Yaaaaaaaay for Yianni!
He definitely is deserving of member of the month! Yianni is always, always calm, positive, and perseveres through tough WODs. While some of us (me) might be complaining about every movement in the WOD, I don't think I've ever heard Yianni voice any complaints. In addition to his calming demeanor, he's an inspiration and good reminder for the importance of proper form. All of his movements are done beautifully, with full range of motion.
Yianni is the Greek God of smooth.
You know the cool side of the pillow? That’s called The Yianni’s Side.
Yianni is a fierce competitor who has a quiet, calm about him. It's motivating how he attacks tough workouts with ease! I'm so grateful to workout next to such a stud athlete!!
Yianni challenges himself at the gym everyday. As a result he only gets better, totally jealous. Yianni for President!
Yianni is the type that leads by example. He doesn't shout and get as hyped as the rest of us (cough cough), but he will always take on a challenge and encourage others to do the same.
No secret that each day I look to Yianni for competition, and it has been that way for a year. I would not be where I am today without the constant friendly competition he is a part of. Most impressively, he never shows any sort of defensiveness even though he knows my daily objective. He will still discuss strategy, and actually celebrate if I win as well. Takes a big heart to do that. Also, as a 7am’r, Yianni sets the pace for all CRx, and I am willing to bet most come in and check the whiteboard for his score first, as it will usually be the time to beat.
Yianni is the model of consistency. You know, beyond one rest day during the week, he will be there at 7:05am every day. He's gotten the drive in timed perfectly I've never seen him have to do burpees.
The guy may not be superhuman, but it's about as close as it gets. Doesn't matter what it is: heavy snatches/OHS, MUs, Deficit HSPU, he can do it all and make it look easy.
If Chobani had a smooth Greek yogurt flavor, it would be called Yianni.
Yianni is pretty amazing. He’s a quiet competitor, he works hard and while he may have a goal in mind I always get the impression that he’s really just trying to do the very best he can that day. He never brags and he’s always there to cheer on someone else.
Yianni is powered by his mom’s awesome FroYo and Cupcakes. Clearly we all need to eat more desserts!
Aside from being my favorite little gyro, Yianni is so smooth around a barbell with picture perfect form. He makes it look effortless but is always fighting to get better, stronger, and faster. He is one heck of a teammate and cheerleader, and a friendly personality to have around the gym. He came to PUSH as a stick figure and recovering from herniated disc surgery, and it shows that patience, practice, and determination brings out the best! Rainbows
Yianni is the reason you like to get up and workout. He understands the essence of CrossFit, that it is a continued journey of new challenges and learning how to improve oneself.
Now some insight from Yianni aka Mr. Smooth directly
Started CrossFit: August, 2011
What is your fitness background: Not much. Baseball when I was younger. Competed in swimming until High School. Played a lot of Basketball but never competed on a team. Picked up tennis after I met my wife.
Favorite Movement: Snatch
Least Favorite Movement: GHD Sit ups
Occupation: Designer at Fastspot. Photographer at CAST83 with Mr. Sam Vincent
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family: Born and raised in Maryland. I’m the youngest, with two older brothers. I grew up in the restaurant business (Greek family if you couldn’t tell by the name.) Went to MICA. Married my high school sweetheart, although we started dating right at the end of our senior year. And now we have the most wonderful little boy, Niko, who we can’t get enough of.
Tell us something we don’t know about you: Produced a track called 6:30 with my brothers on a well known Greek artist album. The album went on to win 4 platinum awards.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VupYVtKA0V0
Words to live by or Favorite Quote: Go hard or go home.
How has CrossFit affected your life outside the gym: I live a much healthier lifestyle since I started CrossFit at PUSH. The main thing I changed is my eating habits. Pretty much paleo but not very strict.
What do you enjoy most about PUSH: Definitely the community. Especially the 7am crew.
Fill in the Blank:
I like… gainz.
I eat… bacon. Lots of it.
I do… work hard.
I am… not a morning person. But still manage to hit the 7am class.
Favorite Cheat Meal…Black Bottom Cupcakes from http://www.cup-love.com
Favorite Real-Life Hero/Athlete…My grandfather.
