When new athletes first join our gym (myself included) they frequently ask CrossFit 1710 owner and head coach, Jason Llanes, how he got started in CrossFit and what helped him get to his current health and fitness level. Some of the athletes in the gym still aren’t sure if Jason is fully human because they only see a moment of Jason’s life long fitness journey. We have speculated that he is either a superhero in disguise or a machine sent from the future to help us get healthy and fit. I decided as assistant coach it was time to put pen to paper and interview my coach and good friend Jason Llanes. What I discovered (but actually already knew) is that Coach Jason is indeed completely human with a machine like work ethic and superhero heart who cares deeply about his family, friends, and helping as many people as he can. Every day Jason strives to become the very best version of himself. Through his continuing education efforts, consistency with nutrition, and discipline with healthy habits, Coach Jason is doing just that.
Check out his interview with Coach Jodie below!
Q: How did you first learn about CrossFit?
A: I happened to find CrossFit.com by searching the internet for different workout ideas and I also heard about it on The Bobby Bones Show, it’s a morning radio show we listen to.
When did you start CrossFitting?
I started CrossFitting in 2012 with a couple of friends in our garage.
What sports and fitness activities were you involved in prior to CF?
I played tennis in high school, worked out at the Jr. College until I finished the Physical Therapy Assistant Program, and trained Jiu Jitsu in 2005.
What is a movement or lifting accomplishment that you initially didn’t think you would be able to do or use to be very challenging for you?
Ring Muscle-ups and Snatch (they’re still a weakness)
Which is your favorite(s) and least favorite of the following CrossFit Components:
Cardio, jumping, dumbbell movements, leg heavy workouts, upper body focused workouts, core heavy workouts, bar work, gymnastics, light barbell lifting for many reps, heavy barbell lifting for small rep maxes, strong man style workouts. I can honestly say that I don’t have a least or favorite movement out of this list. I can absolutely say I look forward to every movement in a workout. Long or short, I will give the task at hand everything I have for that day. Mental toughness plays a huge role when seeing a workout posted and having the confidence that you CAN do it as written or scaled. There are times to scale back reps and weights to make sure the movements are performed properly and at the correct intensity. This is how progress is made.
What is your favorite lift?
The snatch, even though it’s the most difficult lift.
Favorite Hero or Benchmark WOD?
Murph & Diane
Favorite/most memorable CrossFit competition or obstacle race you competed in (or one of each of you can’t decide)
Beat the Heat Katy Competition with Anthony Lane, Charolette Atkinson, Jennifer Fojtik and The Spartan Beast 2018 with Jodie Hutchinson, Lana Koehler, and Charolette Atkinson.
What is your music preference when working out?
Something upbeat. It becomes white noise after 3...2...1...GO!
Favorite healthy meal
My usual lunch...grilled pork loin chops, sautéed mushrooms/onions/green beans/peas, oven roasted squash/zucchini, and sweet potatoes
Favorite healthy snack
Lately it has been a Verb bar prior to workouts and a Power Crunch bar with an 02 drink post workout.
Favorite indulgent meal
Thin crust supreme pizza from Domino’s. I also have a weakness for a Reese’s Blizzard from DQ.
What goals do you have for 2020
As a coach
I want to be the person that inspires and motivates anyone and everyone who walks in to CrossFit 1710. I want be the coach that changes lives and helps people be the healthiest version of themselves they can possibly be.
As an athlete
I want to be a role model for all of our athletes. I want our athletes to see what consistency and a little hard work in and out of the gym can do for them and what they can achieve. If I can do it, you can too!
What are lessons you have learned about yourself and life
As a coach
My members/athletes old, current, and new have taught me how to be a better well rounded coach. Everyone is at a different place in their life with their fitness, health, and nutrition. I have learned to meet members wherever that place may be and help guide them to where they want to be. We all take a detour and have bumps in the road along the way but we’ll be here when they return to continue to help them along the way.
As an athlete
The old me was the athlete who had no plan. Ego controlled my workouts and I tried to be the best. Me now....I’m looking at my CrossFit journey as something sustainable for years to come, something that will keep me fit and healthy when I’m in my 80’s. Don’t get me wrong, I still like throwing around heavy weights but the main thing is being in tune with what my body is telling me. Can I scale and have a kick ass workout? Did I/you put forth my best during the workout? Heck yeah! That’s what a great training session is. Rest and recovery are essential. More is not always better. Don’t be in a hurry to lift heavy or do what everyone else is doing. Focus on you and your current abilities. Enjoy they journey!
Who/what inspires you?
My family, friends, my athletes, and.....Ben Bergeron and Rich Froning Jr.
What do you hope to teach athletes that you train?
“Deep Health”. It may sounds weird....I personally live the “sickness-fitness continuum”. I’m a Director of Rehabilitation at a Skilled Nursing Facility and I also own and coach at CrossFit 1710. I believe we need to take ownership of properly caring for our health and well-being. Sometimes we’re not dealt the best hand (our genes), as Chris Spealler states, “Genetics has zero to do with your ability to work hard.” I believe this translates in and out of the gym and with nutrition.
Comentarios