August Athlete of the Month: Andy Hollister!

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.