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MEMBER PROFILE – LEANDER VAN RHYN VAN TONDER

WHAT DROVE YOU TO JOIN CROSSFIT JOZI EAST?
A combination of things at that stage. Being a practicing Advocate, my work was consuming both my time and having a negative impact on my health.

My wife, Sarah Wethmar, motivated me to join and I decided to sign up at Crossfit Jozi East.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A MEMBER FOR?
I completed my Jump-Up during August 2014 and joined the regular classes during September 2014.

WHO INSPIRES YOU?
Any person who attempts and/or achieves a better version of himself/herself. This applies, for me, to all facets of life.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING WHEN YOU AREN’T AT THE GYM?
Honestly, I am working. As I mentioned, I work for myself as a practicing Advocate, which entails long hours of preparation, arguing in Court and consultations with clients.

If I am not working, you will find me at home with my favourite ladies, being Sarah and our beautiful little girl, Mila.

TELL US ONE INTERESTING THING THAT PEOPLE MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I am a serious Star Wars fan… like serious… My house is littered with Star Wars memorabilia, I just hide them when guests visit

Besides that, I pretty much know (or attempt to know) everything about the Marvel and DC Comics characters.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE CHILDHOOD T.V PROGRAMME?
“He-Man and the Masters of the Universe” and obviously, “Bravestar”! Need I say more….

IF YOU HAD TO HAVE A SUPER POWER WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
Jedi Mind-Trick. If you don’t know Star Wars, you won’t understand…

WHAT WOULD YOUR PERFECT WORKOUT BE?
Anything, without: Pull-Ups, Thrusters and/or Burpees. I love all Barbell/Olympic Lifting related workouts.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE CLASS OR SESSION AT CFJ EAST?
My first Fran workout. While doing the workout I started to realise that something was happening to my lungs, which I couldn’t (at that stage) explain.

It was only after I completed the workout, that Andre Gadney came to explain to me the concept of “the Fran-cough”! Since then, I have attempted to avoid ANTYHING related to FRAN or its side effects.

WHAT MIGHT WE FIND IN YOUR FRIDGE AT HOME?
A lot of Chalmar Beef, obviously, and venison! I am a keen hunter, so I stock up on venison meat during the winter-months.

WHAT IS THE COOLEST THING THAT YOU HAVE ACHIEVED AT CFJ EAST?
Being able to increase my “Personal-Best” during each Olympic Weightlifting Test Week.

WHAT CHANGES IN YOUR HEALTH HAVE YOU NOTICED SINCE STARTING?
The obvious changes to my body definitely included an increase in muscle mass together with a decrease in body fat.

The not-so-obvious changes (and the more important changes) were decreases in my blood pressure, stress levels and blood sugar levels.

LIST SOME OF YOUR BIG GOALS.
Pull-ups! Simple, but deadly…

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