October Athlete of the Month || Tarun Nandkishore!!
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 Tarun Nandkishore! Tarun joined the CFA Family at year ago, but wasn’t a stranger to CrossFit when he came to us! You’ll usually find him in the 6:00 pm hour whether that be a CrossFit class or back in the Weightlifting Center! Tarun has been such a pleasure to have in classes! He is always eager and willing to learn and truly takes the coaching he receives to heart. We’ve loved being part of the journey with him and celebrating the wins along the way! Tarun, we are honored to have 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:
Tarun or Tarooon (Like Coach Dylan, Alien & Bach call out…)
Words to live by?
Live & let live.
What is your fitness background?
The only fitness option while growing up was playing sports. Playing Cricket (It is big in India) & also did a bit of
swimming as well.
How long have you been CrossFitting?
Around 4 years
Take us back to your first day of CrossFit… How did you feel?
It was very intense. The work out included Air squats, Burpees, Running. There were 4 new folks along with me
trying out CrossFit for the first time, at the end of the work out all of us were on the verge of passing out. Lol….
How do you compare it to workouts today?
I understood that beyond just getting physically fit, CrossFit teaches you humility and perseverance. It also
reminds me that there is nothing quite as satisfying as finishing a brutally hard workout and being able to reflect
the growth you experience as an athlete in that space.
What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?
CFA has been the one of the most diverse gyms I have come across. I look up to all the coaches and lots of
individuals as well, who are always cheering you and being very supportive. It gives you a very positive feel &
the energy is very vibrant. My wife (Vaish) & I love ATX for the same reason, the vibe is just fantastic, and it is
one of the best decisions we have made by moving here. Now the main highlight is the weightlifting class. It
has transformed my thinking & understanding on how to move my body for complex movements. Coach Dylan
has the magic mantra on how to gain momentum and live with consistency.
Current Training Goals/PRs?
Press over head -Body weight, Squat- Body weight, Deadlift- 2 x Body weight. Currently, I can only squat my
body weight. Get strong or lose weight are the only options…
What advice do you have for folks just starting out in CrossFit?
Enjoy the moment, trust the process. Always remember, physical strength can only take you to a certain limit,
after that it is all mental strength, training your mind and staying consistent will help you in the long run & yeah
always be humble and open to learning.
How do you balance staying focused in your training when life gets busy?
Making the choice to re-prioritize and put yourself higher upstream in priority.
What is your cheat meal go-to?
I am a foodie, love all the Carbs & grease but yeh… a good burger would be my go-to cheat meal.
How do you use your fitness outside of the gym?
Hiking. Couple of years ago did a Back packing trip in the Grand Canyon & would love to do it again.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your fitness journey?
Eating clean and the town I lived in Michigan was all about breweries.
Tell us about a moment you felt most proud of yourself during a workout.
Not particularly a workout but started training 3 days a week and listening to the body before bringing that
volume to 4 or 5 days a week. Giving the body time to adapt to a point where the importance of training is
prioritized in my life to accommodate hours every week. I am super proud of that.
If you could create a WOD and name it for yourself, what would it be?
Appetite for Destruction – 5 Rounds for time: 5 Heavy Back squats, 200m Sledge push (Heavy), 100m sprint.
Heavy is subjective, loading up the bar with your body weight or more..
What keeps you going on the days you don’t feel like it?
That feeling of accomplishment, after completing your workout. That endorphin release!!
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?
Love traveling, road tripping, try out new delicacies.
Tell us something we don’t know about you…
I was a design engineer in interiors for private charter aircrafts.
Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…
“Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win”:
Sun Tzu- The Art of War