Ken recently lost a whopping 18 pounds with the nutrition coaching of Coach Stacey, but his story goes back even further. He took control of his own health and fitness 7 years ago when he joined CrossFit 201. This was just the icing on the cake 😉
My favorite part from this interview is the following:
” If it takes you 20 minutes to run a mile today, next week aim for 19:50. That feeling of seeing progress in the gym translates to the rest of your life and really makes you feel better in all facets of life. ” – Ken
How training at CrossFit 201 impacted your fitness physically, mentally, and emotionally?
I am a much stronger person both physically and mentally as a result of training at 201. Exercise always felt like such a chore before and I got stuck into routines whether it was running on a treadmill or performing the same lifts every week. The variance and different combinations really keep things exciting.
Working out with the coaches and people who have become some of my closest friends actually makes going to the gym fun! I really miss the days that I can’t get to 201! I have also realized that I can do a lot more then I ever realized. I push myself much more at 201 and step out of my comfort zone.
How has your training at CrossFit 201 enhanced the quality of your life outside of the gym?
I feel better in everything that I do! I’m eating better, sleeping better, have more energy. It’s a complete change to my lifestyle as a whole. I’m in the best shape of my life in my mid-30s which is awesome! I’m not even counting the social side of being part of 201. The activities like softball and hangouts outside of the gym are incredible.
What can you now do that you couldn’t do when you first started?
Where do I begin? I’m doing gymnastic style movements like muscle-ups, handstand pushups, etc. I can also lift so much more than ever before. I never thought I’d be able to do a 300lb squat!
Can you share a little bit of your story and how fitness became a part of your life? What motivated you to start and what keeps you coming back?
I was incredibly out of shape in my early to mid-20s. I weighed over 200lbs and could barely run a ¼ mile without being winded. I actually had a girlfriend break up with me because she said that I couldn’t take care of myself. That motivated me to get going.
I started exercising more for about a year or 2 and got in better shape but I was starting to see diminishing returns. My now wife got a Groupon for this new gym, CrossFit 201, that was about to open and dragged me along. I figured I’d give it a try for a month or so…that’s turned into 7 years (she created a monster, lol!).
I’m obsessed and love coming back to push myself each day and spend time with some amazing people working out. Every day at 201 gives you an opportunity to test your limits and set new bars for yourself. I love every second of it and it’s even more fun when I get to work out with my wife or see her do the same workout!
What pieces of inspiration can you share with other people to inspire them to make a positive change in their lives?
You have to be willing to step out of your comfort zone. The best part about CrossFit and exercise in general is that it’s you against yourself. If it takes you 20 minutes to run a mile today, next week aim for 19:50. That feeling of seeing progress in the gym translates to the rest of your life and really makes you feel better in all facets of life.
Everything is scalable and don’t worry about what the person next to you is doing, set a personal goal and then set out to beat it the next time. That clear progress will have such a positive impact on your life.