Dan is PUSH511's September CrossFit Member of the Month!
Dan has been a member of PUSH511 for a little over three years! He's a regular in our afternoon group CrossFit classes and Bootcamp classes. The PUSH team agreed that he was overdue to be nominated as Member of the Month because of the positive attitude he brings to each class he attends and his consistency in the gym. This is what our team had to say when we asked them why they love having Dan in the PUSH community:
Dan is always up for a workout challenge. He’s the athlete I know will move well and with great form hitting the standards we’re looking for. Coachable and humble in his workout progress with us, Dan is always fun to have in class!
Go Dan! It’s been such a pleasure working out with him and coaching him. Dan is such a positive person, a great team and community player, and a really good, well-rounded athlete who steadily and sneakedly just gets better day by day. Inspiring! You can give him three weight vests, and he is still going to outrun (at least me) any given day. So happy for you, Dan!!
Dan is the epitome of quiet power. He comes in, works hard, and leaves it all on the floor - all with a smile on his face! His weightlifting has improved tremendously and if the workout calls for bodyweight movements and cardio, be prepared to eat his dust (although he'd never be boastful). I always enjoy having Dan in class, whether I'm coaching him or working out beside (or behind) him.
Now, let's get to know our September Member of the Month!
When did you start CrossFit? I started CrossFit in July 2021.
What's your fitness background? I started running in high school through cross country and track and field. I went to states but never won. I picked up boxing later on and joined the team on the UMD boxing club. That lasted for about two years until I was tired of my face constantly hurting.
What’s your favorite CrossFit movement? Strict pull-ups, ring dips, and box get-overs.
What’s your least favorite movement? The devil's press. It is the devil.
What do you do for work? Fire Protection Engineer. I develop life safety and asset protection systems for buildings.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family. I was born in Baltimore and grew up right outside of the city in Forest Hill, MD. I've been in Maryland for most of my life but spent a semester in Australia and subsequently lived in New Zealand for a few years before moving to Baltimore. Carna and I are headed back to New Zealand in October to get married! I have a dog named Meli that sometimes makes an appearance in the Beast Cave.
Tell us something we don’t know about you! I'm obsessed with the ocean. I'm a rescue diver and love paddle boarding or anything that gets me out there.
How has CrossFit affected your life outside the gym? Generally, I feel healthier both physically and mentally.
What do you enjoy most about PUSH? The community. I also enjoy the suffering...like when I'm in the middle of a workout and forget all of my problems because I'm dry-heaving and might keel over at any moment. I love that feeling.
What tips would you offer someone who is just getting started with working out? Don't quit. You can do anything for a minute.
What's your favorite song to work out to? Big Bootie Mix 2016
What's your favorite restaurant? Tio Pepe
Who's your hero (real or fictional)? Bart (from the gym)
What does your frequently used emoji tab look like? 
Words to live by or favorite quote? "Just keep swimming" - some fish
What's your favorite travel spot? Exuma, Bahamas
If you could win an Olympic gold medal for any sport, real or fake, what would it be? Math flash cards while running in flip-flops.
What's your hidden talent? Cooking without measuring anything.
What are your top five favorite movies?
- Braveheart
- Creed
- A Beautiful Mind
- Big Fish
- Gattaca
