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 2024 Athlete of The Month is Anderson Puryear! Anderson began his CrossFit journey in 2012, pursued fitness around the world, then discovered us at CrossFit 1710 in December 2023. His down-to-earth personality and growth mindset make Anderson incredibly coachable and fun to have in the gym. In both coach-led classes and open gym, Anderson is always up for a challenge and learning opportunity. We are very proud of his consistent effort, outstanding attitude, and team spirit. Keep up the fantastic work, Anderson!
Get to know Anderson better in his interview below.
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF.
Hello, my name is Anderson Puryear. For those who don’t know me, I’d like to introduce myself. Though I don’t typically define myself by traditional labels, I’ll give it a try. I’m 38 years old and live in El Campo, Texas. When I am not here at the gym, I enjoy writing, painting, and reading. But my true passion is traveling and exploring the world.
In my early 30s, I realized that being tied to a traditional job wasn’t for me, so I set out to create a life on my own terms. As a free spirit, I’m constantly seeking new experiences and perspectives, and I try to capture that sense of adventure and wonder in my writing. In fact, I’ve even self-published a book, Fury’s Road: A Racing Heart. The plot and characters are based on my adventures and interesting people I've met along the way.
Born and raised in Texas, my love for travel developed early, and it has taken me to all corners of the globe. From running with the bulls in Pamplona to hitching a ride on a cargo ship across the Black Sea, or sipping banana wine in a remote mountain village in Tanzania, I’ve always pushed myself to explore the boundaries of my comfort zone.
These experiences have taught me invaluable lessons—not only about the world and others but most importantly about myself.
WHAT MADE YOU START CROSSFIT?
I began my CrossFit journey back in 2012, while working in Norway. It all started when a co-worker invited me to join a class after work, and from that very first session, I was drawn in by the fierce yet incredibly supportive community. The blend of competition and camaraderie had me hooked, and I’ve never looked back.
There was a brief period where I had to step away from CrossFit for a couple of years, mainly due to a lack of gym access. But then, by the grace of God, I stumbled upon CF 1710. The moment I walked in, I knew it was special. The top-tier coaches, the friendly and welcoming members, and the abundance of equipment—it was everything I could’ve asked for. CF 1710 truly stands out as one of the best gyms I've ever been fortunate enough to be a part of.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED SINCE JOINING CROSSFIT 1710?
Since joining this CrossFit gym, I've learned so much more than just improved workout techniques. The coaches here have an incredible depth of knowledge, not just in CrossFit but in overall fitness, nutrition, and even injury prevention. I like that they always take the time to explain movements in a way that's easy for everyone to understand, and they really care about helping each person improve at their own pace.
But what really stands out to me is the sense of community. The other members have been so welcoming and encouraging from day one. No matter your fitness level, everyone supports one another, and it makes the experience that much more motivating. It’s been amazing to be part of such a positive and knowledgeable group!
WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST CROSSFIT MOMENT?
My proudest CrossFit moment has to be the day I finally conquered ring muscle-ups. I had been working on them for what felt like forever, constantly getting stuck in the top, just shy of getting into the dip. It was frustrating, but I knew it was going to take persistence.
Then one day after working on it for weeks, we had ring muscle ups in the workout. After warming up and starting the wod, I finally approached the rings. Already feeling that familiar mix of excitement and dread, I gave it a shot and, as usual, failed. But something felt different—like I was just one step away. So I tried again, and this time, as I pulled through, everything clicked. It wasn’t just the achievement itself—it was knowing how much work, patience, and mental grit had gone into that single moment. It was a breakthrough, both physically and mentally, and that’s what I love about CrossFit. It's not just about the reps; it’s about the journey to get there.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVEMENT/LIFT?
I’ve always enjoyed any kind of machine work during a WOD. There’s just something about the challenge of rowing or hopping on the Echo Bike that gets me excited—I love pushing myself to see what I’m capable of. But, if I’m being honest, I am really waiting to see a SkiErg in the workout lineup in the near future. That machine is my absolute favorite.
WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE MOVEMENT/LIFT?
At the moment, I find myself struggling with a lot of bodyweight movements—things like handstand push-ups, wall walks, pull-ups, and similar exercises. These movements have always been tough for me, but I’m determined to get better at them. To work on this, I’ve started coming into the gym a little earlier whenever I can, giving myself some extra time to focus specifically on these skills. Whether it’s refining my technique or slowly building up strength, I’ve found that dedicating even just a few extra minutes has been helping.
Of course, it wouldn’t hurt to shed a few pounds along the way, which would probably make these movements a bit easier! I'm working on that too, but I’m trying to approach the process with patience and consistency. It's all about progress, not perfection, and I'm learning to embrace the grind one step at a time.
WHAT IMPACT HAS CROSSFIT HAD ON YOUR LIFE IN AND OUT OF THE GYM?
CrossFit has had a profound impact on my life, both inside and outside the gym, in ways I never anticipated. Physically, it’s pushed me beyond what I thought I was capable of, but emotionally and spiritually, it’s been transformative. It’s an environment where not only do I feel uplifted by others cheering me on but also challenged.
One of the biggest changes I’ve noticed is how CrossFit has helped regulate my mood and mindset. Everyone always talks about the physical benefits but down-play the role of neurochemicals like serotonin and dopamine during and after a workout. It's HUGE.
It’s almost like a mental reset—I walk into the gym feeling stressed or overwhelmed, and by the time I’m done, those feelings are replaced with a sense of calm, joy, and accomplishment. It's not just about getting more fit; it’s about balancing my mental state and keeping me emotionally grounded.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AND HOW CLOSE ARE YOU TO REACHING THEM?
My goal, and what it’s always been, is simply to be better than the person I was yesterday. Do I always hit the mark? Definitely not. It’s not like progress is a straight, upward line—it’s more of a series of peaks and valleys, with setbacks along the way. But what I’ve gotten pretty good at over time is being honest with myself when things aren’t going as planned. When I get off track, I’m able to step back, reassess, and course-correct before I drift too far.
So if you ask me about my goal, the answer is that it’s never really "done." It’s ongoing, evolving, and constantly expanding. I’m not chasing a finish line—I’m chasing the process of growth, learning, and improvement, day after day. Every time I reach a new milestone, I find there’s always another challenge waiting, and that’s what keeps me motivated. It’s about embracing the journey, not just the destination.
WHEN YOU ARE NOT CROSSFITTING, WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO?
Travel by far is my favorite thing to do. Nothing excites me more than booking a ticket to a far away land, planning nothing, and just seeing where the winds take me. I can go several months in another country with just a backpack and a passport just seeing where the bridge of incidence takes me.
WHAT IS THE ONE TIP YOU’D GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS THINKING ABOUT STARTING CROSSFIT?
Nike said it best. Just do it.
WHAT IS YOUR DIET LIKE? HOW HAS IT CHANGED SINCE STARTING CROSSFIT?
Since starting CrossFit, my diet has really changed for the better. I focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods—lean plant-based proteins, lots of veggies, and healthy fats. I’ve tried to cut back on processed foods and sugars because I noticed they made me feel sluggish during workouts. But I would be lying if I said they aren’t a vice.
RESULTS?
When I make it to the gym consistently, I experience a remarkable shift in my mood, as I mentioned earlier. It’s not just about the endorphin rush; it’s the sense of accomplishment and the energy that carries over into my home life. Alongside this emotional uplift, I also see a noticeable transformation in my physique. My body feels stronger and more toned, and that physical change boosts my confidence. Overall, the combination of improved mood and enhanced physical fitness creates a positive feedback loop that motivates me to keep coming back.
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