October Athlete of the Month || Bryan Webb!!
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 October Athlete of the Month is Bryan Webb! Bryan joined CFA in June after wrapping up his fundamentals sessions with Coach Gen and has jumped in with both feet! Bryan came to us with some fitness in his background and very clear goals ahead. He’s one of the most diligent people we’ve seen when it comes to practice and putting in the work! Not only is he killing it in classes, Bryan has jumped on with both the Intramural Open AND the Whole Life Challenge this fall and we’re positive he’s going to have some wins! Bryan exemplifies so many of the qualities we look for in an AOM and has found a place both in our hearts and in our community. Bryan, the CFA Team is proud to honor you as our October Athlete of the Month and as an awesome part of this team. 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: 
Bryan Webb
Bryan WebbWords to live by?
Keep your relationships narrow (don’t try to be everything to everyone), and deep (be real with those close to you)!
Keep your relationships narrow (don’t try to be everything to everyone), and deep (be real with those close to you)!
What is your fitness background?
Like everyone, we focus on work and family in our 30s, then start working out a bit more in our 40s. I started running about 10 years ago and did a couple of half marathons (no desire for a full). A few years ago I started weightlifting under the direction of a trainer which changed my focus a bit. I also started swimming about 5 years ago which I still do. CrossFit is a new animal and I’m hooked. The combo of strength and metabolic conditioning is the key for me now!
Like everyone, we focus on work and family in our 30s, then start working out a bit more in our 40s. I started running about 10 years ago and did a couple of half marathons (no desire for a full). A few years ago I started weightlifting under the direction of a trainer which changed my focus a bit. I also started swimming about 5 years ago which I still do. CrossFit is a new animal and I’m hooked. The combo of strength and metabolic conditioning is the key for me now!
How long have you been CrossFitting?
I’m going on about 4 months and I’m hooked. I don’t think I can go back to a ‘regular’ gym.
I’m going on about 4 months and I’m hooked. I don’t think I can go back to a ‘regular’ gym.
Take us back to your first day of CrossFit… How did you feel? How do you compare it to workouts today?
To be honest, I was a little intimidated. Kipping pull-ups, handstand walking, power snatches, etc.. I knew I couldn’t do that stuff, YET! While I was intimidated, I was excited for the challenge!
To be honest, I was a little intimidated. Kipping pull-ups, handstand walking, power snatches, etc.. I knew I couldn’t do that stuff, YET! While I was intimidated, I was excited for the challenge!
What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?
Oh, that’s easy. It’s getting up to get to 5:30am class…haha. No really, it’s the community for sure. I was working out at (another large gym) for a number of years and NO ONE ever makes eye contact, smiles or even says hello. At CFA, I feel like others are not only wanting to know who you are but they cheer you on. Like I say, its the community for sure.
Oh, that’s easy. It’s getting up to get to 5:30am class…haha. No really, it’s the community for sure. I was working out at (another large gym) for a number of years and NO ONE ever makes eye contact, smiles or even says hello. At CFA, I feel like others are not only wanting to know who you are but they cheer you on. Like I say, its the community for sure.
Current Training Goals/PRs? 
I’m currently in the Whole Life Challenge with a pretty extensive list of goals which I’m taking very seriously. For this cycle in particular, it’s to be able to do Unassisted Strict Pull-ups. It’s just one of those things I’ve never been able to do. I always missed getting the President’s Challenge in Elementary School because of those dang pull-ups.
I’m currently in the Whole Life Challenge with a pretty extensive list of goals which I’m taking very seriously. For this cycle in particular, it’s to be able to do Unassisted Strict Pull-ups. It’s just one of those things I’ve never been able to do. I always missed getting the President’s Challenge in Elementary School because of those dang pull-ups.What advice do you have for folks just starting out in CrossFit?
Don’t dip your toe in. Just jump into the deep end of the pool. It gets addicting very quickly. One piece of advice, work the weights at your own pace, it’s better to stay healthy and build it up than to overdue it and have to take time off for an injury.
Don’t dip your toe in. Just jump into the deep end of the pool. It gets addicting very quickly. One piece of advice, work the weights at your own pace, it’s better to stay healthy and build it up than to overdue it and have to take time off for an injury.
What is your cheat meal go to?
Hmm…nothing in particular but Hut’s Hamburgers is closing this month and I had Chicken Fried Steak, Mashed Potatoes and Fried Okra for lunch. If your gonna harden the arteries, you really can’t do any better than a good Chicken Fried Steak.
Hmm…nothing in particular but Hut’s Hamburgers is closing this month and I had Chicken Fried Steak, Mashed Potatoes and Fried Okra for lunch. If your gonna harden the arteries, you really can’t do any better than a good Chicken Fried Steak.
