The Athlete of the Month for February is Tom C!
Tom has been with CFT for just over a year now, and he is the epitome of a hard working, no nonsense athlete. He shows up and does the work, and it shows in the progress he’s made and the energy he’s gained since starting. Let’s hear more from the man himself!
Athlete Interview
CFT: Where are you from?
Tom: North Salem, NY, a small town in northern Westchester.
CFT: How long have you been doing CrossFit?
Tom: Last month was my one year anniversary.
CFT: Did you have a fitness background prior to starting CrossFit?
Tom: Yes, I’ve always been active and exercised somewhat regularly.
CFT: What motivated you to try CrossFit?
Tom: I wanted something that would consistently motivate and challenge me.
CFT: What are your favorite exercises, movements or WODs?
Tom: I’ve come to love pull-ups and really any WOD with barbell movements.
CFT: What is your proudest accomplishment since joining CFT?
Tom: It’s not a single moment but more an overall achievement of getting past the initial learning curve and frustration of struggling with many of the movements, sticking with it and getting to the point where it’s become a regular part of my life.
CFT: How has CFT helped you in your everyday life?
Tom: I feel stronger, in better shape and have more energy. Before CF I was constantly getting injured every time I pushed myself physically. I’d wake up the next morning and not be able to walk. Now I can play ball at night and get up the next morning for a 6 am CF class.
CFT: What do you like to do outside of the gym?
Tom: Other than basketball, anything with the family, my wife and kids are my life. Whether we’re going away on vacation or just sitting down to watch The Walking Dead, I cherish spending time with them. In September all three kids will be in college, I guess CF has also started to fill a lot of the time it took raising them.
CFT: What is your favorite song to workout to?
Tom: Anything that gets the blood pumping, as long as it’s not wedding music.
CFT: What else would you like to share about your experience as a CFT athlete?
Tom: CrossFit has been bittersweet for me. I enjoy it so much but wish I started 25 years ago. At 48, all my PRs are well behind me, but at the same time, CF has been like a fountain of youth for me. Growing up as the middle of five kids, my mother always had us doing something athletic. So I was always trying to compete with my older brothers and always training for the next season. But working out over the last 15 years consistently has been a real challenge. It’d be 3 or 4 months on and then 2 or 3 months off. Getting motivated became harder and harder. I haven’t trained for a full year like this in over 20 years. And it hasn’t in the least bit been a chore. I look forward to seeing each WOD and often have to force myself to take days off. Not having to think about what to do and knowing that everyday is a different WOD with people who are just as motivated and enthused as I am to be there are the best parts.