July 2017 CrossFitter of The Month
So what exactly makes up the CrossFitter of the Month? It’s not
that this person is able to Rx every workout, lift the most weight or do every
movement with perfect form. What makes our CrossFitter of the Month is that every
time they come to the gym, they try their hardest, give the workout their all,
and then some. In this case, they go above and beyond by spending extra time to work on
specific skills, are welcoming of others and encourage other athletes to do
their best, too. They really embody what CrossFit is all about and work to make
CrossFit Silver Fox the community and family that it is. Each month we will
choose a different Athlete and post some fun facts or a story about them to help you get
to know them better.
We’re excited to announce Andy LaForce as our July 2017 CrossFitter of the Month! This month is Andy's 1 year anniversary at CrossFit Silver Fox and has made nothing but progress since day one! What made his progress possible is being
committed to getting the workouts in consistently. He pushes himself each time he walks in the door. Andy is not only a nice guy, but is also a tremendously funny guy who get's all of our movie quotes and references so that helps too ;*)
Andy is a firefighter at the Buffalo airport so he’s an inspiration
in and out of the box. We’re excited to
honor him as our July 2017 CrossFitter of the Month so enjoy getting to know him
better through his interview below! This is Andy's "I know I'm awesome face." lol
"First off thank you for the honor of being CrossFitter of the month! I am a 30 year old firefighter for the Buffalo Airport. Thanks to Silver Fox I feel ready and prepared for any physical challenges that may be demanded during my shift. I joined Silver Fox almost a year ago thanks to my sister Megan. She had been asking for some time to come and join a drop in class to work out together. At that point I viewed myself as a pretty fit person, someone that worked out regularly, and thought this would be just another day at the gym. I received a strong dose of reality as I laid on on the floor, gassed from doing burpees only a few minutes into a 20 minute work out. This was an eye opener for me as I saw various people and the gym lapping me while also cheering and encouraging me to stay with it. People I didn't even know where supporting me. After that day I had a serious look at myself and had to redefine what I considered the definition of fit meant.
Making the change from the standard lift some weights, do a rep, and rest for 5 minutes at a gym, to the physical and conditioning demands of CrossFit has changed my life for the better in all aspects of life. The personal progress made in just a one year period is staggering. Able to move certain amounts of weight on the barbell, while always being more of a runners build, has not only surprised myself, but given me the drive to come back the next day, push that line even farther, and see just what else could be accomplished on plain forever thought to be unreachable.
CrossFit gave me the feeling of being an athlete to a degree again much like in high school. There is always friendly competition going on during workouts and having games such as Festivus Games and other competitions gives you the drive to push yourself further and try to make yourself better everyday you're there. Though not a professional athlete by any means I do believe nutrition is just important as going to the gym. I believe there are many diets that work well and the trick is finding one that suits your body type and needs. For me I prefer to keep away from sugar. It has increased my level of energy and strive off some body fat.
All accomplishments achieved at Silver Fox would not be obtainable with out the constant dedication of the trainers. Jason and Jen not only contain a world of knowledge, but their express interest in every members ability to improve themselves is always at the top of their list. They are never too busy to help a person improve their form or answer any questions one may have. Many times I have seen them stay after classes to work with individuals, which shows their true desire in seeing every member improve themselves and reach their goals. It is very exciting to follow a program that consistently results with improvements on both the weight lifting side and conditioning side of CrossFit.
If there is anything to take away from this I would say to any new comers who may have some questions or personal doubts I say don't give up... don't ever give up push yourself to your limit and no one others. You will not only surprise and surpass your own goals, but the quality of life outside the gym only feels better along with being able to make many friends during the process who are supportive and have genuine interest in seeing yourself improve. Finally I would like to say thank you to Jason and Jen who have given up much of their own personal time. Without their coaching, I would not be where I am goal wise, personal life, and mentally. Also thank you to Ritchie for organizing the many of events that go on throughout the gym... in which case they would not be possible, nor would we have many of the fun events we do. Silver Fox has changed my life in a away I will always be thankful for and a sense of purpose I can never repay. Thank you all for your support, time, and most importantly the many many laughs."
