Each month we spotlight a different CrossFit 1710 athlete who stands out and shows just how awesome they are. What is it that makes up an Athlete of the Month? It may not be the person that finishes the fastest, Rx’s every WOD, or gets a PR every time they walk in the gym. Although we love and celebrate when those things happen, the Athlete of the Month is made up of much more than physical ability. This person shows up, gives their best every time, and then gives a little more. They are hungry to learn and always ready to do the work. They support their fellow athletes and encourage them to reach their goals. This athlete embodies what we believe the CrossFit 1710 Community should be about.
Our September 2020 Athlete of The Month is Jonathan Gibson! Jonathan began his CrossFit journey with us in June 2019. Outside of the gym he stays busy with coaching several sports for Boling ISD, supporting his wife (who attends CF 1710 classes with him), and athletic and active daughters. For the past 7+ weeks Jonathan has consistently attended our 5:00am Strong Before Dawn class and made fantastic progress! Our 5:00am class allows Jonathan to focus on his fitness and health first thing in the morning to get the energy he needs to then inspire his own athletes and students. His consistency and determination to improve his health and fitness is something we are very proud of as his coaches and teammates. Get to know Jonathan in his interview below. Come and join Jonathan in a workout and you too will see what he is talking about and why he's our AOTM! Congratulations Jonathan! We’re so happy to have you as our September 2020 Athlete of the Month and as an awesome athlete in our community!
1. TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF.
My name is Jonathan Gibson, I’m 37, married with 2 daughters. Originally from Palacios, Texas and have been a teacher/coach for 13 years.
2. WHAT MADE YOU START CROSSFIT?
My kid called me fat. It’s true. However, I really started to make a change in my health and exercise in the Spring/Summer of 2018. At a track meet I was working the meet with Brian Vega and he was sharing his weight loss journey. That day I decided to give up drinking cokes and Dr. Peppers. I began running and built up to being able to hit they track for anywhere from 3-6 miles a few days a week. I began to lose weight and I wanted to keep at it.
3. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED SINCE JOINING CROSSFIT 1710?
That it truly is for every age, shape, size, skill level of person and athlete. It’s awesome how every WOD can be modified and scaled to fit ANYONE depending on the individual.
4. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT CROSSFIT 1710 OR CROSSFIT IN GENERAL?When you work out alone or without a structure or purpose you have a tendency to not work as hard and not get as much out of it. Through CossFit I love that we start every WOD with a warm up. Typically I did not warm up, I just jumped into whatever exercise I was doing and I think my body hurt because of that. I love that you are not alone doing the WOD’s, and that we have an amazing support group of friends that help get us through it together and finally I like that we take time at the end to work on mobility and stretching again.
5. WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST CROSSFIT MOMENT?
I’m really proud of myself for making it to not only 6 straight weeks, but also for retraining my mind and body that I CAN wake up at 4:30AM and get my day started.
6. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVEMENT/LIFT? LEAST FAVORITE?
Overhead squats are by far the worst. I have poor flexibility and mobility in my shoulders. (working on it though)
7. WHAT IMPACT HAS CROSSFIT HAD ON YOUR LIFE IN AND OUT OF THE GYM?
I’ve made friends with a group of like minded individuals who understand the sacrifices, metal toughness, dedication, determination and consistency it takes to help us become who we want to become and we can lean on each other for encouragement.
8. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AND HOW CLOSE ARE YOU TO REACHING THEM?
My goal is to one day be able to see my abs.. be it a 2 pack, 4 pack, 6 pack, whatever. I just want to lose my love handles and be able to tone my stomach. I’ve also been able to slowly progress to doing the kipping pull ups without a band. My new goal for that is to learn the proper mechanics to string together multiple pull-ups and hopefully be able to get to 10 unbroken.
9. WHEN YOU’RE NOT CROSSFITTING WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO?
Sports have always been a passion and since high school I found my calling through Coaching. I currently am the head coach of Cross Country, Girls Basketball and Tennis. My life mostly revolves around those sports and my wife and kids (who are involved in all of those sports).
10. THE ONE TIP YOU’D GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS THINKING ABOUT STARTING CROSSFIT OR JUST STARTED? Just Show UP!! Find a way to just make yourself show up. That’s the hardest part. If you’ve ever considered it or thought about trying it, There is No Reason not to give yourself that opportunity. If you try it for a few days and don’t think it’s a good fit at least you could say you tried. It’s so worth it.
11. WHAT IS YOUR DIET LIKE? HAS IT CHANGED SINCE STARTING CROSSFIT?
My diet used to SUCK. Being a coach and always either on the road to games or tourneys or running my kids to practices or lessons it was always so easy to stop and get fast food. I ALWAYS got large everything. It didn’t even matter how hungry I was. I was going to get a Double Meat and a Rt. 44. Since joining CrossFit our family as a whole has made healthier choices and decisions. We now watch what we eat. We also take advantage of Delicious Low Carb meals from our friend Heather Kalina and her business H-Eats!
12. RESULTS? TELL US ABOUT YOUR RESULTS!
Over the last few years my weight has gotten to as high as 236lbs. After getting rid of the sodas and eating healthier along with CrossFit. I’m currently around 215lbs.
I also feel tighter in my core and mid-section and feel stronger all around.
FREEWRITE:
I don’t know where this journey will take me, but I want to continue. I want to set a good example for my daughters and my athletes as well as my friends and family. I want to be the best version of ME that I can be, the best MAN, FATHER, HUSBAND, FRIEND and CHRISTIAN that I can be. I’m not where I want to be but I’m closer than I was!
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