What do you do when you’re not at CFA?
Work and enjoy time outside. Love traveling and being in the sun. Favorite place is Rincon, Puerto Rico.
What led you to Crossfit and CFA specifically?
I saw a picture of myself with my shirt off sitting in my friend’s boat. I was shocked at how overweight I was.
When did you realize that CrossFit is right for you?
I love encouraging others! However for myself I will never push myself as hard as when someone else is doing the same thing and saying “keep going”. Also having the workout set for me eliminates the natural tendency to be “efficient “ and do less than I should.
What movement do you despise over everything and why?
Overhead squats. Never have I felt so inept and weak as holding a bar over my head and just trying to lower myself down.
What motivates you during a tough workout?
Seeing everyone else push through. I feel so exhausted and like giving up, look over and see everyone else not even breaking a sweat. It’s then that I pretend I just need to grab a sweat towel and take a mini break. “Pull yourself together man”.
If you could write your own workout for a day, what would it be?
Pigeon stretch, good mornings, high reach toe touches, 400m jog.
What are your goals going forward and what do you think will help you achieve them?
I would really like to do a muscle up and 50 double-unders in a row. To achieve that I will have to do the prescribed workouts and not the workout above. Which is why I am a life member.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health, and fitness or just day to day life since starting CrossFit?
My friend this year asked me to run the 25k two weeks before the event. I had always had that as a bucket list item but had not been training. Thanks to CFAs workouts that combine cardio and strength I said “Yes!” And was able to finish!
What would you recommend to someone who is just starting out with CrossFit?
Keep at it. Results will come with consistency!
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?
Very hard to say. I am motivated by so many members, just being around them and watching them helps push me.
Besides our fearless coaches, Josh, Caleb, Kevin, and Phil are my imaginary “one day I’ll surpass them” goals.
Chad, Dave and Ryan are stronger than me but push me to keep pressing. I will never forget the competition where Dave was like “sure add 30lbs to my PR” and power cleaned it. Very impressed.
I will also say Kelly, she is just the most steady endurance member out there. I will always blast out of a work out and slowly and surely she will somehow beat me by a couple reps. Way to go!! She definitely challenges and motivates me!
Quick Questions
Favorite Cheat meal: pizza!
Favorite Workout song: Sia – Unstoppable or the greatest
Favorite Place You Have Traveled: Puerto Rico and New Zealand
Favorite TV Show: anything funny
Favorite CrossFit Games Athlete: Rich Froning
Coach’s comment:
We are thrilled to recognize Ben as our Member of the Month for June. Since joining CrossFit Allendale in June 2020 with his wife Becky, Ben has shown remarkable dedication and enthusiasm. His commitment to improving his fitness is truly inspiring. Since starting, he is a regular at our 5:48am class, and has even done a few CrossFit competitions. His ability to take on challenges, like running a 25k on short notice and completing “Clovis” and “Murph” every year showcases his resilience and determination. Congrats, Ben, and keep up the fantastic work!
