Athlete Of the Month Questionnaire
How old/young are you?
- Technically, I am a Xennial, but I proudly identify as Gen-X
What is your occupation?
I own my own finance consulting practice. After a 20-year career at Fortune 500 companies, my position was relocated to Milwaukee two months before the pandemic hit (along with Malia’s role as well). It took less than 15 seconds to turn down the Milwaukee relocation offer, and it ended up being a great catalyst in starting my own practice.
When did you join Widespread Fitness?
Summer of 2024.
Why did you decide to give Widespread Fitness a try?
I had been going to the Rec center for several years, usually giving a 20% effort when exercising on my own. I was in search of a place that pushes you to give your best, and something with a fun class setting. I love the drive and encouragement the coaches give during every workout at Widespread Fitness.
What was your athletic background before starting?
I played every possible sport growing up, but none of them all that well. I was actually a competitive pole vaulter as a teenager, which makes absolutely no sense because I suck at kipping pullups at this point of my life. Pole vaulting is heavily focused on active shoulders and core strength, so maybe we’ll see pole vault in the 2027 CrossFit Open?
What changes in your health, physique, and overall performance have you seen since starting?
Generally, I just feel much healthier and stronger. I feel like my recovery time has improved, and my core is stronger overall, helping to avoid injuries.
What advice would you give to someone with regards to starting?
Just getting to the gym and making any effort is better than not going to the gym at all. All the coaches are great about scaling the workouts and working with you to find a movement that is right for you on that day. Even on days when you’re feeling sore, tired, or just not motivated, just get to the gym, and the coaches will find the right modifications for you.
What are your favorite and least favorite exercises/movements?
My favorite movement is the floor press. It is the only strength movement where you get to just lay on the ground between sets. The sled pull is definitely my least favorite workout. There is absolutely no reason a human being should ever be harnessed to something. I might end up liking it more if they fixed the potholes in the parking lot.
What is your most memorable moment so far?
The first time doing a full rope climb. I was never able to do the rope climb in gym class as a kid, so it was pretty exciting to accomplish it for the first time in my 40’s.
What do you like to do outside of the gym?
I currently spend about 1-2 hours each night as an unpaid rideshare driver for my kids, hauling them to their sports and activities. I played on the USTA tennis circuit growing up, so at some point, when life is not as busy, I would like to get back into playing more tennis.
What is your favorite “cheat” food or meal?
DQ Peanut Buster Parfait Sundae. My family claims that I can finish one in less than 30 seconds.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I was once featured in Sports Illustrated. My high school tennis team had just won an 8th straight state championship, and we received a small single paragraph in the “Faces in the Crowd” section in Sports Illustrated. It only included our school’s name and our coach’s name, but I felt pretty famous at the time.
Who or what inspires you the most?
My dad was raised in a farmhouse without electricity or running water and attended elementary school in a one-room schoolhouse. He put himself through college, joined the Army, and retired from the Army Reserves just shy of Brigadier General. At 84 years old, I think he is stronger than I am.
What is one goal you would like to accomplish?
I would like to develop better nutrition habits. Widespread Fitness does an amazing job of keeping me fit and active, but I have a huge addiction to junk food.
