Put any challenge in front of CJ and he will try it without hesitation. Since starting CrossFit Salus, he has displayed a strong work ethic and endless progress. He pushes himself to be better every day is always there to cheer on those who are working alongside him. He has not only improved physically over the past two years, but has embraced a healthy mindset along the way.

We’re so happy to have CJ as our November Athlete of the Month and as an awesome part of the Salus Community. PS, stop hiding those dance, moves CJ!

I finally drank the Kool-Aid in June 2017. I had been intrigued by CrossFit for years before joining, but was apprehensive. Looking back, I was more intimidated than anything else. I pictured CrossFit gyms being overrun with juiceheads sweating all over each other in a constant battle to be the alpha. My apprehension was somewhat justified when I showed up to my first class as Greg and Pat were finishing up their workout. They were both shirtless and dripping with sweat.

I was about to bail when I saw Greg and Pat dap each other up…

It was my first indication that there may be more to this CrossFit thing than meets the eye.

CrossFit forced me to face my inadequacies and improve them in order to hit the RX button, which I have to do, all the time, no matter what.

My ego will not allow me to list all the exercises I could not do before coming to Salus. Most of the exercises I now perform on a daily basis I never even attempted.

This sounds counter-intuitive, but I look worse now than I did before joining Salus. Before this gets misconstrued as a knock against CrossFit, let me explain…

I perform better at 12-15% bodyfat, compared to the 8-10% I tried to maintain in the past.

Plus, I am married now with a kid on the way so I need to develop the perfect dad-bod.

I very rarely drink during the week and have tempered my drinking significantly on the weekends. Also, CrossFit is the second best stress reliever around, Giggity.

CrossFit is, without question, the most efficient workout I have done. It might be hard, but you will feel great after. It is nice to share your agony with a group of people who are all pushing for you to succeed.

I want to be a DILF/silverfox. I need to keep my wife happy with the goods.

18.4 is my worst performance in an open workout. I was no-repped on HSPU, justifiably, more times than my total score. I never wanted to see this workout again…

Fast forward to 20.3. I had more success, but I struggled with my HSPU technique and I hurt my back on the 315# deadlift because I broke form.

This is now my favorite WOD because it shows my inadequacies and forces me to improve them.

Also, realize that you are joining an inclusive community that encourages its members to reach and exceed their goals. You do not need to be everyone’s best friend, but check your ego and attitude at the door.

Dedicate more quality time to my wife and help alleviate the burden of household chores. Also, prepare to be a kick-ass father.

Focus on strength/form. Improve all my lifts by 10%

I really like/hate Van Damme:
For Time
30 Snatches (135/95 lb)
10 Muscle-Ups
30 Clean-and-Jerks (135/95 lb)
10 Muscle-Ups
30 Thrusters (135/95 lb)
10 Muscle-Ups

Before getting married I had a motorcycle (Kawasaki ZX10r), I was an avid skier, and would always be up for a night out.

Superman so I could beat Hardie in all the WODs without almost killing myself.

I am not motivated by quotes.

I was not the easiest person to deal with throughout my teens and early twenties. I cost my father a small fortune in lawyer fees and probably took a few years off my mothers life with all the worrying I put her through. I can never repay the monetary or emotional debt I have accumulated with my parents, but I try to conduct myself in a manner that makes them proud today.

I quit varsity football my senior year to join the dance team! My excuse was that I had already committed to a University for lacrosse and did not want to get hurt.

Every month we spotlight a different Salus athlete who stands out and shows just how awesome they are.

What is it that makes up an Athlete of the Month?

It may not be the person that finishes the fastest, RX’s every workout, or rings the PR bell every time they walk in the box. Although we love and celebrate when those things happen, the Athlete of the Month is made up of much more than physical ability. This person shows up, displays grit, and then gives a little more by supporting others in their journey to reach their goals, too.

They are hungry to learn and always ready to do the work. This athlete embodies what we believe the CrossFit Salus Community should be about.

The post Athlete of the Month: CJ on Embracing a Healthy Mindset appeared first on Salus.