Matt is PUSH511's October Member of the Month!
Matt joined group CrossFit classes at PUSH511 over a year ago and he's been an incredible addition to our community in that short time! Sadly, Matt is relocating from Baltimore and will be leaving PUSH next month, so we're excited to honor him with Member of the Month before he goes. We'll miss you, Matt! Come and visit us whenever you're back in Baltimore!
All around fun guy to have in class. No matter which hour he comes in for, he always brings the same energy into the room. Super outgoing, a great athlete, and moves extremely well. He’s definitely going to be missed when he moves.
It's been great to have Matt as a fellow 6am'er and to coach him. His speed, strength, and gymnastics are truly incredible to watch, and he's been such a motivating friend to give a fist bump at the end of a workout. I'll miss the post-workout coffee banter and the friendly smile we get from him every day. We're all wishing the very best on your new adventure and Richmond is very lucky to have you and Michelle. Come see us again soon!
Matt is always a pleasure to coach or to take classes with. He always brings an upbeat energy and attitude in addition to killing every workout he does. He’s an all-around awesome guy who always keeps up the good vibes and is a well-deserved athlete of the month!
Matt is such a fun member to have around. He always has some sort of fun story or comment to brighten your day or make you laugh. He is a beast in the gym and pushes hard every class! He moves well and he knows when to modify if he is experiencing a nagging injury. He’s just an all-around good guy and we are so going to miss him! Especially the pizza pants, guy's got style.
Now, let's get to know our October Member of the Month!
When did you start CrossFit? I started CrossFit in 2018 to mix up my fitness routine from running and group fitness when I was living down in Charlotte, North Carolina. It was a great intro to lifting technique since most of my fitness had been cardio-oriented or with only moderate weight.
What's your fitness background? I played competitive soccer for the longest time and wrestled for about eight years (so I should absolutely challenge the jiu-jitsu squad downstairs). Once upon a time, I was a fitness boot camp instructor as well.
What's your favorite CrossFit movement? Handstand walks, 500%. Hint hint: we should do more of them and any/everything upside down.
What's your least favorite movement? Wall balls are my least favorite reminder that I'm short. I'm still waiting on that second round of puberty. I'm a huge fan of short king WODs though.
What do you do for work? I'm a consultant and I analyze plastic and report on how bad we are at recycling! My background is in chemical engineering, so I've been to quite a few plastics facilities, and the job is super fun and global. My favorite fact is that when you recycle a plastic water bottle, chances are good that it becomes a shirt or maybe a carpet.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family. I grew up in Tennessee, so I'm sorry I don't have the fun accent. I was a "whoops" baby, so my three siblings are all quite a bit older and now I have nine nieces and nephews scattered about which gives me great places to visit and chaotic family reunions. I went to Virginia Tech where I met my partner (which is why we moved to/are leaving Baltimore). Before moving here, I was in Charlotte, North Carolina for about five years and was ready to get out of the South. FYI - still trying to convince Michelle to start CrossFit once we move to Richmond for her new pharmacy job.
Tell us something we don't know about you! After college, I lived on a boat in Paris. Easily the best year of my life when I taught English and toured around Europe. Would highly recommend.
How has CrossFit affected your life outside of the gym? All my friends get annoyed and roll their eyes whenever I talk about CrossFit and my gym. I'll chalk that up to a win. But generally, it's a great escape and a way to burn some energy - if you couldn't tell that I have a lot during class.
What do you enjoy the most about PUSH511? What a wonderful community. I've been at PUSH for just over a year and there are so many people here who genuinely care about my well-being and will just hang out and chat after class. I couldn't ask for more. Past that, the freedom where class time is great, but it's also encouraged to work on your own movements upstairs or in the Beast Cave.
What tips would you offer to someone who is just getting started with working out? In the most Nike way possible, just do it! Get uncomfortable. Movement you haven't done? Try it and fail. New PR weight? Try it and fail. Intense cardio? Try it and fail. Keep failing because it's fun and it means you're pushing your boundaries, and that's why we're here.
What's your favorite song to work out to? Tell Me You Love Me - Galantis. Some fire drops, but honestly anything EDM.
What's your favorite restaurant? Clavel, solid tequila options.
Who's your hero, real or fictional? Kvothe from The Name of the Wind. Read it and thank me later.
What does your frequently used emoji tab look like?
Words to live by or favorite quote? "I want to be the happiest person I know." - my brother, so now it's a contest between the two of us.
What's your favorite travel spot? Paris, hands down.
If you could win an Olympic gold medal for any sport, real or fake, what would it be? Combat juggling. YouTube it.
What's your hidden talent? I can play the Super Mario Bros theme song on my throat.
What are your top five favorite movies?
- Big Fish
- Everything Everywhere All At Once
- Kill Bill Vol. 1
- Your Name
- Hunt for the Wilderpeople
