Hey Folks!
Today We recognize consistency and diligence. This months CrossFitter is someone who has been with us for a good amount of time (closing in on a year!) and is a great example of someone using CrossFit to enhance and expand the other areas of their life. A consistent desire to improve, and to smile while doing it characterizes our CrossFitter of the month. That and a desire not to “let the young kids beat you!”
This months CrossFitter of the month is…
Jeff!
Jeff has been improving consistently over the last year and had these (awesome) answers to our questions!
Name: Jeffrey Sloan
Age: 48
Occupation: Anesthesiologist at Health Sciences North.
What was your exercise experience prior to CrossFit?
I was always active growing up, participating in all sorts of team sports. I played hockey, softball, football and even despite, my size and stature, a season of rugby in high school. That was totally crazy, I wish I had known about CrossFit then, it would have been very helpful!! When I reached university I became very focussed on education. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in Medicine, and had to work very hard and deligently to accomplish this goal. It really became all encompassing and I had to focus all my energy to get where I wanted to be. At this stage in my life almost everything else in my life was put on hold. I managed to get into medical school (on a rugby Scholarship – not) and finally specialty training in Anesthesiology. It meant alot of hard work and sleepless nights. At the end, Catherine and I got married and started our family, raising 3 beautiful girls, Kelly, Kathleen and Heather. The ensuing years meant huge time commitments raising our family while developing my career. Again, not alot of physical activity as there was not enough time in the day. As our daughters got older and more independent I found myself with more free time. A good friend invited me out to play hockey, and I have not looked back since. I had forgotten how good the adrenaline/endorphin rush felt. I continued with hockey and then started sailing, biking, skiing, curling and now CrossFit.
How long have you been doing CrossFit and why do you choose to CrossFit?
I started CrossFit with one of my daughters in September 2012. I just got started doing on-ramp and was really enjoying the experience when I broke my foot playing hockey and was sidelined until January 2013. I have been regularly attending since then. It became apparent to me right from the beginning that CrossFit had many benefits. Initially, I joined because I felt it was an activity I could do with my kids, as my other sports activities where not an interest to them. CrossFit allows you to get fit from whatever your starting fitness level and skill set might be. Due to other commitments, they have not been able to carry on with me, but still they have had the exposure, and may sometime find the opportunity to become reacquainted with Cross-Fit.
From the beginning the philosophy of CrossFit just seemed to make sense to me. The constantly varied, functional movements at high intensity struck a chord with me. I felt this was truly a place where I could improve my fitness and strength level to allow me to get better at the other activities that I love to participate in.
I had never really gone to a gym before except for one occasion, when I went for a weight lifting session with a buddy many years ago. I was an unprepared, testosterone driven young man who did bicep curls until I puked and my arms went numb. I’m pretty sure I developed rhabdomyolysis. Needless to say I did not return. There is excellent coaching at CrossFit so this will never happen to you. The WODS are scalable to your level of fitness so that you should not get hurt when you are training. This is very important to me especially as I get older.
The total body concept is appealing to me. Although I had reasonable cardiovascular fitness before starting, I didn’t have the strength component. CrossFit blends the two modalities and allows you to develop them simultaneously. I am very impressed with the results I have obtained with CrossFit. If you stick to it and put forth your best effort you will feel and see results in a relatively short period of time. Also, as you get older the flexibility component becomes much more important, and this is stressed in preparation for every workout.
Finally, not only does CrossFit develop your fitness level I find my mind is clearer and my stress level is moderated since before I started the program. I look forward to getting back to the gym if I have been away for any length of time.
What is your favorite part about CrossFit?
The coaching and encouragement I receive at CrossFit is outstanding. Each coach has their own particular style and they are all complementary. This gives you an excellent level of quality instruction. It always amazes me that even when you don’t think anybody is watching, you get some little pointer or pearl of wisdom to help you improve on your next attempt. The coaches are also great motivators, which is especially important when you are struggling with something. It often gives you that extra boost to get you over the hurdle. The atmosphere with the other members is also inspiring. I really like how we keep track of the WODS. There is never any pressure or expectation for your AMRAP or time, but you still get an idea how you compare to your peers. This allows you to gauge your progress, and at the end of the day the board is wiped clean. No matter how you do, you are always acknowledged with a high five and a smile. Most importantly they are always genuine. Finally I appreciate that the gym is well organized and runs efficiently. Once you get into the routine you can easily be in and out in an hour having had a high quality training session.
What are the accomplishments you are proud of?
I am very proud of the fact that I can do handstand pushups. I remember the first time I saw them in the gym and thinking to myself “there is no way I can do that”. CrossFit training has given me the abilities to perform at a level that there is no way I could have 9 months ago.
Over the last year I was able to accomplish a skill upgrade at work that took a full year to complete. I was sucessful at the national competency exam, and will soon finish the final training component.
Finally, I am proud that Catherine and I have been able to launch our three daughters into young adulthood. They are happy, well adjusted, capable young women with all the potential in the world.
Favorite workout or lift?
I really like doing back squats. It gives me a good workout but is not as complicated as the technical lifts like the snatch. I must say though that I really admire and enjoy watching somebody do the snatch well as I appreciate how difficult it is.
Anything else you would like to share?
Thank you for exposing me to CrossFit and its benefits, and bringing along for the ride. Hopefully I will be able to continue for years to come.
Thank YOU Jeff for being such a great part of our community!
The CrossFit Sudbury Team
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