Spotlight Athlete- Brian Sean Early
When we meet someone for the first time at CrossFit Zachary we like to have them come in the gym, we show them around and we always like to start a conversation about their fitness journey and maybe even set some goals. Then the fun begins when our clients begin our Foundations class which is 4 one on one sessions with the athlete and one of our coaches. The clients get to experience how we train and the CrossFit methodology as well as get a taste of how passionate our coaches are about improving the quality of life for our clients. This is where our story turns to Brian, our spotlight athlete. You’ll read below how this time with his coach during his Foundations help to solidify his time with us at CrossFit Zachary and prepared him for his CrossFit journey. Let us just say right now he’s crushing it. In the short time he’s been with us his gains have been incredible and his approach to the daily workouts intensifies each session. He’s focused about reaching his goals and we know he will accomplish each one. Brian has some great things to say about his time with us so you definitely should check that out below. Congratulations Brian on being our Spotlight Athlete! Click this LINK if you like to set up a time to meet with us and start your Foundations Class. We’d love to have you!
What brought you to CrossFit Zachary in the first place?
I have always been an active person; however, I found my physical health lacking. I had been training in jui jitsu for 5 years but needed more strength training and help overcoming a series of nagging injuries. I knew I could improve, but also recognized I needed help to achieve my goals. So I went on the search for a gym. I checked out a few facilities and talked to a couple of personal trainers, but none seemed to be a good fit, until I found CrossFit Zachary.
What was your first impression? How has that changed?
I must admit ignorance when it came to CrossFit along with a collection of preconceived ideas about CrossFit, which I will reserve for another conversation. I found it to be attentive and reassuring that at CFZ, one cannot jump directly into the class. There is a whole process (Foundations) of teaching proper techniques and adaptive training to meet ones needs and goals. This processed is also reinforced through each training session, which is needed for repetitive learners like myself. It was in this onboarding process that I initially realized the passion and dedication the coaches had for facilitating positive change in my life and I began to see the culture of community within CFZ.
What was your first “bright spot, (PR)?
Sure I have seen many healthy positive changes in conditioning, strength, and technique and I look forward to this continued growth. Though, reminiscing on my first Saturday class always warms my heart. I think it was my third session at CFZ, Johnny taught the class, and I was surrounded by a bunch of new faces. The workout beat me down, but people I just met and complete strangers were lifting me up with words of encouragement and sweaty fits bumps. I became grateful and humbled to be a part of the CFZ community. I thoroughly enjoy committing to this community, program, and the CrossFit processes of growth.
What are you working on now?
The same as when I started be the best person I can be. My body tells me I have a hard time pacing myself and pushing too hard and too fast to achieve my goals. Therefore, I am really working on pacing myself and being patient. I working on finding that uncomfortable sweet spot to render both growth and longevity in training. Some of my long-term goals are to climb the pegboard, master the Kipping pull-up, and muscle-ups.
What’s your favorite CrossFit Zachary memory?”
My first exchanges of smack talk with Kelly at the 5:30 AM classes were and are always fun along with her overly enthusiastic coaching during the team competition. Dressing up like coach Wade and having my two daughters play tattoo parlor on me to get the look just right is certainly a memorable time.