What made you decide to try CrossFit?
It was the free Saturday morning workout that my beautiful wife Magen saw advertised. She said we should go give it a try as she was training for a Spartan Race and was in a rut working out at home. We came that Saturday and I have been coming every week since.
What is your favorite part about Empowered Living Company?
My favorite part of ELC is the people and the sense of community that you feel when you are there. We moved back to the Morris area almost 3 years ago and I would have to say that being a part of ELC is one of the best things that we have done since moving back. The relationships that we have created since being a part of the gym have been a great blessing.
What’s your favorite movement, lift or workout?
We just competed in the CrossFit Open for the first time (Friday Night Lights) and those workouts have been my favorite. The atmosphere that is in the gym is electric! As an athlete you feed off of that. But more than competing, I enjoyed cheering others on as you watch them set PRs and push themselves to do things they did not think they were capable of. It is that experience that has been the most inspiring.
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What’s one milestone you’re most proud of so far?
I can’t say that I am proud of one certain thing that I have accomplished since being a part of ELC. What I can say is that I am proud of my growth in all lifts/movements. I know for a fact that I am stronger and more sound in my movements since I have joined ELC. That is something that the coaches help you with. I need direction/coaching and at the gym I get just that and it is done in a very encouraging way.
What are some unexpected benefits you’ve experienced since starting?
My attitude. I have realized that since working out at ELC my attitude and outlook on life has improved. I usually work out at the 5:30am class. When you can go to the gym first thing in the morning and break mental barriers by doing things that you usually would not push yourself to do, that starts your day off the right way! Plus, I work out with a pretty great group of people. Did I mention that the people were my favorite part of ELC? Each of them help to start my day and get me going in the right direction. I am thankful for each person that walks through those doors each day. I am always one workout away from a good mood.
What is your next goal you plan to crush?
Friday Night Lights revealed to me a number of areas that I want to improve. I would like to become a proficient rower, I want to improve my clean, and I would like to be able to do solid handstand walks. There are many more things that I want to get better at, and that is why I keep coming to the gym 4-5 times a week. I am never satisfied with my performance. There is always something to improve upon.
What advice would you give someone walking through the Empowered Living Company door for the first time?
Please just try it. Each time you walk in the doors you are greeted by people who are excited that you are there (coaches and athletes alike). I can guarantee that people will introduce themselves and try to make you feel comfortable and welcome. I cannot say enough good things about this gym and the people who are a part of it. I am very proud to say that I work out there. And I am very proud of the results that I have seen in myself. If you are still questioning whether or not you want to try it, think about what Thomas Jefferson said, ‘If you want something that you have never had, you must be willing to do something that you have never done.’ Even if you have tried CrossFit other places and questioned it, try it at ELC. You will be happy with your decision. I know I am.
tonyf