Athlete of the Month

We have so much love for our community, and want to take the chance to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work – if you haven’t met Dan yet (or even if you have), make sure to give him a high five and a smile next time you see him at the gym!

Dan is a happy guy – every time he walks in the gym, he has a smile on his face. He constantly brings a positive attitude (even on bike/burpee days) and his jolly outlook on life is something we should all strive for! If you didn’t know, Dan LOVES partner workouts!

We asked Dan a few questions so that we can all get to know him a little better:

Here is a little about Dan’s journey through CrossFit so far:

“A few years ago, I had a friend who started CrossFit and it changed his life. He was fitter than he had ever been in his life, and became a CrossFit fanatic. I was intimidated – the training seemed so elite/aggressive – but I took the step to go visit a gym in Savannah. They were a great and supportive group that helped me learn the ropes and develop the core competencies. Since then, the best part of my day is getting to the gym.”

Q: Where are you originally from?

I grew up outside of Athens, GA in Oconee County. I haven’t travelled far – have lived and worked in metro Atlanta mostly since I left UGA. I spent three years in Savannah due to a job transfer.

Q: What class do you attend?

4:30P is the one and only. Work, life, commutes, etc. make it the only option for me.

Q: Do you have a favorite workout or movement? Least favorite?

I like when we do a variety of “functional movements”, like throwing the sand bags, farmer’s carry, or box jumps. With the bar, overhead squat is my favorite. Partner WODs are extra fun. On the other end, my running needs improvement and I struggle with pull-ups.

Q: What’s your favorite hobby, pastime or interest outside of work (other than CrossFit)?

I love to backpack, but only get to do that a few times a year. I mountain bike once or twice a month. I am a decent electric guitarist.

Q: Favorite music to work out to or just listen to in general?

I would put Warren Haynes as the best all-around modern guitarist. I don’t listen to radio, just use Spotify and let it take me to undiscovered places. Here are a few songs in my deck recently, take a listen:

• “It Only Hurts” by Default
• “Sovereign Over Us” by Aaron Keyes
• “Before Tomorrow Comes” by Alter Bridge

Q: What is something that we may not know about you?

I am a middle manager for a Fortune 500 company (sound exciting?). I have four kids, three of which are in college. My brother runs a tree farm in Hawaii.

Q: Favorite Atlanta Restaurant?

Probably my favorite meals are prepared at home on the grill. That is an area I have skills.

Q: Favorite moment at CF Terminus?

When Marshall says we’re “gonna get jacked” and the rare moments I get to return the favor and yell at Chase.

Q: Any advice for someone considering trying CrossFit for the first time?

A good gym should cater to all fitness and skill levels. Scaling options are endless, so you can start from anywhere. Come visit and ask questions. Be honest and humble about where you are but also be excited about where you will be able to go.

Thank you Dan for your contagious smile and for coming to the gym ready to work hard EVERYDAY! 

We have so much love for our community, and want to take the chance to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work – if you haven’t met Joe yet (or even if you have), make sure to give him a high five and a smile next time you see him at the gym!

Here is a little about Joe’s journey through CrossFit so far:

“I have always been what I describe as “hyper-competitive” in everything I do. I played sports my whole life, and desperately needed an outlet once I stopped wrestling in college. It took about 4 years, but eventually I found CrossFit. I felt at home with the group training and competitive atmosphere that I had always loved so much about team sports.

About 6 months into CrossFit, I did my first local competition and was hooked. My focus in CrossFit competitions is not necessarily where I place – I get the most out of way that it allows me to have a different mindset. Being involved in competitive CrossFit on the local level has helped me to recognize the importance of seeing each day in the gym as an opportunity to improve as an athlete as opposed to worrying about the score on the board. It is extremely draining both mentally and physically to push for every last rep and second on the clock. I absolutely love pushing myself that hard in competition, but to be able to remain active long term, I have to be able to recognize what will help long term health and growth vs. posting the highest score on the whiteboard. Training has be fun in order for it be a positive addition to your life and I know that for my own personal journey, I am happiest in my day-to-day training without the wear and tear on my body and mind that a competitive mindset brings.”

We asked Joe a few other questions to get to know him better – they are answered below in his own words:

Welcome to February, a month of Celebrations! Groundhog day, Valentine’s Day, Lincoln’s Birthday, President’s Day, Fat Tuesday…the list goes on. And we can’t think of anyone we’d rather celebrate them all with than our February AOTM, Paulino Sanchez. He loves burpees??!! His favorite restaurant has the word “Fat” in the name? He makes fun of his own dogs! This is a man you must meet.

Q: What got you interested in CrossFit?

I hit a plateau in my fitness and I was in desperate need for a change/challenge. CrossFit was the perfect fit for what I needed. It offered me intensity and the new push that my body and mind were craving.

Q: Do you have a favorite workout or movement? Least favorite?

I really enjoy gymnastic movements and burpees. Unlike most people, I do not mind burpees at all. The fact that I am 5’7” probably helps given that my center of gravity is close to the ground. My most challenging movement is the snatch. I have a hard time activating my hamstrings and popping my hips. Slowly but surely and thanks to the coaches, I have been learning to use and incorporate my hamstrings and popping my hips into the prescribed workouts.

Q: What do you do for work?

Graphic Designer – I am an Art Director for a design agency. I specialize in retail design and visual merchandising.  Home Depot and Walmart have been my main clients for the past couple of years.

Q: What’s your favorite hobby, pastime or interest outside of work (other than CrossFit)?

Spending time with kids (my two fat pugs named Jackson and Henry).

Q: Favorite music to work out to? Favorite music to relax to? OR Favorite Atlanta Restaurant? OR Favorite Vacation spot?

My favorite restaurant is Le Fat in West Midtown. I am a big fan of Vietnamese food and their clay pot is exquisite. In terms of music, I have an eclectic music taste. I like everything from country to pop music.

Q: Any advice for someone considering trying CrossFit for the first time?

Just do it and take risks. Do not think about it twice. Most importantly, do not let the sport intimidate you. The gains and results you see down the line are enormous. Hard work pays off. You become stronger both physically and mentally.