November Athlete of the Month – Ben Anstead!!
Each month we spotlight a different CFA athlete who stands out and shows just how awesome they are. What is it that makes up an Athlete of the Month? It may not be the person that finishes the fastest, Rx’s every WOD, or gets a PR every time they walk in the gym. Although we love and celebrate when those things happen, the Athlete of the Month is made up of much more than physical ability. This person shows up, gives their best every time, and then gives a little more. They are hungry to learn and always ready to do the work. They support their fellow classmates and encourage them to reach their goals. This athlete embodies what we believe the CrossFit Austin Community should be about.
Our November Athlete of the Month is Ben Anstead! Ben is newer to CrossFit Austin, joining our community in February this year, but he’s no stranger to the game. He’s been working hard and setting new goals since he’s been here and he just recently achieved his first bar muscle up! Ben brings a fun-loving energy to class and does a great job of pushing and encouraging his classmates. We have loved watching his progress and getting to know his friendly spirit along the way. Ben, the CFA Team is proud to honor you as our November Athlete of the Month and as an awesome part of this community. Thanks for your all your hard work and we look forward to seeing all you accomplish in the years to come! Congratulations!
State your Name and/or Nickname please:
Benjamin “Ben” Anstead
Words to live by?
It costs you nothing to be a nice person
What is your fitness background?
I was a non-exercise person until a little after college, I started working out at a Globogym with a personal trainer who was also a coach at a local box. The type of workouts he wrote for me were crossfitesque and I started to really enjoy them. Eventually I mustered up enough courage to wander into a box downtown, gave it a shot and have been crossfitting since.
How long have you been CrossFitting?
2.5 years
Take us back to your first day of CrossFit… How did you feel? How do you compare it to workouts today?
I couldn’t do a single pull-up, I still hate burpees.
What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?
I like the way everyone encourages each other and are interested in each others progress, goals, and PRs
Current Training Goals/PRs?
Short Term: Ring Muscle-up, Long Term: Body weight Snatch (I have a ways to go)
What advice do you have for folks just starting out in CrossFit?
Everybody started somewhere and it’s a very encouraging community so just get after it.
What is your cheat meal go to?
Anything with cinnamon, particularly cinnamon rolls. Also, Ben & Jerry’s Peanut Butter Cookie Core.
How do you use your fitness outside of the gym?
I like to bicycle and hike but part of the reason I crossfit is that my job isn’t physical at all so crossfit is the major way I stay active during the week.
Tell us about a moment you felt most proud of yourself during a workout.
I’ve always had the most difficulty with gymnastics movements so whenever one of those clicked is when I was most proud of myself. I remember my first handstand kick-up, HSPU, and recently a bar muscle up.
If you could create a WOD and name it for yourself, what would it be?
“The Jerk Store called…”
7:00 AMRAP
3 Power Clean Clean
6 Front Squat
9 Jerk
135/95#
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?
Auto racing, concerts, margaritas, bicycling, & paddling (canoes or kayaks, I was a whitewater rafting guide after college)
Tell us something we don’t know about you…
I have an identical twin brother
Longhorns or Aggies?
I’m from North Carolina, Go Tarheels, and shoutout to my Appalachian State Mountaineers.
Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…
Live your life and be who you are.