Jarrett Stapleton, August Athlete of the Month

Meet Jarrett, who joined CrossFit Salus with his wife after moving to Holmdel in September 2023. Already familiar with CrossFit, they were excited to find a supportive community nearby. Since then, Jarrett has improved in bodyweight exercises and challenging movements like pull-ups and ring dips. Balancing family life with two small children, he is committed to staying fit and maintaining his mental well-being.

For Jarrett, Salus is more than just a gym; it's a motivating and inspiring community that helps him push his limits and continue his fitness journey.

Hear what our coaches have to say:

"Jarrett is a joy to have in class. He’s been extremely consistent despite a busy home life. At his level, the big PRs don’t come easy, they take constant effort and practice for any bit of gain. Watching him be able to tackle advanced skills all while keeping a great attitude is what every coach hopes for." ~Coach Anthony

"The first thing that comes to my mind about Jarrett is how humble he is and how he leaves his ego at the door. He knows where he can push himself and where to scale back to achieve the proper stimulus of the WOD. He takes cues from the coaches well and his biggest competition is himself. Jarrett makes the most out his precious hour in the box focusing on the task at hand while quietly crushing workouts." ~Coach Scott

"Jarrett quietly prepares and plans his attack on the workouts. He works hard, knows how to adjust for himself, and is really supportive of his classmates. He doesn't put unnecessary pressure on himself to improve. He embraces the process and has been improving over time." ~Coach Gino

"Jarrett's focus on maintaining his fitness for his family and his own well-being is admirable. He's a testament to the balance between personal goals and family life, always striving for improvement." ~Coach Angela

"I don’t get to coach Jarrett that much since he attends at night but when I see him in the gym he is always working hard!! And I love that his wife also joined Salus!" ~Coach Melissa

"Jarrett is fun to have in class—he works hard, has such a great attitude, and is totally engaged with everything that is going on. He makes everyone feel welcome as well!" ~Coach Lisa

Introducing our August Athlete of the Month, Jarrett Stapleton! Or, as he humorously calls himself, "Old Jarrett," now that he shares his name with his son, Jarrett.

1. When and why did you start at Salus? 

My wife and I moved our family to Holmdel in September 2023. We were both attending CrossFit classes prior to our move and were happy to see a gym nearby that we could try out.

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

We do so much more body weight work at Salus, I think I’ve gotten a lot better at it. 

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

My pull-ups, chest to bar pull-ups, ring dips have all gotten much better in the last year. 

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

I’m trying to get leaner, I think I’ve lost a little weight. We have two small children, my main goal is to keep the “dad bod” comments to a minimum. 

5. How has Salus changed you in other ways?

It’s helping me decompress from work. On days that I don’t come to the gym I’m still thinking about work while I’m sleeping.

6. How do you describe Salus to your friends?

It’s a great CrossFit community.

Everybody is so supportive of one-another, everyone is trying their best and trying to improve their performance, it’s a great environment and it makes it easy to stay motivated and keep challenging yourself.

7. What keeps you motivated to continue? What's your "why"?

I think it’s important for my mental health. I sleep better, my mood is better, I feel better when I’m keeping up with my exercise regimen.

Salus helps keep it in my schedule because the workout is programmed, the coaches help me modify as needed to achieve the correct stimulus, and the energy of the room always makes me want to do my best, even if I had to drag myself into the building. 

8. Favorite lift or WOD?

I like a nice heavy squat clean. I like a machine sprint workout like 500m row for time. 

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

Jump right in! Whatever your fitness level you’ll be in the right space to push yourself past where you are right now. 

10. What is your next goal to accomplish?

Next? Hopefully a muscle up. 

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

Alternating bike calories and some kind of heavy single lift. Finish with a bike sprint.

I think every workout should finish with a sprint. 

12. Favorite thing to do for fun?

Chasing my toddler around a playground.

13. Favorite healthy dish....and favorite "splurge" meal?

Healthy: Probably something boring like a salad.

Eating out, my favorite meal I’ve had more than once is a Korean dish of Udon noodles and octopus in a spicy sauce. 

14. If you could be a superhero who would you be and why? 

I would be a superhero that could teleport. I love to go to new places and I hate to travel/commute. Maybe I would rescue some people trapped in a cave now and then but for the most part I would just live a normal life but never need to ride in a car or plane ever again. 

15. Favorite motivational quote?

The only man who never makes a mistake is the man who never does anything. 

16. Interesting fact not many people know about you.

I’m the middle of three brothers. Growing up I was the worst athlete of the three. Now I am the biggest and strongest.