Brian F.
Brian Now
Brian Before
First Name & Last Initial - Brian F.
Hometown -Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Age -28
Occupation - Asset Analyst
When did you first start CrossFitting? - 9/2010
When did you first start training at CFPV? - 9/2010
Favorite WOD - Helen or anything involving dead lifts.
Least Favorite WOD - Eva.... (Brian got colorful, try RX'd Eva and you'll see why)
Tell us about your sports & fitness background:
Growing up the only sport I could do well was run. I was skinny, weak, and bought whatever supplement promised me a six pack. Prior to crossfit I would go to the YMCA to lift weights and use the machines, I tried P90x, several cheesy websites and read through muscle magazines trying to find an answer. I trained and completed a marathon in 2010 but none of these things rendered the results I was looking for. I always wanted to have more muscle mass and be athletic but running or going to lift weights in front of a mirror wasn't doing it for me. Basically, I was looking for a quick fix to be athletic.
How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD... what was it, and how did it feel?
My wife Danielle started coming to crossfit and shortly after I decided to take the "free class" on saturday. I walked in not knowing what to expect, but hey...I ran a marathon, how bad could this be? Well, it was a team workout based on the WOD "Fight Gone Bad." Halfway through the workout I was very humbled and needed my partner to help me finish. Needless to say, I felt exhausted, sore, and most of all, dumbfounded. "How could a workout that lasts less than 30 minutes kick my ass like this??? Prior to this, I would spend an hour lifting weights and not be this exhausted." It was from that moment on that I knew that this was right for me. As I started going consistently, I was not only taught the workouts, but how to do them correctly and how this is a lifestyle change. That was a big paradigm shift in my life.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CFPV? (before / after)
I started out extremely skinny with a gut. I had some areas that were defined, but it was due to me going to the gym and picking the areas that were easy to workout and doing it over and over. Now I am working my whole body and seeing a huge difference in my mid section as well as my shoulders and lats. I am finally growing muscle and becoming defined in a more proportionate manner. When friends and family visit from out of town, they immediately notice. Another huge area that I see a difference in is my ability to lift heavy, lift often, and maintain endurance. I can run, jump, lift, pull and push like I have never been able to before. I literally feel like I am an athlete now, and that's a first.
What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected?
CrossFit has affected the way I look at life. There are proven methods that will render specific results, and this has carried through into my personal and professional life. I no longer look at fitness as a way to get noticed, or as a yearly resolution, I now look at it as a lifestyle change. Crossfit has made me realize that we only get one shot at life, and we can live longer happier lives but we have to make that choice. I am very happy that I get to share this with the others in my box. I never expected to meet so many like minded, driven people before.
Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFPV moments.
MudRun, Hoover Ball, Paddle Boarding, Pushing the prowler in 98 degree heat, "West Nile Bugs", "Did someone just take a shit in the bathroom then leave?", surfing after class, Sectionals, "Is that really a survival band poster out there?", "Hi matt, bye matt, hi matt, bye matt."and the feeling of accomplishment after every WOD.
Any advice for people just getting started?
There is nothing to be afraid of, the hardest part of crossfit is showing up. Be sure to set goals and let the trainers know what they are, the gym is family and we push through together.
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?
Paddle boarding, surfing, anything to do in or near the water.
Brian 2010
Brian 2012
