Athlete of the Month

TEST WEEK

“OPT 3”

A. 3 RM Front Squat

B. 2 RM Snatch

C. Max Reps of CTB Pull-ups (1 set)

*Record results for all 3 tests and add together for your “OPT 3” score

Test Notes:

For some additional background on why I like the front squat and snatch for testing purposes take a look back at this article I wrote back in April.  In that article I address the raw physical benefits of the two tests, but today I’d like to expound on an additional point.

Seeing improvements in the snatch and front squat can be made by simply improving movement quality. In fact, at a certain point, improving the snatch and the front squat will only happen if your mechanics and movement quality are dialed in. In lifts such as the squat, bench, and deadlift athletes can get by with ugly mechanics, and in some cases may be able to do more weight with poor movement quality.  However this is not the case with the front squat and the snatch as precision, and flexibility are equally important as speed, strength, and power in these lifts.

Lastly we continue with this theme with the chest to bar pull-ups, the standard is clear so there is no chicken necking or shorting the standard. Also doing pull-up to the chest expresses the full range of motion in the pull-up.

OPT (who has always influenced how we do things around here) put this combination of tests together back in ‘08 or ‘09 and its easy see that he felt like these 3 test were simple indicators as to how someone would perform in the “Sport of Fitness” and I agree.

 – Coach Wes

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” -Thomas A. Edison

In an effort to get to know the fine folks of CrossFit Austin, we embark on our Athlete of the Month series.  Each month we spotlight a different CFA athlete who stands out and shows just how awesome they are.  This month we have chosen the one and only Silas Parker!

State your Name and/or Nickname please:
Silas Clayton Parker. No nickname needed… : ) 

Words to live by?
The common denominator of success — the secret of success of every person who has ever been successful — lies in the fact that they formed the habit of doing things that failures don’t like to do.”

What is your fitness background?
Active in sports (baseball, soccer, football) from ages 7 through 12, took a break from physical fitness for 25 years, then found CFA at age 37.

How long have you been CrossFitting?
Since Dec of 2012

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?
The community & comradery. We’re all in it together, and the “pack” mentality has helped me do things physically that I probably would have quit/ given up on if trying to do on my own.

What are your training goals?
Long term: get my mind and body conditioned for a healthy & active life through age 100+
Short Term: not be the chunkiest person in my CFA class : )

Favorite sport or activity?
Strapping on a bass guitar and rocking out on stage! It makes me feel ageless and stress free.

Recent adventure you’re planning?
My son wants to have his 4th birthday party at a rodeo… So we’re traveling to Waco this month to make that happen for him.

Tell us something we don’t know about you…
I’m colorblind, own a successful insurance & financial planning practice, and make high quality beer in my garage.

Longhorns or Aggies?
Dallas Cowboys.

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…
Thanks to everyone at CFA for your support, guidance, patience, and kindness. I’m honored to be a part of this community and look forward to making more friends within CFA. Prost!

State your name and/or nickname please:

Andy Hollister

Words to live by?

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!” -Hunter S. Thompson

“Under promise and over deliver”

What is your fitness background?

I played rugby throughout high school and college and have always been a decent tennis player. Now, I put a lot of miles on my bikes, play basketball often and would like to get more into the smaller triathlon circuit.

How long have you been CrossFitting?

I’ll have been with the gym for 3 years in November.

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?

Watching people give it their all every day. Whether it is in my personal life or professional, I love surrounding myself with people that aren’t afraid to compete and are
willing to push themselves. I feed off that type of energy.

What are your training goals?

This is going to sound stupid, but I don’t have any major training goals. Getting stronger and the aesthetic benefits are great, but honestly, I just enjoy the process and having the gym as part of my normal routine. I have a fairly stressful job, so being able to do something physically challenging every day is just as much about mental health as it is about fitness.

Favorite sport or activity?

I’m a pretty competitive guy and a world class sh*t-talker. Whether it’s basketball, ping pong or even to see who can spit the farthest, I’m game and I’ll try to get in your head.

Recent adventure you’re planning?

I am going to Puerto Rico later in the month and spending a long weekend in New Orleans in September. Also, I am planning a 24 hour trip to Vegas with a group of guys from the gym. No hotel, no luggage, just a wallet, the clothes on our backs and hopefully a fully charged cell phone. I’m not the biggest fan of that city but I’m sure we’ll come back with a few good stories.

Tell us something we don’t know about you…

I’ve filled all the pages of my passport going around the world twice living like a vagabond, spent a night in a Mexican jail for something I didn’t do and I know all the words to “The Humpty Dance”

Longhorns or Aggies?

I went to UT and I know this is heresy, but I’ve never really cared about the rivalry. I’ll always root for the Texas team.

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…

Step it up, people!! There is something seriously wrong if I’m getting picked for the Athlete of the Month. In all seriousness, I appreciate the recognition and it’s a pleasure to work out with all of you.

 In an effort to get to know the fine folks of CrossFit Austin, we embark on our Athlete of the Month series.  Each month we will spotlight a different CFA athlete.  This month we have chosen the lovely Vy Mai!

State your Name and/or Nickname please:
Just Vy (vee) XD

Words to live by?
“Life is always what you make it, but it is up to you to take what you deserve. Let’s go for broke!”- David So

What is your fitness background?
I practiced Vietnamese martial arts for about 10 years when I was little and in high school I was on the cross country team for 3 years, was part of a summer league swim team and played badminton. I honestly only enjoyed badminton, and hadn’t found a passion for fitness/ active lifestyle until crossfit.

