2021 March Spotlight Athlete- Todd Smith

We’re so excited to introduce you to Todd Smith, our March Spotlight Athlete. There are times as a coach that you find a client that little bit by little, is constantly getting better and constantly advancing in their fitness so much so that you don’t even realize it’s happening. That’s Todd. He comes in, finds his spot in the gym and gets to work. Before you know it you’re looking at the weight he’s loading on the bar or the speed in which he’s moving through the WOD (workout of the day) and you’re thinking when did he advance to that level? He proves what hard work and determination will do for you. We love having Todd around and he’s fully deserving of the spotlight this month. Check out his words about his time at CrossFit Zachary. When you’re ready to come to give your fitness the attention it deserves come on in and create your own story and journey just as Todd has done.

What brought you to CrossFit Zachary in the first place?
I've been a "gym rat" for 40 years...in and out of various gyms, and have always loved the challenge. A few years ago I started to get bored with the same-ole, same-ole in the plate gyms and wanted something new, something that held me accountable. I started to not go as much and my fitness suffered for it. Then one day I looked down and said, "where did this belly come from"? I had walked into CFZ years ago (at the old location) and talked with Fabian, then I talked myself out of joining. I had the internal conversation many prospective members had..."you can't do this, this is a young persons sport". I have to admit now, that I was WRONG!

What was your first impression? How has that changed?
I thought that I would not like the class structure...I thought I wanted an open gym so I could do whatever I wanted, when I wanted. WRONG again! I absolutely love coming to class and pushing myself. Even more, I love watching others push themselves as well. It puts a smile on my face when I see someone hit a PR and how they're proud of themselves. I've got news for the CFZ family, I'm proud for you just as well!

What was your first “bright spot, (PR)?
I'd have to say, it was my first class as a member. I walked into a new world where I was the freshman again. Not knowing if I was going to fall flat on my face in front of all these people that I did not know. I haven't had those kind of butterflies in my stomach since I stepped off the bus in Great Lakes Illinois for Navy boot camp as a 20 yr old, and some guy was yelling at me to "move faster.” This is year two for me...I told myself when I started, to leave my ego at the door, learn the mechanics and work your way up to the girls Rx. That's what I did, and have steadily progressed ever since. Someone at work asked if I worked out with girls...I looked at them and said, "you ain't never worked out with these girls"!

What are you working on now?
Now I'm pushing to Rx as many WODs as I can. Yea, sometimes about half way through a WOD, I think, uh oh, you picked the WRONG weight fool, but I'll usually push through, sometimes I'll adjust the weight. My mind says "yea, let's go for it", then my body says "we'll talk about this later"! lol The coaching at CFZ is second to none...constant instruction and constructive criticism. I love how the coaches walk around in a WOD and pump you up and make sure your form isn't breaking down.

What’s your favorite CrossFit Zachary memory?
There are a couple actually. One is how welcoming and helpful everyone was when I started, and the other is, any time I see someone doing foundations. They've made a choice to up their fitness, and I know how it'll go for them once they get rolling. This is the single best fitness decision I have ever made. Thanks for having me!