Why did you decide to join CrossFit Jozi East?
I was sick of going to the “normal” gym and not getting any results. I happened to be chatting to a good friend about it and he mentioned that he had seen this video clip on the interweb about this gym called CrossFit and that it looked like something I would enjoy. I got home and immediately googled it and up popped CrossFit Jozi. I had a look at the kind of workouts they did and I was hooked.
How long have you been a member for?
I joined in June of 2012 so I have been a member at all three boxes for a total of 4 years now.
Who inspires you?
The coaches. Their dedication and enthusiasm is very inspiring. If it wasn’t for their great attitude I wouldn’t be able to get up on those cold winter Jozi mornings.
What are you doing when you aren’t at the gym?
Probably working. My business partner and I have been running our own Architects Firm for the last three and half years and it’s been quite a ride but well worth it. If you can own your own business I recommend it to anyone. Best thing I ever did…..besides join CrossFit…
If the wind is blowing (which is not that often) I will quite happily put my work aside and head for Bronkies and go windsurfing the day. Another advantage of working for yourself.
Other than that Pieter and I enjoy socializing with friends and family and are not afraid to have a few pints while shouting for the SHARKS….
Tell us one interesting thing that people might not know about you?
I’m a bit of a TV addict. Some weekends I will literally sit the whole day and watch whatever I can find to watch. Admittedly, nursing a bit of hang over at the same time.
What was your favorite childhood T.V Programme?
Knight Rider. Yes, I’m that old…
If you had to have a super power what would it be and why?
Definitely the power to fly. Not sure my fear of heights would agree though.
What would your perfect workout be?
Any workout that does not involve my shoulders. They have a tendency to pop out every now and then but I must say since I started CrossFit they have been much stronger. The strength and flexibility I have achieved in my shoulders over the years is nothing short of miraculous.
What has been your most memorable class or session at CFJ East?
It was a Thursday class and Imti was coaching and I was the only member at the 6am session. I had to do 50 reps of ten different movements (can’t remember exactly what they were) with a 30 min cap so if you finished before that you had to start again. I finished before the 30 min cap only because all of Imti’s attention was on me. Definitely the closest I’ve come to talking into the white telephone…
What might we find in your fridge at home?
You can always find fruit, vegetables and double cream plain yoghurt in our fridge. Full cream everything, no low fat stuff and no margarine. Only salt free butter…
Oh yes and eggs. Lots of eggs.
What Is The Coolest Thing That You Have Achieved At CFJ East?
Any movement overhead for me is a massive achievement. After years of having shoulder problems I finally feel confident to push relatively heavy weights overhead without worrying about dislocating my shoulders.
What Changes In Your Health Have You Noticed Since Starting?
For one thing, I have not had the flu in years. But I definitely notice my increased fitness when I’m blasting along the dam with the wind howling at 20 + knots. Windsurfing takes an incredible amount of effort and energy to do especially in the winter months when the cold front winds come through from the north-west. And not being able to sail on a regular basis, CrossFit maintains the fitness I require to enjoy my sailing for hours at a time.
List Some of Your Big Goals.
· I’d like to strict press my body weight then I will know I’m strong enough to do handstand push-ups which have been my nemesis since I last popped my right shoulder.
· I’d also like to string together more than 10 strict pull-ups
· But my biggest goal would be to do just one strict muscle-up.
