August 2016

Congratulations to Heinrich for being the Athlete of the Month for August. Heinrich is willing to work as hard as anyone we have met. He is constantly pushing himself and always working on skills. Selfishly we are sad he is moving this month but excited for him and his family as they will be able to be together more often now.

Please tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised on the beautiful east coast of South Africa. Infatuated with all things flying, I started a career in aviation, which has the upside that I am paid to travel world and I have seen some interesting places. I like being outdoors, and when not working out with Cory, I am on my bike riding the valley and recently studying towards my bachelors in aviation science.

When did you become a member at Defiance West?

December 2015.

What made you join Defiance West and why do you do it now?

For years I wanted to try out CrossFit but never committed to the idea. One evening just driving around I saw the Defiance West sign, and decided to stop by just as a workout was about to start and joined in. The continuously varied workouts had me hooked. It takes the monotony out of daily workouts. I like walking into the gym not knowing what we would do that day, until you lay eyes on the whiteboard.

What were your thoughts after your first workout?

Watching too many YouTube videos, the stigma of CrossFit I build in my head had my stomach flipping as I started the workout. However with Cory’s guidance and coaching, I quickly learned that his workouts is all about what is best for you, to make you the best you can be. Needless to say I was impressed and ready to start my journey with Defiance West.

What is your athletic background?

I have always played sports growing up. I love rugby but after multiple injuries, had to hang up my boots. I started running quite but did minimal weight training until I started at Defiance West.

What is your favorite movement or workout?

Good ole thrusters!!! It’s one exercise that requires movement of multiple muscle groups and joints and will leave you crumbled on the floor after a workout.

What is your least favorite?

Probably double unders. Mostly as it is my nemesis at the moment, but it is a challenge I am happily accepting.

What has been your favorite or proudest moment since joining?

Getting that first muscle up was a huge accomplishment. Now its time to string two or more together!

How has Defiance West changed your life, lifestyle, and level of fitness?

When I started at Defiance West, I was suffering with intense knee pain from injuries that had me continuously reaching for ibuprofen. Working with Cory, my strength and range of motion has improved to a point that the injuries I had is a distant memory. Being pain free has drastically improved my life and it would not have been possible without the guidance from Defiance West.

What are your fitness goals for this year?

Mastering double unders is high on my list, but I have a goal set to be able to snatch my own body weight. Both are works in progress.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

I speak three languages and attempting to learn a fourth (Spanish).

What advice would you give to people looking to get started at our gym?

At Defiance West we share laughter, sweat, and fist pumps completing accomplishments we never thought we could reach. Come meet Cory, Cierra and the Defiance West community. It will be a decision you will never regret or forget!