How did you find CrossFit Osiris?
I found Osiris after interviewing a half dozen local gyms. Glad I chose Osiris because there the members coaches and family is a true blessing for me. Rarely do you find a group so able, encouraging, supportive and genuine. They also had a plan for my selected 3 days a week at noon.
What kind of progress have you experienced at CrossFit Osiris?
When I started in August of 2021 my weight was 245, I had difficulty with joint pain and my general physical condition was well below where I wanted and needed to be. My blood pressure was too high, and my cholesterol was in a sad state. For the first 4 months or so I had to stop every 5 minutes. The day or two after a workout was painful.
Patient skilled coaching and challenging plans brought me to today where I’m 45 pounds lighter, stronger, more flexible, with far more energy and stamina. Medically, my doctor congratulates me on the overall improvement.
What are some of your hobbies?
Minneapolis is one of the best places in the country to feed my affection for dancing, live music, theater, and the arts. In the last few years, I returned to underwater adventures, snorkeling in the Caribbean, Hawaii, and the South Pacific. Hope to qualify for my Scuba certificate this fall.
In my first year of college, I found I had a knack for pool. That was a good thing because if I didn’t win a match or two in the student union at Pitt there was no lunch that day. I’ve played organized pool almost continually since.
What was your athletic background before joining CrossFit?
Our neighborhood had enough players to field two 8-man rosters for most any sport. Play we did, baseball, softball, football, basketball all full contact. In high school, I played organized softball, basketball, football, soccer and even threw the shot put and discus. We were so blessed to have all the opportunities. Following that I got into tennis, then my favorite, racquet ball.
What do you do for a living?
My two daughters and I moved to Minneapolis in 1999 from Tennessee. I’ve been operating a consulting practice since 2002 where I focus on recovery and turn-around of businesses in a variety of markets.
What are some of your personal dreams?
Since I could first ride a bicycle motorcycling was an instant passion. It’s when I feel most alive. So far, my log shows about 250,000 miles, all 50 states and many of the Canadian provinces. This fall I’ll realize another dream of riding the Austrian Alps.
What else can you share about yourself?
Mom was a Pennsylvania farm girl whose Mom and Dad immigrated from Yugoslavia about 1908. Dad was a contractor of German and Irish descent who could build or fix most anything. All my early years were an irreplaceable training ground for exposure to apply a wealth of skills. I also spent a lot of time with my Aunt Rita who was a native of Italy. She loved to teach and that ruined me for stuffed cabbage and smelly German food. I guess my passion for cooking and baking along with working with my hands was born there.
What would you say to someone who is on the fence about starting CrossFit?
When someone asks me about CrossFit, I explain that a huge part of one’s success is the community in which you chose to train in. I’ll encourage them to do their research to find the one or ones where they are accomplishing their goals and feel like they are sharing a great experience with close friends. I explain, once this part of your life becomes fun and fulfills what you want to accomplish, the work is pleasure.
What are your fitness goals?
I guess I’m a special case for CrossFit because I’m OAF. Yet, bless the coach’s flexibility in guiding me on to every new improvement. Originally, I was into as heavy as possible, now it’s learning the skill and technique because with them, weights will improve. From here I want to continue to work on improving my skills so that I’m able to increase mobility, lose another 20 at least and someday learn to skip rope. Still planning to break the 300LB dead lift mark in the future.
