About Brad:
Age: 30
Occupation: Mechanical Engineer
Fitness background: Growing up, I played every sport I could: Baseball, basketball, football, golf, tennis, soccer, swimming, etc, but focused on golf and tennis because they were individual sports. I began to lift weights when I was about 21.
Hobbies:
Still heavily involved in golf. Throughout the spring, summer, and fall, I get out to the golf course almost everyday. I compete in many golf tournaments throughout the year.
Favorite pre/post workout meal:
I try to avoid eating before working out, but my favorite post-workout meal is anything with steak.
What Superpower would you want to possess?
The ability to transport wherever I want when I want. But, second, flying.
What is your favorite “Cheat Meal”?
Arroz Con Pollo from a mexican restaurant … and a margarita!
What 3 things would you bring with you to a deserted island?
My golf clubs, a barbell with some weight, and a calculus textbook
When did you start Crossfit and why did you choose OP?
I ‘officially’ started Crossfit when I came to OP in 2014. For about a year or so before then, I was doing wods in a globo gym. I came to OP because Greg Giordano (knew him through work) convinced me and my girlfriend to give OP a try. Now, I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else.
What was your first workout/most memorable workout?
My first Crossfit workout was ‘Fran.’ A friend told me to try this thing called ‘Crossfit’ out. He said ‘just’ do 21-15-9 of thrusters and pullups. “ Sure, I’ll do it,” I said. 18 minutes later and at 65#(Not kidding), I finally finished. So, I particularly like doing Fran because it shows how far I have come. That doesn’t make this workout any easier; it still makes me collapse when it’s over.
What were/are your goals and how has Crossfit and OP helped you accomplish them?
Outside of the gym, my goals can be defined by two items: Maximize the performance in my golf game and being the best engineer possible. OP helps me accomplish both these goals. Since being at OP, I have seen a quantitative improvement in my driving distance and accuracy. I directly attribute this improvement to OP coaches and staying committed to coming in to OP every day. Even my job performance as an engineer has improved. For a couple hours each day, OP gives me an outlet to focus on something outside of work. Being around people who are continuously willing to take themselves to the point of exhaustion makes dealing with the stresses of work much more bearable.
Inside of the gym, I am still trying to hit that 200# snatch and 250# C&J … maybe one day
What are your favorite Crossfit movements and why?
My favorite movement is, by far, the overhead squat. To me, it is the perfect combination of all the athletic movements we work on … strength, mobility, core, explosiveness… And, it’s also the best movement I’m good at. My second favorite movement is chest-to-bar pull ups.
What is your proudest Crossfit accomplishment?
My proudest Crossfit accomplishment occurred at Team Grit a couple years ago. I was a part of a 3 person team that (barely) came in 2nd place in the Rx division. This moment is my proudest because during a Team Grit competition only 2 years prior, I was on a 2 person team in the Rx division where we finished next to last place. That year, I couldn’t even perform one snatch at the prescribed weight.
What’s something memorable you’ve realized or learned while being at OP?
I am always in awe of the OP coaches and staff. They go above and beyond in every workout and class I’ve been a part of. Always stay humble and let the coaches critique the little things in your lifts or workout; Focusing on form will benefit you in the long run!
More from Brad:
My advice for people: Find a workout ‘arch-nemesis’ who is at a similar level as you. Find someone who pushes you as much as you push them. That competition fuels people to be better.