Athlete of the Month: Bill Gettings

Salus • October 15, 2017

We’re excited to announce Bill Gettings as our next CrossFit Salus Athlete of the Month! Bill has been with us for just over a year and always comes in with a positive attitude no matter what’s programmed for the day. He has lost over 35 pounds and continues to make improvements in his performance! Can’t wait to see what the next year brings, Bill! Keep up the good work!

Bill Gettings Athlete of the Month October 2017

1. When and why did you start CrossFit?

I started CrossFit last October and after visiting the doctor for an annual checkup. He had printed out my weight over time in a graph since the year 2000 and said, “this would make a great stock chart.” My weight being 265 lbs at the time he also said, “your goal should be under 250 lbs at 50 years old.”

At about that time, I also finished a book Younger Next Year by Crowley and Lodge, which embraces demanding workouts and the merits of weightlifting and I decided to make a change in my lifestyle. My wife also mentioned that a co-worker of hers had lost a significant amount of weight at CrossFit Salus and suggested I check it out.
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2. What were you most scared of when you began? How did you get past that fear?

My biggest fear was the unknown and this quickly became a positive because many things were new and that was refreshing.
Athlete of the Month Bill Gettings …

3. How has your performance changed since you started CrossFit?

In the beginning, it was just about being able to finish the “fitness” WOD.

Now, I can confidently complete “fitness” and try to “RX” as many WODs as possible. Over last summer, I did my 1st double under and toes to bar.
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4. How has your body physically changed since you started CrossFit?

I’ve lost over 35 lbs after the 2016 summer challenge, feel much stronger and have more energy.

Occasionally, I need to go to NYC for work and noticed I’m no longer winded upon reaching the office. You just notice little things throughout your day and how much things have improved.
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5. How has CrossFit changed you in other ways?

I routinely go to CrossFit after work as a stress management tool because it always works…

…not to mention the other benefits of improved mental focus at work and being able to handle more of life’s anxieties. I’ve notice that this positive lifestyle change also influences other decisions I make throughout the day in eating, etc.
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6. How do you describe CrossFit to your friends?

I say it involves stretching, skills and weightlifting. Workouts are varied and intense and you feel great after completing them.

It’s a way of improving the quality of your life and is somewhat addictive based on improved feeling of well being.
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7. What keeps you motivated to continue?

Overall, the improved feeling of well being, a weight management tool (because I love food) and the challenge of doing something better than I did before.
… Athlete of the Month Bill Gettings

8. Favorite WOD or lift?

“The Murph” was memorable and I like any WOD that involves deadlifts and rowing.
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9. What advice would you give to a newbie just joining CrossFit Salus?

Slow and steady wins the race.

Going 4x a week is best to see results and join a “Challenge” to better understand how food intake affects your energy, performance, etc.
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10. What is your next goal to accomplish?

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

800m Row,
800m Run,
40 Deadlifts,
40 Pushups,
40 Pull-ups,
40 Situps,
40 Air squats
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12. Favorite thing to do for fun?

Going to travel sporting events with family, skiing, boating/fishing and cooking.
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13. Favorite healthy dish….and favorite “cheat” meal?

Healthy dish: Angus burger with cheese on portobello mushroom with tomato, avocado and ketchup.
Cheat meal: Big pasta dish with lots of pesto or Alfredo sauce and chicken.
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