video and saying to myself, “I need to do something about this” I logged on to Crossfit Allendale’s Website and sent a message about getting more info and was meeting Josh a few days after that and I’ve been here since.
When did you realize that CrossFit is right for you?
Day one. After years of starting and stopping going to a gym and always feeling lost and directionless, coming into an environment where there is a group of people to work with and I don’t know what we are doing on a daily basis was actually refreshing. I love walking into class not knowing anything that I’m about to put my body through.
Do you remember your first WOD?
11/8/21: 15-12-9-6-3 Power Clean and Bar Facing Burpees for Time 10:08 I remember hating Burpees. I don’t hate them anymore, I’m just mildly annoyed by them
What movement do you despise over everything and why?
Toss up between running and Thrusters. I have a long line of friends that are all runners. My best friend to this day is a cross country runner and marathon runner. I played football. I’m built for short distances and running has always been a struggle for me. Thrusters just suck. They are exhausting and I want nothing more than to not hate them, I just do. One day I hope to have a wonderful relationship with Thrusters or with running. I don’t see it happening, but there is always hope.
What has been your all-time favorite moment at CFA?
Every day feels like a new favorite moment to me because every workout feels like an accomplishment. But the CrossFit Open was my favorite because I was terrified to participate. I had a hard time sleeping before every workout because I wanted to do well despite the fact that I knew it was going to be hard and I was not going to knock it out of the park.
What motivates you during a tough workout?
That old football mentality of leaving it all out on the field. Push until you can’t push anymore.
If you could write your own workout for a day, what would it be?
My issue with this is I like a lot of movements that should never be in a workout together. I have to imagine it would be a combination of AMSU, HRPU, Wall Balls, and Deadlifts. And honestly totally loving GHD’s and would want to work those in as well.
What are your goals going forward and what do you think will help you achieve them?
I want to do three things: Toes 2 Bar, a full rope climb, and Double Unders. I think Double Unders are the most achievable and I just bought a speed rope and need to practice. The other movements I just need to work at it, Getting rid of the gut would help with the Toes 2 Bar.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health, and fitness or just day to day life since starting CrossFit (before/after?)
I can see a change in my strength, I’ve gained a lot of muscle since joining and also my thighs are testing the fabric strength of my dress pants on a daily basis now. I really wish I would have started this before moving because man I struggled with our move last August. I looked at a picture of myself from today and from January and it’s all in my face. My face has slimmed and my neck is getting thicker. My doctor has commented on how much my blood pressure and cholesterol are phenomenal and to keep up what I’m doing. I just feel better everyday and recovery time seems less and less the more work I put in.
What would you recommend to someone who is just starting out with CrossFit?
Listen to your body and move at a pace you’re comfortable with. This isn’t a competition environment, it’s a nurturing environment and we all want to see each other succeed.
If you could have one skill or characteristic of another member at CFA what and from whom would it be? Or which other CFA member are you the most motivated by?
That’s tough because I can’t attribute my motivation to just a single person and there are endearing characteristics of every person I’ve had the pleasure of sharing a class with. It’s a group strength that comes from everyone as a group. It’s Toni and I bonding over how much running sucks. It’s watching Ted throw a jump rope across the Gym in frustration. It’s Josh (Ruby) constantly being the most vocal person in the 7am class and keeping it light while also motivating everyone around him. It’s Brian and Dave checking in on me after they know I overdid it on GHD’s and harassing me and building me up at the same time. It’s Jess and Melissa always being positive and being encouraging to everyone. Brian, Mike, and Jay are always suddenly coming over and offering me advice and motivation in my technique. I’m motivated by everyone around me.
Quick Questions
Favorite Cheat meal: Plate of Chicken wings with lots of hot sauce
Favorite Workout song: The Phoenix By Fallout Boy or Lean Back by Fat Joe
Favorite Place You Have Traveled: Maggie Valley, North Carolina
Favorite TV Show: Buffy The Vampire Slayer
Favorite CrossFit Athlete(if any): Annie Mist Thorisdottir
Coach’s comment:
Art is one of those guys who started with us and has just been utra consistent and crushing it ever since. It’s been so great to see his fitness and overall health get better over the last 10 months. He has fit right in with our community and the 7am Bizstreamer’s. We are looking forward to watching him keep getting stronger, faster and slimmer. Keep up the hard work Art, we are glad to have you at CFA!
