Athlete of the Week – Ryan Balentyne

Ryan B.  is one of those guys that just comes in, gets his work done, and goes about his day. He embraces and lives the message at Sycamore CrossFit; that the quality of our health determines the quality our lives; that we should constantly seek challenges and ways to better ourselves so that we can be the people we were meant to be. And we love him for it. Ryan has been part of the SCF family since it started in 2011 because, well… he’s a Balentyne. He has recently brought a new level of commitment and determination to his fitness goals with a renewed passion for CrossFit and nutrition. Just last month he crushed the 28 Day Challenge losing 13 lbs. and 3.4% body fat! And he’s still going! We’re proud to call him one of our very own and have him represent Sycamore CrossFit. Congratulations Ryan!

How would you explain your occupation to a 5 year old?

I explain numbers to other individuals at my business and to the people that hope that our business does well. I work with a team to communicate numbers based on how our business has been doing.

How did you get started with CrossFit?

I got started in CrossFit because I wanted to create a healthier lifestyle for myself as well as a to de-stress from my work and create an outlet to use some extra energy to be healthy.

How long have you been doing CrossFit?

I have been doing CrossFit on and off for the past 7 years. Most recently I have been coming to the gym fairly consistently for a month and a half.

What are your hobbies and interests outside CrossFit?

I enjoying throwing darts in competition and for fun. I enjoy playing and watching soccer and basketball. I also enjoy playing other sports in my free time.

What is your fitness background?

My first experience with weight lifting occurred back in high school when I was enrolled in the fitness training gym class. After I graduated I do some weight lifting when I was in junior college and then started doing CrossFit when Sycamore CrossFit opened in 2011. Other than weight lifting I have been playing sports since I was 4 years old which includes soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, tennis, golf, bowling and volleyball.

Short-term training goal?

My short term training goal is to develop the upper body strength to do pull ups and push ups in workouts without assistance. To accomplish this I believe I need to continue my nutrition goals to continue to build muscle and lose weight.

Long-term training goal?

My long term training goal is to be able to complete Murph in 2019 without assistance as well as complete the Chicago Marathon in the fall of 2019.

What is your favorite movement?

My favorite movement is the back squat and deadlift.

What is your least favorite movement?

My least favorite movement is anything that has burpees.

Proudest moment in CrossFit so far?

My proudest moment is CrossFit is when I completed the 28 day nutrition challenge and have kept it going.

What was your biggest obstacle to starting CrossFit and how did you overcome that?

Finding the time to make it to the class while working far from Sycamore. Making time to make it to the evening class or to the early 5:30 class and making sure to get enough sleep so I have the energy to make it to the gym.

What kept you coming back?

The community and competitive environment has been the reason I keep coming back. The community of people at Sycamore CrossFit has been super supportive of me. They are inviting and make you feel like you are a part of a team/family.

Your advice for someone considering starting CrossFit?

Keep an open mind. Do it for at least a month and see what it is really like. Anticipate that you will work hard for the entire hour class. Bring plenty of water. Most importantly, remember to think positively.

How has Sycamore CrossFit changed your life?

It has given me energy and given me a drive to better myself. It gives me a community of people to reach out to and seek encouragement and accountability to keep going and pushing to be healthier.

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