We could not be more proud of this amazing man right here. This picture says it all!! A big congrats to Matt for his incredible transformation. Check out his awesome Q&A below!
How did you find us and how long have you been working out at Firewall?
I started in October 2019. I would drive past the gym often on my way to work. When I decided to get serious about exercise, I checked out your website and saw the OTC program which seemed exactly what I was looking for.
Not exclusive to Firewall, how much weight have you lost since setting out on your fitness journey?
What’s played a big role?
Since July 2019, I have lost about 35 pounds and am at my target weight. I lost 15 pounds immediately when I decided over the summer to not eat or drink anything with added sugar. I lost the remaining weight working with a nutritionist as well as sticking with the exercise routine.
What motivated you to begin your fitness journey?
I was diagnosed with Pre-Diabetes. My physician told me I still had time to prevent full blown diabetes by changing my diet and getting more exercise. I knew it also would help with my depression and anxiety.
What would you tell a friend who knows they have to make a change to their lifestyle but can’t motivate
themselves to actually do it?
They still have time to make a choice to improve the rest of their life. By sticking with my nutrition and exercise plans, I sleep better, I feel better, and have lots more energy than I ever have. Even though I have made some significant sacrifices by cutting out sugar, getting up early every morning and just watching what I eat, I still enjoy life! I can eat delicious meals, I can have dessert, I just need to pay attention to what I eat and do.
What are some hobbies of yours?
I enjoy being out in the community either working with non-profits or just spending time with family and friends.
What’s your favorite thing about Firewall (both the workouts and the gym itself)?
I really like how the workouts start off with a nice warmup. The combination of stretching and getting the heartbeat up make the actual workouts much more palatable. I also like how I never seem to be sore. This tells me that Firewall has found a great combination of warmup and getting a good sweat. I also really enjoy the trainers and the members who have been incredibly supportive. I never felt intimidated and always felt welcome!
Were you hesitant to join Firewall initially? If so, why?
I was hesitant only because it seemed like the average CrossFit members were much stronger and more athletic than I wanted to be. I thought it was really cool that there was a CrossFit like program that met my specific needs of just trying to get a simple workout with a very supportive group.
Because we are currently all in lock down, let’s hear a list of your favorites of the following: book,
boardgame, TV Show, movie, card game, and musical artist.
Book: Anything written by John Grisham
Boardgame: Scrabble
TV Show: Big Bang Theory
Movie: The Green Mile
Card Game: Pitch
Musical Artist: Jason Mraz
What’s something you’ve been more grateful for since the quarantine began?
That we are safe and have financial security to get thru it.
Where’s the one place in the world you want to go to that you haven’t been to yet and why?
Iceland in the summer – We did a family vacation in the winter to see the northern lights. Would love to see it in the summer and be surrounded by the beautiful landscapes.
Would you rather only be able to whisper or only be able to shout?
I think I would prefer to SHOUT!