Member of the Month

HOWARD PRICE aka HOWIE!

Howard and Marquel....this pic is too funny!

When did you get started with CrossFit and why?

I am proud to say that I started Crossfit August 2011.  I became a committed athlete after noticing a positive change in my wife's(Marquel) life style.    After coming a couple of times to different WOD's just to see what all the fuss was I decided to give it a shot and I am so thankful I did.

What has been your greatest success so far? 

I am thankful because Marquel has been trying for so long various approaches to her weight loss and training program that after two months, I saw in her spirit a new found love for self improvement this in turn lead to a number of positives for her.  This I must say has been the best success story for me.  To see her change her life style inspired me to want to be around more and more to see her grow.  Thankfully in her growth progression I was changing my life style and training behavior as well.  For years I have been a gym rat spending countless hours doing the things that were beneficial for my body, mind, spirit etc... but not realizing it was so redundant my body was not responding.  It wasn't until I started committing to Crossfit that I realize "My body was asking for something different".  It was begging for a change from the norm and I am thankful I listened because it has responded in ways that I never would have dreamed of.  Well honestly, I dreamed but never thought at my age was achievable.  

What is your favorite WOD?

I have now completed a number of WOD's and like most athletes you remember that one or two :-) that takes you to the brink and that one for me is "Fight Gone Bad".  I have now had the honor of facing this challenge twice and the satisfaction of improving my overall numbers is immeasurable.  I have experienced a self satisfaction that is so gratifying after putting in hard work and determination to improve myself on this WOD that I can not turn back.  I have such a strong desire to improve on so many weaknesses I can not go back to the traditional way of training in order to become more proficient in these movements.    

Why is health and fitness so important to you?

I do Crossfit regularly because like having to breathe, it is a life style. I prioritize my day to include this activity because without it I might as well be some where sick or dying.  Quiet simply my future goal is to live in the best possible health state and this is the path I choose to help with this desire.  

If someone was considering CrossFit what advice or motivation would you give them?

I would tell anyone that is considering Crossfit to at least give it a shot for several reasons.  First with a committed heart you will reach your goal(s).  Visit a couple of local boxes in your area and determine if the program is right for you to reach your goal(s).  While visiting boxes I am positive your spirit will let you know if that particular box is "the one".   For me I knew straight away that this was the program and the box for me and the connection started with a simple hello from a number of athletes that didn't even know me but they helped me to feel welcomed.  Second for me to be able to cheer for my wife durning a WOD to complete and then to celebrate in this accomplishment means a lot to me and to my surprise our kids.  

Lastly, I would say try Crossfit because with the right group of athletes and more importantly; the right coach or coaches they should they will inspire you to push your body to heights you may not have thought possible.  I have experienced this power recently with the push from a number of you to do the "Open WODs".   I would have never competed without your motivation and your encouragement.  Jackie saw something in me that I never saw in myself and I am so grateful to say that I completed each.  What a self gratifying accomplishment.  

Some days I simply stand back and look around just before or after a WOD and to see so many  that have found this to be the place to reach their personal goals simply inspires.   I think about a recent days workout where an athlete was giving all they had to complete and without asking all other athletes that were done jumped in to motivate, encouraged and more importantly; gave the will to help finish.  I truly believe it was not the shouting or hand claps that got them through.  It was action/demonstration where a number of athletes begin to finish the WOD right along side each other one movement at a time until completion. One may think this is not the norm or a fluke, but it's demonstrated time and time again.  I recall a time when I was struggling on a movement that really took a lot out of me.  And the only way I finished was with the will and the motivation from another athletes action that finished right along side me as well.  Insisting that I not give up this is not the norm with other gyms I know because I have spent a lot of time in them.

Thanks again to all Crossfit Unrivaled family members, I am so humbled that you voted me "Member of the Month".  Now let's all continue to inspire and reach new heights in and out the box 3,2,1 GO!!!!