Athlete of the Month
Miguel Chavez
1. How long have you been a member at CrossFit Bound? What changes have you noticed in yourself physically, mentally, or emotionally since joining?
I believe I started in March 2020.
When I started, I weighed around 160lbs, lean, with not much definition. Now I'm around 195lbs with more definition. I went from barely squatting 135 lbs to squatting 405 lbs for reps, from not being able to touch my toes standing up (halfway down my shins) to putting my knuckles on the floor. So I can say my strength and mobility have increased substantially. However, my biggest growth has been mentally.
2. How has your experience at CrossFit Bound impacted your life outside the gym? (Work, personal life, etc.)
The physical and mental strength I've gained over the years from CrossFit Bound has helped me become a much better person. I find myself wanting to help others achieve their goals or put in a little extra effort on the day's workout. At work, I'm the go to guy when something heavy needs to be pushed, pulled or lifted.
3. Who at the gym inspires you the most, and why?
I can honestly say everyone. Seeing people constantly improving and showing up. Smiling, laughing and crying tears of joy when they see we have to do a 50 calorie all out echo bike sprint. Joking aside, I really do find it motivating when I see someone PR on a lift or achieve a gymnastics movement they've been working on for a while. Makes me want to work harder to achieve my goals.
4. What does being a part of the CrossFit Bound community mean to you?
I see it as a community full of people that are wanting to maintain a healthy lifestyle or improve their current way of life. I see it as a community where you can seek help and ask questions on how to improve yourself.
5. Describe your first class at CrossFit Bound. How did you feel during and after it?
Oof, I don't remember the entire workout but it was an EMOM30 style workout with DB snatches, calorie row, rope climbs and some other movements. It went as expected of course. I crushed it..... for one round. The rest of the workout I found myself questioning my decisions in life. How could I have let myself get to such a low point. I saw people around me just moving while exhausted, grunting with every calorie on the row, dumbbells hitting the floor, people bent over trying to catch their breath and though some were hurting. They were not giving up. I was amazed and disappointed at the same time. I only managed to get through part of it before I was outside reexamining my lunch in the woods.
6. What’s something surprising about you that people at the gym might not know?
Ha! I think Ashton found this out on Thanksgiving day's workout. He walked in while I was working out alone in the morning. I forgot my headphones. So, I ended up using the gym speakers. I was listening to piano/classical music. I saw him stop mid door and look around confused. Then walked out to grab his headphones.
7. What are your top three most memorable moments or proudest achievements since starting CrossFit?
1. Being able to do dubs. It took me over two years to get them. 2. The 5 mile trail run at the Mayhem on the Mountain competition. Where Brandon passed me in the last 400 meters of that race. I kept looking back searching for him and saw nothing until the end. Then he patted me on the back as he passed me haha. 3. Being able to hold my own at an RX competition. I didn't get to the podium but finished in fourth.
8. What advice would you give to someone just starting their CrossFit journey at CrossFit Bound?
Speaking from experience, take your time. Master the fundamentals, stretch after the workouts, and ask questions. No will judge you. We are here to help each other become better little by little.
9. From where do you draw your inspiration and motivation to push through tough moments in workouts?
Again, I have to say from those around me. Seeing others push themselves through uncomfortable workouts makes me want to work harder. As for when I'm working out alone. I'd say my family. I need to stay healthy so that I can continue to take care of them.
