Paul is the kind of guy who will never let you go un-said-hello-to. He’s the first to greet a new face, and quick to take a coaches cue. He’s kind, tall, bendy as hell, and remember Dino? Paul’s the aforementioned counterpart! A dynamic duo if ever there was one. 

We love Paul, and we know you will too. Enjoy his Member’s Spotlight! 

Q: Why did you decide to join CrossFit Renew?

A: As someone who works in the fitness industry (certified Yoga instructor), I had always heard mixed things about CrossFit. I had heard that the workouts are way too hard and always produce rhabdomyolysis and potential muscle damage, and that the coaches are poorly trained. But since my cousin in Minneapolis had been attending CrossFit enthusiastically, I was curious to see what it was like. Dino and I live nearby, and saw the sign for CrossFit Renew when driving by. I saw on the website that they were having a new member special, so we decided to give it a try.

I was pleasantly surprised that the coaches didn’t put pressure on us to move so quickly through the exercises that we couldn’t work on good form. All the coaches seem very knowledgeable about how to perform the exercises, many of which require complex coordination that doesn’t necessarily come naturally to me. I have also found the team spirit of the regular 8:00am class participants to be a motivation to show up each week.

(Shout out to the wild and unruly 8am bunch!)

Q: What were some of your goals coming into CrossFit?

A: My main goal in joining was increasing my strength. I am good about exercising several times per week, but not good about pushing myself to work hard and gain muscle. CrossFit encourages me to work much harder than I would otherwise. What I have found from doing the CrossFit workouts over time is that my primary goal has changed to increasing my cardio endurance, with strength increases as a secondary goal. I also want to stay as healthy as I can, and I believe that CrossFit is helping with that.

Q: What are some in-gym milestones you’re most proud of?

A: I am proud of a number of in-gym milestones! I’ve accomplished doing some rope climbs, running a 7K, getting somewhat comfortable with single-unders, and gradually being able to increase my weights on the Olympic lifting movements (even though I’m still using light weights compared to most). I also feel much stronger, and feel that I look stronger, compared to before I joined Renew. 

Q: What are some new things you’re working towards? 

A: I would like to eventually be able to do double-unders, handstand push-ups, muscle-ups, and ring dips. I also would like to continue increasing my strength to where I can always do the Level 2 options with regard to how much weight I am lifting. After that I’ll make a goal to often do the Level 1 options, then I’ll make a goal to occasionally be able to do the Rx options. If I stick with it I think I’ll keep gradually getting stronger. I hope to change my work schedule in September or January so I could come three times a week to make a difference in my progress

Paul, we are so grateful you are around and love how hard you work to make your goals a reality. If you don’t know Paul already, show up to an 8am and introduce yourself (or don’t, because he will).