How long have you been CrossFitting?
This July 17th will be my 10th monthiversary, almost a year! *Shoutout to Matt for getting me into crossfit in the first place!*

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?
As many have said before I love the people! The coaches and the athletes who work by my side, everyone is so encouraging and inspiring. The CFA community is always there not just as a liability to each other’s goals and commitments, but also as a support system during our struggles.

What are your training goals?
I want to learn more about my body’s potential. I’m often too scared to push myself, or I don’t know how to pace myself correctly. I wish to overall improve in my fitness level, decrease body fat and learn new skills to become a more well rounded athlete.

Favorite sport or activity?
I am terrible at any sport that involves a ball, so favorite sport is most definitely crossfit!!! (Though I struggle with wallballs) I also enjoy music a lot, listening to it, playing it, singing it, dancing to it, and all that fun stuff.

Recent adventure you’re planning?
Everyday is an adventure! I don’t have anything planned, but I get really excited about the little things, so my upcoming adventure shall be something spontaneous and probably new to me!

Tell us something we don’t know about you…
I was born in Italy and spent most of my life there, I then went to high school in California and I’m now here in Austin for college! I’m quite culturally confused at this point.

Also, for anyone who has ever taken the enneagram, or knows about it I’m a 5. So I might appear a bit distant sometimes, but I actually really admire/care about/like you!

Longhorns or Aggies?
These are football teams right?

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…
I am oh so honored and excited to be athlete of the month. I’m truly so thankful for CrossFit Austin, you guys have made a life-changing impact on me. Thank you so much for coaching me, encouraging me and embracing the suck with me!

State your Name and/or Nickname please:
Buck Johnson

Words to live by?
Own Your World

What is your fitness background?
I worked out casually thru my 20s and early 30s. When I was 34, I found my way to a place that is now gone called Monolith Gym. It was a bunch of punk rock guys running it but they knew a lot about lifting.  They showed me olympic lifting, plyometrics, strongman stuff, etc. That is where I learned how to really workout. I also boxed at that gym. After they closed up shop, I found my way to CFA where I have been ever since!

How long have you been CrossFitting?
I joined CFA in February of 2013 and did the CrossFit programming for a few months. Then I decided to dedicate myself to the South Side Strength program and that’s where I still am today. I love it. 

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?
The training and motivation I get from the coaches AND from the other members. Everyone is very cool and Ive learned so much in such a short amount of time. 

What are your training goals?
To get stronger and stronger and stronger and to gain knowledge on the theory and techniques of lifts and movements.  

Favorite sport or activity?
My favorite sport is American football- RAIDERS!!!! I love watching soccer also. 

Recent adventure you’re planning?
My wife and I love to travel. We are going to the Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly festival (where we met) in April and then to the Ink n Iron music and tattoo festival in Long Beach in June and then to Portland Oregon in August to watch Bayern Munich play soccer. 

Tell us something we don’t know about you…
I play drums for a few local bands here in Austin and that’s given me the opportunity to tour around Europe and the US several times. 

Longhorns or Aggies?
I’m much more of a pro football fan than college but I support any Aggie or Longhorn that ends up on the Oakland Raiders 🙂

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…

I’m totally shocked and honored to get “Athlete of Month” at CFA. My life is pretty much planned around my workouts at CFA. I live it and love it and Im thankful for all of the coaches and members of the gym that have taught me so much. Special shout outs to Thomas, Wes, Danny, Tristy and of course all of my OG South Side Strength brothers and sisters. Thank you, thank you, thank you. 

State your Name and/or Nickname please:
Page Pressley/2-chains

Occupation?
 Chef

Words to live by?
“Whatever you do in life, surround yourself with smart people who will argue with you.” – John Wooden

What is your fitness background?
I grew up playing all sports but zeroed in on Basketball and track in my formative years. I think I was drawn to them because you can do them both with a team and by yourself. I’ve always liked to have the option. They are both about bettering your own skill set. That’s one of the things that I really love about CrossFit.

 How long have you been CrossFitting?
I’ve been CrossFitting for 10 months.

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit?
My favorite part of CrossFit is the internal battle and the mental toughness required.

What are your training goals?
My training goals are to make my weaknesses my strengths…day by day…The process is never ending…that’s my other favorite thing about CrossFit.

Favorite sport or activity?
My favorite sport is basketball. Running has really been growing on me though…dead even right now.

Longhorns or Aggies?
Let me know when either of them join the NBA. On that note, if anyone wants to discuss obscure NBA trivia like whether Xavier “The X-man” McDaniel is overrated, underrated or properly rated, let me know…..I look forward to hearing from nobody.

Page much like Boone Putney you’re affinity for the tank top is well documented. What are some keys to living the “Suns out Guns out” Lifestyle.
You have to fully commit to the “Suns out Guns out” mentality. It’s a lifestyle choice…shout out to Dan Cortez. #jockjamz

Does your lack of a mustache hinder your performance in your chosen profession?
For many years my lack of mustache was simply crippling. Then I found MA. I was able to share my life of bad, bad mustache with other bad mustache having men and women. It was there that I gathered the strength to push forward and understand that while I may have a terrible mustache on my face, I’ll always have a great mustache in my heart. Mustache.

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words?
In the words of Andrew Key: “Embrace the suck!!!!”