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 2022 Athlete of The Month is Brad Crist! Brad began his CrossFit journey with us on April 28th, 2021 and was recognized as our Athlete of the Month last year in October 2021. What hasn’t changed AT ALL since last year is that working out with Brad is ALWAYS fun! Brad told our coaches earlier this summer that he had the goal to be more consistent with his fitness. By meeting his goal, we have all seen tremendous gains in Brad’s fitness and endurance!!!! Being a committed husband, father, employee, and member of his community doesn’t give Brad excuses to stay away from the gym. He prioritizes fitness so that he can be the best version of himself in the roles he holds outside of the gym. Brad has found a way to make time for fitness and personal health and you can too! Congratulations Brad! We’re so happy to have you as our September 2022 Athlete of the Month and as true inspiration for our community! Get to know Brad in his interview below.
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1. TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF.
My name is Brad Crist and I am 46 years old. I live in East Bernard Texas with my wife of 22 years and our six children. Albeit two of them are in College, one at Blinn and one at Texas A&M. We have three girls, Madison (20) Makayla (17) and Mackenzie (15). We also have three boys Mason (19), Maddox (16) and Major (13). We enjoy sports and outside activities. We are very involved in East Bernard ISD and I am also the president of the Athletic Booster Club. I work at Shoppa’s Farm Supply and have been here for almost 17 years as the Large Ag Sales Manager. We are entrenched in Wharton County and proud to call this our home.
2. WHAT MADE YOU START CROSSFIT?
For 20 years we have dedicated our lives to raising our children. We don’t miss practices or games. We attend all FFA and extra-curricular activities. We support our kids in everything they do and we are more than happy to do that. With that said over that time my physical fitness has taken a back seat to supporting our kids. As the kids are getting older and my time commitment is diminishing, I came to the hard truth that if I want to have the kind of active lifestyle I desire when I get older, I need to start now. I want to be able to enjoy retirement with my wife, hiking, traveling, and being on the lake. I want to be the kind of grandpa that is active with my grandkids, and I want to lead by example for my kids on how they need to take care of themselves.
3. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED SINCE JOINING CROSSFIT 1710?
The biggest thing I have learned from CrossFit 1710 is that anyone can get into shape. I truly thought I was “too far gone” to make a difference in my physical fitness. Boy was I wrong. I have learned that challenging myself has increased my self-esteem, my focus at work, and the kind of Dad and Husband I am. It truly is amazing what someone can accomplish when they put their mind to it and have the support of the other athletes in the box. I can’t imagine not going to CrossFit and hate to miss no matter what the reason.
4. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT CROSSFIT 1710 OR CROSSFIT IN GENERAL?
My most favorite aspect of CrossFit 1710 is the other athletes. The bond we have created as we encourage and challenge each other is simply amazing. The accountability that we have for each other helps drive me. Each workout is a challenge but having the support of the other folks makes all of us push through and want to get better. As we say, the workouts are never easy but in the end, they are always worth it.
5. WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST CROSSFIT MOMENT?
My proudest CrossFit moment is when we did the (max effort) 5K. I have never run that far and at 45 years old I did it in just over 30 minutes.
6. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVEMENT/LIFT? LEAST FAVORITE?
I can’t limit this to one thing as my favorite, so I will tell you the two worst for me: Burpees and Overhead squats.
7. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AND HOW CLOSE ARE YOU TO REACHING THEM?
I really don’t have a specific goal other than to get in shape and stay in shape. Each workout gets me closer to that and it is a tremendous feeling to work towards that. It comes with great endorphins and feelings of accomplishment.
8. WHEN YOU’RE NOT CROSSFITTING WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO?
I love spending time with my family and attending EB sporting events.
9. THE ONE TIP YOU’D GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS THINKING ABOUT STARTING CROSSFIT OR JUST STARTED?
Dedicate yourself. It is worth it. For a year I went through the motions of CrossFit. I would attend two workouts this week, three the next and then miss an entire week. I didn’t get the results I was after. But in April of this year I have a goal of making at least 20 classes a month and I have seen the results. I really shoot for five classes a week and in August I did that.
10. WHAT IS YOUR DIET LIKE? HAS IT CHANGED SINCE STARTING CROSSFIT?
I am very aware of what I eat. I still love pizza and ice cream, but I limit my consumption. The counseling I get within CrossFit has been instrumental in my weight loss.
11. RESULTS? TELL US ABOUT YOUR RESULTS!
I started at 222 in April and I weigh 194 now and am SO much more fit it is unbelievable.
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