Each month we bring you a story about one of our awesome athletes at Salus. We feature this person because they have something special. They give their best in every class (and then some), they are hungry to learn and always ready to do the work. Not only that, but this person supports their fellow classmates and encourages them to reach their goals, too. This athlete embodies what we believe the Salus Community should be all about.

Our September 2022 Athlete of the Month is Charley Sweet.

“Charley is a smart CrossFitter, he knows when to push himself and knows when to scale things. He focuses on the right details and sees the value in the long term benefits of his time in the box.” ~Coach Gino

“Charlie doesn’t let “can’t” get in his way. His persistent attitude shines through during class while tackling technique, specifically in his lifts. He always seeks to challenge himself while being receptive to coaching cues.” ~Coach Erin

We’re so happy to have Charley as this month’s Athlete of the Month and an awesome part of this community. Enjoy his interview below.

I started Salus in January of 2021 when we were still working out outdoors. There was something primal about being out there in the cold, putting in the work. I joined because my old gym was too far to drive every day, and I just needed a change from where I was.

I’ve been doing CrossFit for about ten years. For the first 3 or 4, I was super competitive with myself and made great strides and improvements. After that I started to sort of level off into the athlete I am today.

No, not really. I may be better at dubs than I was, but not by much on the reg.

More gray hair; I’m turning 50 in a few weeks…

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Since I started Salus, I have also started a career change. I started the process of going back to school to get an RN license about the same time I began Salus.

Going to the gym in the morning to start my day on a positive note has a whole new meaning to me. Not only do I see fitness and health through a new, maybe more educated light, but I am really learning about the long term effects of staying consistent with my fitness. Pushing too hard and getting injured or just too sore to move is not helpful.

It depends on the friend I’m talking to.

A fitness friend: I tell them that it’s the place with real CrossFit , amazing coaching and a super supportive community.

If I’m talking to a not-so -fitness friend, I call it my “happy place.”

My why is easy: I want to be able to stay strong and active for as long as I can. Salus is the fountain of youth.

My favorite WOD is the one that leaves me with more energy than when I started. Sometimes a short hard one and sometimes a long chipper. Usually I can make any WOD work for me by scaling it to suit my needs for the day.

Don’t be in a hurry, play the long game and make the commitment to your health and fitness.

You will get better and stronger and faster.

You’ll see your body transform in a healthy amount of time.

You will be able to do more for longer if you stick with it…it’s not a quick fix.

Listen closely to your coaches, they all want you to succeed!

I just want to get to the gym tomorrow. Everyday I come is an accomplishment.

I love to be outside. On a bike or a walk with a backpack.

I love food and I love to cook good food so don’t really think about food as healthy or not healthy. I’m hungry, I eat, and if I’m not I don’t. My only real rule is that I don’t eat a couple hours before going to bed. It’s a guarantee for a bad night’s sleep and I’d rather be hungry.

I’ve lived in 13 different cities/towns.

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Through this monthly recognition, we are showcasing those dedicated members for their hard work and accomplishments and show the community that anyone can be a CrossFitter.

All you have to do is make the choice to give it a try, set goals, work hard and challenge yourself. You may be surprised at what you will accomplish! It’s not that this person is able to RX every workout or lift the most weight. What makes an Athlete of the Month is that every time they come to the box, they try their hardest, give the workout their all, and then some.

They go above and beyond by spending extra time to work on specific skills, are welcoming of others and encourage other athletes to do their best, too. They really embody what CrossFit is all about and work to make CrossFit Salus the community and family that it is.

Each month we will choose a different Athlete and post some fun facts about them to help you get to know them better. Have a nomination? Let us know who by sending an email to angela@salusnj.com.

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The post “I want to be able to stay strong and active for as long as I can.” ~Charley Sweet appeared first on Salus.