Two years ago I tore my rotator cuff. I went to a local sports and injury clinic for a diagnosis only to be told it was all in my head and get prescribed physical therapy instead of getting a MRI test with a dye. I was training for a whole different atmosphere at the time, changing direction from being an ultra-endurance runner and functional fitness athlete just to strongman. I was making tremendous gains but I was doing a lot of electrician work overhead, working up to 80 hours a week with my building engineering/maintenance job and doing rock climbing. It is true that I also lifted through failure with a spot and neglected to listen to my body so in essence you can say I was asking for it.
At that time I had put a lot of work into my training and was tired of doing the ultra-running thing, it was a very lonely sport. I had spent hours on hours of training alone so I really didn’t want to go back to it. All I wanted to do from that moment on was Strongman. I did everything I could to get my shoulder better spending every dollar I could make on chiropractors, cryotherapy, physical therapists, and I would keep going back to the sports and injury clinic for them to tell me It was in my head. Which I knew there was something wrong but I didn’t know what to do. Last year in March I felt defeated I really wanted to get back into the gym. I finally chose to go to a different shoulder specialist.
I went to Austin Shoulder Institute and Surgeon Graham did a dye test and found my tear right away. I instantly signed up for surgery. The before picture was me in August. I had finally recovered enough to be able to be active again. Drinking, a pack of smokes a day, pain meds, long nights at the karaoke bar, and not being able to work out really made me out of shape. I yo-yoed off and on trying over and over to climb back on the path that was leading me to success in competitions and keeping me out of a very dark place in my life.
I joined CrossFit Central because I was working two jobs and it was closer to my job downtown. The flexibility and availability of CrossFit Central’s schedule, open gym and event working out with the coaches on occasion has been huge for me. I have a lot of friends that like to work out now! This is probably the biggest gain I have made yet. I enjoy everyone’s company in the gym. I have always prioritized training and always wished I could find people that would help me push it to the limit every day. I’ve realized that I don’t need to keep toxic people around so I have been slowly cutting the people that are stalling my gains out of my life.
Lost 26 lbs. and 12% body fat
As for the numbers I’ve went from 200 pounds to 174 pounds, dropping from 26% body fat to 14% body fat. I have only been with CrossFit Central for 3 months. What a impact right!? I know 100% I would not be this far progressed if I didn’t come to CrossFit Central.
When I first started I checked out the Sober Sunday workout. When I started going to the class I made the decision to abstain from drinking and never smoke cigarettes again from that point on. Words can’t even describe how much that would mean to me.
Another barrier I had broken was learning how to fuel myself, to eat properly for weight lost. Before I came to the gym my nutrition was absolutely horrible, sometimes causing me to want to do anything but sleep, eat, and go to work. When I did diet I ended up binging and gaining more weight than I would lose. We fixed that as well.
I have almost always worked out alone. I’ve always enjoyed pushing myself, making my own innovations, and pumping my self up (it looks pretty crazy when a guy is shouting to himself on the track or on the trails just for self-motivation to break through a wall). Getting the pump and unleashing the fury is the best. When people get comfortable enough to break through their wall and hit another gear, it’s a remarkable thing. There’s nothing else like it. I have only had one workout partner that truly would reach that drive. Coming to CrossFit Central I’m making friends with everyone and we are innovating like crazy. Constantly collaborating on workouts, nutrition, different ways to make gains and mobility. Sharing the electricity of the workout and getting amped on a new level, it really has been a beautiful thing.
As for relationships. I don’t let anyone hold me back anymore. I have been cutting out fake friends and people that have been toxic in my life. I have a lot of love for people and I give them chances, but there’s only so much I put up with now. I cherish every friendship I have and give all the love I have to give. Being a loyal friend with absolute integrity and living up to the word I give people; I feel it is important in today’s society where people don’t live up to their word or their bond. It has been my mission to fulfill every promise, every time I say I am going to do something I’m giving my 200% to make it happen.
My family life has always been a bit fuzzy. I won’t get into it too much, however it is my goal to influence the best out of them. We all had demons we need to learn to control, abolish, and destroy. My goal has been for them to look at me and realize that they can get anything done they put their mind too. It’s one of my biggest why’s - I want to instill the drive and get them away from the lifestyles that may have been crushing their momentum to become successful. After all I have been through the worst of worst in life, crucified my demons and blazed a remarkable trail coming out of it and onwards to the Buena’s Vida’s!