It’s February, and Sycamore CrossFit is happy to announce Jason J. as our Athlete of the Week! Jason has been training with us for over 4 years now, and continues to get stronger. Just a few weeks ago Jason set a personal record with a 245 lb overhead squat! We all know the overhead squat can be a tough one to conquer, and adding 20 lbs to his last record was an amazing accomplishment! His success in double unders was also an achievement that had us all celebrating right along with him! It is so exciting to watch an athlete push through frustration and reach a new goal, and Jason is a great example of patiently listening to his coach and working through his obstacles. The coaches selected Jason, not just for his own commitment to improving himself, but also for the positivity and fun that he brings to the class. We are so thankful you have been part of our CrossFit family for over 4 years and look forward to at least 4 more!
Read on to learn more about his love for CrossFit, his family, and his motivation to live a healthy lifestyle.
How would you explain your occupation to a 5 year old?
I sell insurance to farmers to protect their crops and income.
How did you get started with CrossFit?
Beth Dowdakin got me started. She told me about this new workout routine that she was doing and I was looking to get back into focusing more on my fitness. I was pretty bored & burnt out with the self guided fitness clubs that offer no guidance.
How long have you been doing CrossFit?
I have been a regular member since November of 2013.
What are your hobbies and interests outside CrossFit?
I have a small Angus show cattle business. I sell cattle on the internet to those who are looking to show them or add cattle to their own herds.
What is your fitness background?
I played football and Rugby while in high school so that was a start. Then, once I was finished with college I began going to Health clubs for something to do. Eventually, I found a group of people that asked me to join their Power-lifting group.
Short-term training goal?
I have a few short term goals. I’d really like to be able to get better at ring muscle ups. I’d also like to improve on stringing my toes to bar together in larger sets.
Long-term training goal?
My long term goals are to improve my eating habits. Although, I probably need to work at making it higher on my priority list in order to accomplish that goal. It’s more of a long term before I start, lol.
What is your favorite movement?
My favorite movement is anything overhead or using my shoulders, and I really enjoy doing squat snatches.
What is your least favorite movement?
My least favorite movement is rowing and especially when it’s rowing for calories.
Proudest moment in CrossFit so far?
My proudest moment was when Eric helped me figure out how to get double-unders during the DU clinic. DU’s would make me so angry and frustrated with myself, I almost gave up on trying to accomplish them.
What was your biggest obstacle to starting CrossFit and how did you overcome that?
The biggest obstacle was convincing my wife to go with me, I knew it would be better if both of us attended together.
What kept you coming back?
The thing that kept me coming back was the fact that I enjoy a good challenge. I also have really poor genes when it comes to weight gain and I feel like CrossFit can keep me out trouble. I would also say going at 5:30 in the morning is a great way to start the day, it really helps wake me up and it gets me prepared for whatever the day throws my way.
Your advice for someone considering starting CrossFit?
Advice I’d offer would be: Do it for family, loved-ones, and yourself, there is no better way to invest than in your health; You’ll get what you pay for.
How has Sycamore CrossFit changed your life?
Crossfit has become one of my three life balances. Family, work & health. I miss it if I’ve been away for too long and I enjoy feeling fit & healthy.