Meet our second AOTM Allen Gaoiran! Allen is a fixture of the 6:00 a.m. class and not only manages to bring his “A-Game” every day, but show up with a smile!

We asked Allen 6 questions and he answered the call. If you have not met Allen, now you know how to break the ice next time you see him!

Q: What got you interested in CrossFit?

I needed a change in my exercise routine. I was living in SF at the time and was going to a run-of-the-mill fitness gym. Boring and monotonous is what I would describe my exercise routine. I was in need for something different. One day I noticed people running on the sidewalk with wall balls outside my office window and thought, “huh, thats different” but didn’t think anything of it. That weekend I went to Baltimore for a wedding and was planning on going to the hotel gym for a quick workout. My brother-in-law mentioned that he was going to workout at a Crossfit gym. I followed him and saw a stack of wall-balls in the corner and put two together. I’ve been hooked ever since. I’ve been doing crossfit for about 4 years. Each day is a different physical and mental challenge. I like it because it preps me for the day. I also love the sense of community.

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

My favorite workout / movement is the squat snatch. Its challenging for me but like the dynamic complex movement it requires. My least favorite is running. I feel like I am the slowest on earth (editor’s note: this is totally not true. He regularly runs me into the ground at 6:00 a.m.)

Q: What do you do for a living?

I am a creative director / brand strategist and designer. I’ve designed a range of products from food/beverage to beauty to liquor. I launched Dove for Men, Herbal Essences, Estee Lauder, Ciroc and Johnnie Walker just to name a few. I also designed the branding my brother-in-law’s Crossfit gym in Smyrna a few years ago.

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

Any type of arts, visual, music, performance. I love to draw, paint or any type of handcrafting. Anything that involves creating things with my hands, sign me up. It’s therapeutic for me. Its a chance for me to tune everything out and let my mind flow without any rules.

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

Favorite music to workout to is 80’s pop. I like to secretly sing-along. I’ll tune in to classical to relax and refocus.

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

You have nothing to lose and a lot to gain (both physical and mental). When I first started the programming, I was convinced that I was not capable lasting through a workout without giving up. For weeks, I was slow and delirious but didn’t give in. It was about showing up everyday, try my best and face my weaknesses. A few months in, I noticed myself getting stronger and more efficient not only in the gym but in other parts of my life. I love to see others around me improve, it inspires me to do better. Ben & Emily and the community at Terminus is the best you can ever ask for. You’ll get the best coaching, you’ll get stronger while meeting an amazing group of people.