How do you use your fitness outside of the gym?
Post-50, if you look around, people either get fit or go down hill. I’m a firm believer that the hard work I put in now (and continue to put in) will pay huge dividends over the next 25 years. The next phase of life is going to be awesome, I wanna be fit and active to enjoy it to the fullest.
Post-50, if you look around, people either get fit or go down hill. I’m a firm believer that the hard work I put in now (and continue to put in) will pay huge dividends over the next 25 years. The next phase of life is going to be awesome, I wanna be fit and active to enjoy it to the fullest.
Tell us about a moment you felt most proud of yourself during a workout.
I’ve never been a ‘weightlifter’ and a few years ago I’d been working out consistently with a trainer and I had a PR on Deadlift of 255lbs. At the time, it was a HUGE deal for me because I hadn’t thought I’d really ever hit that. I’m not quite back to that yet (maybe I’ll beat it this cycle) but hitting PRs is pretty dang awesome!
I’ve never been a ‘weightlifter’ and a few years ago I’d been working out consistently with a trainer and I had a PR on Deadlift of 255lbs. At the time, it was a HUGE deal for me because I hadn’t thought I’d really ever hit that. I’m not quite back to that yet (maybe I’ll beat it this cycle) but hitting PRs is pretty dang awesome!
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your fitness journey?
Not letting my ego get ahead of my skills. It’s real easy to watch others lifting or pulling more weight (women sometimes) but I have to always remember to not ‘get too far out over my skis’, that’s when you wipe out. I just have to keep working and pushing myself. I’ve heard others at CFA use the term, ‘…You Be You…’. I like that.
Not letting my ego get ahead of my skills. It’s real easy to watch others lifting or pulling more weight (women sometimes) but I have to always remember to not ‘get too far out over my skis’, that’s when you wipe out. I just have to keep working and pushing myself. I’ve heard others at CFA use the term, ‘…You Be You…’. I like that.
If you could create a WOD and name it for yourself, what would it be?
How about Thruster Maniac? I’d just want everyone to think I was a beast! What keeps you going on the days you don’t feel like it? It’s becoming that addiction. If I miss a day, it’s like I feel like I’m gonna fall behind. That and I know for a fact that if I get my workout in early in the morning, I’ll feel better about myself the rest of the day.
How about Thruster Maniac? I’d just want everyone to think I was a beast! What keeps you going on the days you don’t feel like it? It’s becoming that addiction. If I miss a day, it’s like I feel like I’m gonna fall behind. That and I know for a fact that if I get my workout in early in the morning, I’ll feel better about myself the rest of the day.
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? 
Becoming an Empty Nester a year ago creates alot of extra time. I started playing tennis somewhat competitively (at a low level). Some might say I’m kinda boring. These days I’m pretty focused on a small number of activities, my business, working out, ‘coaching’/just talking to my kids & family and thinking about the next big real estate venture for Central Texas.
Becoming an Empty Nester a year ago creates alot of extra time. I started playing tennis somewhat competitively (at a low level). Some might say I’m kinda boring. These days I’m pretty focused on a small number of activities, my business, working out, ‘coaching’/just talking to my kids & family and thinking about the next big real estate venture for Central Texas.
Tell us something we don’t know about you…
I’m actually a world famous Opera Singer with 3 albums and 2 Grammy Awards. Ok, well I’m not really an Opera Singer. But, I can be EXTREMELY claustrophobic. When I was 16, I crawled through a maze of boulders where you are going through VERY tight spaces with no exit but to get through it. To this day, I can visualize that day crawling on my back with NO margin of extra room above or below me and it FREAKS ME OUT.
I’m actually a world famous Opera Singer with 3 albums and 2 Grammy Awards. Ok, well I’m not really an Opera Singer. But, I can be EXTREMELY claustrophobic. When I was 16, I crawled through a maze of boulders where you are going through VERY tight spaces with no exit but to get through it. To this day, I can visualize that day crawling on my back with NO margin of extra room above or below me and it FREAKS ME OUT.
Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…
The Japanese have a saying, ‘When is the best time to plant a tree? The answer is ‘Either 20 years ago or TODAY’. Take that to heart in anything you are trying to do….Fitness, Investing, Learning to Play the Guitar, Loving Your Family, etc… Don’t wait for tomorrow, take action TODAY!
The Japanese have a saying, ‘When is the best time to plant a tree? The answer is ‘Either 20 years ago or TODAY’. Take that to heart in anything you are trying to do….Fitness, Investing, Learning to Play the Guitar, Loving Your Family, etc… Don’t wait for tomorrow, take action TODAY!