Rob Clark and his now fiance Roxane Allen originally started at CFJ about a year ago. Roxanne completed her JumpUp and then joined, while Rob dropped off. As he notes below, he was a ‘typical gym boy.’ So I don’t think he enjoyed having his comfort zone challenged, and was probably worried that he’d lose his guns!
Something inside him changed, and he came back to join six months ago. Since then, he’s turned his life around. And the changes to his health, fitness and persona in August were marked. Rob is our August Athlete of the Month.
When you next see one of our gentle giants, give him a high five and a pat on the back!
How did you discover CrossFit?
I was introduced to Crossfit Jozi by my lovely Fiancé
What were you doing sport/exercise wise before CrossFit?
I was a typical gym boy
How long have you been training at CrossFit Jozi for?
6 months
Favourite CrossFit exercise?
So many to choose from, I’d have to boil it down to two. Back squat and recently having managed to get kipping pull ups, they have definitely become a favourite.
Most disliked CrossFit exercise?
That’s easy, rowing which is strange cause I’m told I’m pretty good at it:-)
What changes in your health, physique, performance and mental wellbeing have you noticed since starting CrossFit?
Wow again I could go on regarding these. Firstly health: I’m able to sleep better, in the past I would wake up many times always with pins and needles in my arms. I also developed a condition(not to sure what its called) where sometimes I would forget to breath while sleeping, I would wake up completely out of breath. This has not happened since I started CrossFit (Due to the weight loss I think). (This condition is known as sleep apnea. There are several causes, but excess body fat is a leading cause.)
Since starting Crossfit I have lost 15kg so it’s done wonders for my physique – lol! I have noticed that in the six months my lungs have improved considerably.
Mentally, I’m more confident both inside and outside the gym. I feel considerably stronger mentally. I seem to be more positive too.
And that’s exactly what CrossFit has done for me – all in all a MUCH healthier lifestyle
A big thing for me was my eating and thanks to paleo I have finally been able to change my eating habits for the better. (After many years of “diets” that just didn’t work in one way or another)
What advice would you give to someone with regards to starting CrossFit?
I’d say come in with a clean slate and become a sponge. Just listen and take in as much as possible. And of course practice practice practice.
What is one word that people often use to describe you?
That I’m an incredibly shy person, so much so that people often mistake it for rudeness. This is generally till I get used to the surroundings, person/people.
Favourite activity outside of CrossFit?
Movies, love watching movies
Favourite place to eat a Paleo-ish meal in Jozi?
Has to be Dukes in Parkhurst. They make an incredible burger(without the bun) and serve it with sweet potato wedges.
What are 2 things you will always find in your fridge?
Chicken fillets and garlic.
The song that gets you pumped up for a workout:
Eye of the tiger?! Don’t really have one, I more enjoy listening to a motivational message. One of my all time favourites is the speech by Al Pacino in any given Sunday.
The last thing you ate?
Meat balls
Proudest accomplishment at CrossFit?
There are several equally proud moments, each time I get a new movement I feel extremely proud. Then being announced as athlete of the month is an extremely proud moment for me.
Which CrossFit Jozi member inspires you the most?
My fiancé definitely!! As most will agree she is extremely determined and her never give up attitude with her super supportive nature is always refreshing.
Then also people like Ivan who is just an awesome athlete but still always has time to help and advise
And Danny fine who just astounds me with his fitness and strength mentally and physically
What are your goals for the rest of 2013?
I’d still like to drop another 5kgs and also another 4% in body fat
I’d like to also get muscle ups and pistols.
The most awesome sports movie ever?
Has to be The Blind Side
Then in closing, I would just like to thank Imti, Mike, the coaches, and the community that is CFJ. Really something I am very grateful to be apart of 🙂
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