When, how and why did you get started with us? I moved to Perth on 03/06/2013 and was staying in corporate housing on Mounts Bay Road in the city (just below Kings Park). I didn't know anyone in Australia and figured Crossfit would be a good way to meet people so I emailed all the nearby Crossfit gyms to enquire about joining. VF CrossFit (pre Southern and Claremont) was the first gym to reply and they said I could try out the 6AM class the following morning. As it was my second day in Australia, I didn’t have a car yet so I woke up early and waited for the bus that was supposed to take me down Sterling Highway at 5:00AM. At about 5:30AM, standing in the dark all alone, I realised the bus probably wasn’t coming. Thus, I used google maps and ran 7km along the river/Stirling highway in order to attend the class. I was five minutes late and explained the situation to Coach Jaso, who proceeded to make me do 15 burpees for being late (jerk).
What would be your dream workout? I like the ones where I beat Coach Jaso. They don’t happen often, but I really enjoy the shame he feels when I best him.
What workout would you want to avoid? Most of them. I lack mobility and coordination which makes many of the movements an unpleasant experience.
Favourite Crossfit Athlete? I don’t know that I’d necessarily call him an “athlete,” but I really admire Dustin Fergus’ dedication to Crossfit. Most people who inherit a massive fortune in the form of a family trust end up blowing it on vacations, partying, yachts, etc., but not Dusty. He has channelled that money into steroids and growth hormones, and combined that with 6-8 hours of training/instagramming per day. The results are: in six short years of CrossFit, he’s been able to transform himself from a rubbish middle aged man into a senior citizen who is marginally fit. The man has tenacity and grit.
Whats the best thing you own that cost under $100? My car Biggest fashion mistake you’ve ever made? I was pretty big into the beach karate scene in the mid 2000's. So much so that I gave my parents a life size portrait of me doing beach karate for xmas. The mistake was not maintaining that look to this day.
Favourite quote? “Winners never quit, quitters never win” – Jason Walker trying to inspire Ashley Neumeier to change the trajectory of her life.
Whats Your fav 90s jam? Trick question! Everyone knows the only song that matters was released on 15 September 1986. But if you’re gonna force me to choose a fav other than Farnham’s “You’re the Voice,” I’d go with this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ry4iwzS4Na0. I challenge anyone to not have a good time while listening to that jam. It's got everything a good song should have: great lyrics, great vocals, horns, positive message, sweet video, etc.
Last thing you watched on TV? I’m not sure if you are aware of this, but I am doctor. Thus, I don’t watch TV. TV is for the uncultured, uncivilised and uncouth.
Funniest thing that happened to you recently? My infant daughter has a fascination with throwing things in the toilet. The other day I found a toothbrush in the toilet and set it by the sink and forgot to throw it away. Later that night I noticed my wife was using the toothbrush... I still haven’t had the heart to tell her.
Most used emoji? 🇺🇸#1
If you could have one other CrossFit Claremont members body part, what would it be? Most people would think that being tall is great, but as the tallest member at Crossfit Claremont I can attest that being big has a few drawbacks. Thus, I’ve gotta go with Robbie Thompson’s chassis. So many things in life would be easier with a small to medium frame. I could save money by wearing children’s clothes. The seats when flying economy would feel luxuriously large and spacious. I’d have the appetite of a mouse, so I’d save money on food. In sticking with the theme of saving money, I could get pissed of two mid-strengths just like he does.
Tonight's Gymnastics is Ring Muscle Ups. WOD:
Fitness: 1. In 12 mins Build to a 1 Rep Max Push Press For the Day 2. AMRAP 15: 27/21 Calorie Row 21 Deadlifts (60/42.5kg) 15 Burpees 9 Push Press (60/42.5kg) Performance: 1. AMRAP 7: Strict Deficit Handstand Push-ups (3″/2″) *On the Minute (Starting at 0:00): 3 Deadlifts @ 75% 2.AMRAP 15: 27/21 Calorie Row 21 Deadlifts (60/42.5kg) 15 Burpees 9 Push Press (60/42.5kg) Post results to Beyond the Whiteboard.
