SEPTEMBER MEMBER OF THE MONTH- MARTIN
It brings me great pleasure to introduce our Member of the Month for September, 2016, Martin!!
Here's what Head Coach Rob Manlove had to say about Martin:
"Martin is a student who takes responsibility for his own physical development and more importantly he understand that reaching his goals won't happen without consistent hard work. He's not someone looking for short-cuts, he appreciates that there's a process for developing strength and skill. Martin is always receptive to coaching and always finds time to get some extra work and stretching in after the session."
Here's what CM2 Coach Rich Marchant had to say:
"Martin has improved in every area of his fitness. Since joining he's increased his strength and cardio-respiratory endurance and also achieved positive changes in his his body composition. These achievements are even more impressive when we consider that he always trains at 6am. He is one of the most focused athletes in the gym. No matter what the workout he is 100% tuned-in and always pushes hard. I have often seen the evening guys come in and look to the white board to see that Martin has put up a score that is going to be a challenge to compete with. Martin is smart too, whichever aspect of his game needs working on, Martin will research and ask questions to understand how he can improve. He will often do extra work. Up to an hour after his class I'll see him sprint past the window. Or lately smashing out 100 burpees. Even then it's not just 100 burpees, it's 100 fast burpees usually with running , jumping and anything else he can throw in for fun. He's a great example of hard work paying off."
Here's what CM2 Coach Lewis Pridmore had to say:
"Martin is hardcore 6am'er! Since coaching a lot more morning class over the last few months, I've began to really notice how hard Martin works dayin & day out. Not only is his attitude great during class but he always puts in the extras after class to improve what he considers weaknesses.
Since committing to a "100 burpees per day for 100 days challenge", I've gained even more respect for the guy... I personally quite enjoy burpees but even I wouldn't like to do some of the horrible variations he makes himself do!"
THE MEMBER OF THE MONTH INTERVIEW
How did you first get involved with CrossFit CM2?
It must be 3 years ago this month (September) that I first got involved in Crossfit. PT trainers at other gyms I went to said it was something I should investigate based on the type of stuff I enjoyed doing in their sessions.
What has been your most memorable CrossFit Moment so far?
There’s little things other members achieve in nearly every 6am session which are memorable, but the biggest thing that’s stood out goes back to 4 intro sessions I did. Not just because of the coaching, but the buzz in the box and looking at what some of the members were achieving around me. This is the reason I get up at 5am to get to a session.
What is your favourite movement/workout?
Simple - conditioning workouts and building/improving on functional & gymnastics movements. I love a Turkish Get-up too.
What is your least favourite movement/workout?
I’ve never really been keen on lifting heavy things and some Olly movements I really struggle with. But I’ve tried to make a concerted effort this year and really listen to the coaches to improve this.
Name a CF goal you hope to achieve by the end of 2016?
I’ve had a few goals for this year, but one I’m reaching for is body-weight Oly lift for each movement. I’ve managed to add and improve on bench and cleans in 2016, just OHS and Snatch to go I think!
What do you do when you’re not training at CM2?
I work as a Graphic Designer, I really enjoy cooking, I love driving my proper/original Mini Cooper Sport, and aspire to being a barely competent guitar player.
What's your favourite part of being a CM2 Member?
I’m quite an introverted person, and just like to get up, get out and get on with stuff, but CM2 has helped me to come out of myself a bit. I like the fact we are all in it together in the sessions and regardless of ability we all look to push each other to achieve better results
What advice would you give to a new member?
Look to improve yourself and don’t always chase other people in the class for big lifts etc, just be honest and push yourself to do the best you can. If you can walk away from the session knowing you’ve done your best then that’s the most important thing. We all have different strengths and weaknesses, but if you focus and put in the hard graft you'll get to where you want to be.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself…
I once cooked dinner for Frank Bruno… OK OK, I used to work for KFC. Bruno was a big fan of Colonel Sanders and his secret recipe and would often pop in for a few buckets of chicken. No! I cannot tell you the secret recipe!
You're someone who has several other physical practices outside of CrossFit. Can you tell us about these.
I'll finish the 10K burpee challenge - 100 a day for 100 days! - on 25th October! I’m also always trying to improve my mobility. I’d like to take part in more Triathlon events in the future. In 2015 I did my first few sprint events, this year I’ve had to manage a knee problem which has prevented me from taking part, but hopefully in 2017 I can move to the full distance. I believe the additional swimming, running and cycling I do complements the work I put into CM2 and visa-versa.
