The only way to get better (or grow) is to learn, and seeing that the coaches at this new gym were willing to do that was one of the factors that sealed the deal on us finding a new gym.
December 2021 AOTM: Meet Seth Oyler
We have so much appreciation for our community, and love to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work and perseverance. Seth brings a tremendous amount of positive energy and a intensity to each and every class. Most importantly we love his welcoming nature. We can’t count the number of people who comment that Seth was one of the first people to say hi or hand out some encouraging words during their first time at Terminus. Make sure to give him a fist bump the next time you’re at the gym.
Q: How long have you been going to Terminus? What changes have you seen in yourself (physically or mentally) since joining?
We have been at Terminus around a year and a half. Before joining Terminus I was feeling unconnected with CrossFit in general and considering taking a break to explore other fitness options. Since joining I have rediscovered the fun in CrossFit.
Q: How has your journey at Terminus helped you outside the gym?
My biggest guilty pleasure is eating and drinking good food. Coming to the gym does 2 things. First; it helps encourage me to eat healthier and maintain the lifestyle for long term healthy living. Second: I don’t feel as guilty about splurging on the things I enjoy.
Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?
In all honesty it’s the new members. I remember walking in when I first started and how intimidating and hard it was. The courage it takes to stick with it and build good habits is always inspiring.
Q: How would you describe what it’s like to be a part of Terminus?
Terminus is an extremely fit community. At the same time everyone comes in without an ego. We all encourage and motivate one another. In my opinion the competitive aspect of CrossFit is what makes it so fun, but the members at our gym never let that get in the way of a strong, uplifting environment.
Q: Tell us about your first day of class at Terminus.
I have been doing CrossFit for more than half a decade. I am also moderately fit; at most gyms this means I get ignored by the coaches. My first day at Terminus Patrick was the coach (as he is for many). I don’t remember specifically what was said, but do know it was a sassy comment correcting my form or telling me to check my ego. I appreciated that probably more than he ever knew. The only way to get better (or grow) is to learn, and seeing that the coaches at this new gym were willing to do that was one of the factors that sealed the deal on us finding a new gym.
Q: What is something that we may not know about you?
I am a pretty big nerd. Before CrossFit I had never played any sports. I love playing DnD and fantasy rpg’s. I also recently joined a sifi book club (thanks Michael Blanchard)!
Q: What are your top 3 memories or proudest moments in CrossFit?
First has to be meeting Chantelle, the first gym we were at brought us together and I don’t think anything can top that. (The first time we ever talked was thanks to a question of the day).
Second would be the first time I got a bar muscle-up. The first open I did (16.3) had them and I remember staring at the bar for the full 7 min unable to do a single one. After that I spent many hours learning how and made sure I could a least do them if they ever came up.
Third is a recent memory, there was a workout at Terminus that I was doing and I could feel pain starting in my back. I stopped the workout to prevent injury and was super happy I did. There was a point where I would have been dumb enough to keep going and risk injury and I think I have gained enough perspective to realize I am in this for the long haul, pushing through and finishing a workout that I know I shouldn’t is no longer worth the risk to me and I’m happy I have learned that.
Q: Moving forward, do you have any short term or long term goals in the gym?
Well just like everyone my goal is to make it to the games (2025 here I come). In all seriousness I gained a few lbs on our recent honeymoon and I would love to burn that off. Long term, my goal is to squat 500, not sure if I can but I’d love to give it a shot.