What do you do when you’re not at CFA?
My whole CFA career I’ve been attending GVSU so you could say school work has been a top priority. I also enjoy playing pretty much any sport but soccer is what I enjoy the most.
What led you to Crossfit and CFA specifically?
I tried crossfit in highschool just for a few weeks and remember liking it but not having the time. 6 years and 60 pounds heavier, I found CFA through friends who were members. I had been playing sports my entire life, seemingly non stop. After a few years of college soccer, I decided to start crossfit to be more active and get stronger.
When did you realize that CrossFit is right for you?
I realized crossfit was right for me after about a year or so when I started seeing results (increase PRs, faster workouts). Even before that, the community at CFA were/are very encouraging to me and that’s what I love the most about crossfit. It doesn’t matter your skill level or fitness level, workouts are scaled to be challenging but doable.
Do you remember your first WOD?
All I remember was AMSU and tire flips.
What movement do you despise over everything and why?
Thrusters, because I am not a fast guy and it feels like time goes backwards while performing them.
What has been your all-time favorite moment at CFA?
The hot wing challenge was my favorite moment at CFA. Although it ended in a fashion I wished it wouldn’t have, it was a lot of fun.
What motivates you during a tough workout?
Typical other people motivate me during tough workouts. There are a lot of encouraging words said by coaches and members. Although it’s not a race (for me), my competitive nature kicks in and tries to finish faster than someone else.
If you could write your own workout for a day, what would it be?
5 Rounds of 50 Double unders, 25 Wall Balls, 20 Ab mat Situps, 15 cal assault bike, 200m run after each round.
What are your goals going forward and what do you think will help you achieve them?
My goals moving forward are to work on gymnastics movements that I am not particularly skilled at, specifically handstands. Achieving it would involve tips and instructions from members and coaches. More upper body strength would help too.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health, and fitness or just day to day life since starting CrossFit (before/after?)
When I first started, I was so focused on stepping onto the scale and wanting myself to be lighter. Through time and hard work, it did happen but not as much as I wanted. Recently, I’ve found that scales are deceiving and not the best way for me to track my progress. I was losing fat but gaining muscle that I could see visually and in my overall strength. When I started, I weighed around 265 because of a poor diet during college. To date I am down to 240 and a lot stronger than I was before.
What would you recommend to someone who is just starting out with CrossFit or is too afraid to try it?
To those who just started, stay focused and don’t lose hope. The hardest part of each workout is getting yourself to the gym. Crossfit is intimidating.
It may seem like a lot to handle looking in. But you’re not alone. The people will uplift and help anyone who is trying crossfit for any reason.
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?
If I could back squat like Tony or Harry, that would be the dream. For motivation, Ted posted some A+ videos during at home workouts that really inspired me as well as others. Finding motivation was hard when at home.
Typical other people motivate me during tough workouts. There are a lot of encouraging words said by coaches and members. Although it’s not a race (for me), my competitive nature kicks in and tries to finish faster than someone else.
Quick Questions
Favorite Cheat meal: Any Chinese Buffet
Favorite Workout song: Zombies – Bad Wolves
Favorite Place You Have Traveled: Eleuthera, Bahamas
Favorite TV Show: The Office
Favorite CrossFit Athlete(if any): Mat Fraser. If you have time, listen to the Joe Rogan Podcast interview with him!
Coach’s comment:
Bump is one of those guys who just shows up day after day ready to work hard and be challenged. He is an all around good dude and definitely a big part of our community. His consistency has made him faster, stronger and more fit all while losing weight. He’s also the best foam roller field goal kicker that we have at the gym. Keep up the hard work Bump!!
