“I want to continuously challenge myself and stay physically active for as long as I can.” ~Alex Lautenschlaeger, Athlete of the Month

Salus • May 12, 2022

Like many individuals, Alex started CrossFit looking for a new way to stay active during COVID. As a former collegiate athlete he wanted a challenging activity that also satisfied his competitiveness. He says, “The mental challenges that each workout presents always is a great way of proving to yourself that your mind and body are oftentimes capable of way more than you think.”

“Alex comes to each class ready to make that hour count. He stays very focused as he works on the proficiency of each movement, be it strength or the metcon. He is always receptive to coaching cues and eager to put them into practice.” ~Coach Erin

“Alex has been steadily improving since he began. He’s VERY coachable and moves extremely well.” ~Coach Scott

Congratulations Alex! Meet our May 2022 Athlete of the Month!

1. When and why did you start at Salus?

I started at Salus in October 2020. I wanted to be more active and find a new challenge.

It was a combination of me missing the competitiveness of college golf and the desire to get into better shape and use the extra time I was gifted due to remote work (COVID).

It was also super easy to start and try a class, which was nice.

The intro class with Gino introduced me to all the movements and gave me confidence to start in a group setting.

2. How has your performance changed since you started at Salus?

I am more flexible and stronger than I was before I joined Salus.

It’s great to see how my performance has changed when looking at Wodify.

The mental challenges that each workout presents always is a great way of proving to yourself that your mind and body are oftentimes capable of way more than you think. Aside from the physical aspect, I believe that the workouts at Salus are a great way to improve mental toughness.

3. Are there exercises you can do now that you couldn’t do before?

CrossFit and the programming at Salus forced me to work on my weaknesses.

I wasn’t able to do double unders or toes to bar before and my pull up strength has increased significantly. Learning how to kip has helped me string together multiple reps and complete larger sets.

Any gymnastics movement is especially challenging for me and being able to do pull-ups and toes to bar confirms that I made progress since I first started.

4. How has your body physically changed since you started?

I gained a few pounds in muscle mass and my jeans fit a little tighter around the thighs😀

5. How has Salus changed you in other ways?

The nutrition reset challenges that Salus offers have helped me and my wife identify healthy alternatives to certain foods, which still helps us to this day.

I overall make better choices when it comes to what I eat and how sleep and recovery affect my performance.

The team WODs on Saturday mornings also help me to make better choices on Friday nights🙂

6. How do you describe Salus to your friends?

I describe Salus as a group of likeminded people who have a passion for fitness and support and encourage each other regardless of skill or fitness level.

The community is the biggest reason why I enjoy coming to class.

It’s great to see how passionate the coaches are and how they “walk the walk.” The coaches do the workouts themselves and compete in CrossFit and weightlifting events, which is cool.

Everyone at Salus is trying to become a better version of themselves and is genuinely interested in the success of the other members.

7. What keeps you motivated to continue? What’s your “why”?

I am very fortunate to be healthy and I want to continuously challenge myself and stay physically active for as long as I can.

I also want to set a good example for my family and friends and hopefully inspire them to be more active and to maintain or develop healthy habits.

Seeing the ‘older’ members at Salus whoop my behind in every workout except Rowing and Rope Climbs (special shout out to Gino for programming that WOD!!) is also very inspiring to watch. I want to be in such great shape later in life as well!

8. Favorite lift or WOD?

Contrary to popular belief, it is not Wall Balls, Rowing or Running. I enjoy back squats and really any kind of Team WOD because I always find a little extra motivation when I work as part of a team.

9. What advice would you give to a newbie just joining Salus?

Just keep showing up consistently, don’t be afraid of stepping out of your comfort zone and listen to the coaches and you’re on your way to becoming the best version of yourself.

10. What is your next goal to accomplish?

I want to move into the Rx workouts more consistently.

11. If you could design your own WOD, what would it look like?

3 rounds for time

15DB snatches

30 wall balls

500m row

Finish the WOD with a single heavy clean

12. Favorite thing to do for fun?

Hanging out with the family and maybe sneak in a few holes at the golf course.

13. Favorite healthy dish….and favorite “splurge” meal?

Chicken, rice & veggies.

Splurge: Wiener Schnitzel, fries or potato salad and a good German beer

14. If you could be an animal what would you be and why?

I’d be a bat so I am more comfortable upside down and I can bang out more HSPU’s!

15. Favorite motivational quote?

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right”. Henry Ford

16. Interesting fact not many people know about you.

I worked on the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) Tour as a professional Caddie for a while.

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