“I want to be able to stay strong and active for as long as I can.” ~Charley Sweet

Salus • Sep 23, 2022

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

“Charley is a great member who always find time to fit a workout inside his busy routine. When he comes to class he always work hard and gets the job done💪” ~Coach Camilla

“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.

Charley Sweet Athlete of the Month September 2022

1. When and why did you start at Salus?

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.

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

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.

Since I began Salus, I have become much more aware of being consistent. Being as good of an athlete as I can, be but still able to perform in life on its terms.

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

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

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

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

5. How has Salus changed you in other ways?

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.

But pushing every time to do the very best I can on that day keeps my competitive juices flowing and, hopefully, keeps me in the best shape of my life for the rest of my life.

6. How do you describe Salus to your friends?

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.”

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

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.

8. Favorite lift or WOD?

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.

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

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!

10. What is your next goal to accomplish?

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

11. Favorite thing to do for fun?

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

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

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.

13. Interesting fact not many people know about you.

I’ve lived in 13 different cities/towns.

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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