Featured Athlete: Stephen G.

If you come to the gym in the afternoons or Saturday mornings you’ve no doubt seen Stephen.  Otherwise there’s a good chance you’ve seen his log book being held for ransom by the coaches after he forgets to put it away… perhaps taped to the rig, the underside of a plyobox, by the tiki, or even 15 feet in the air sitting on top of one of the lights.  Post workout he can often be found getting some extra credit work in on his ring or bar muscle ups.  One of the coolest memories about Stephen was him getting his bar muscle up during the 2016 CrossFit Open workout.  I also always enjoy hearing about Stephen’s experiences as he gets to travel all around the world for work, and sometimes even drops in to CrossFit gyms in random countries.  Check out more about Stephen below.

Name:  Stephen Goodrich
Age:  Top Secret

Q.  How long have you been doing CrossFit?

Off and on for about 5 years but got serious about two years ago.

Q. What were you doing for exercise before starting CrossFit?

Running and throwing money in the trash each month at a local gym that I never went to.

Q.  How did you begin training at CrossFit Sweat Shop?

I had run by Sweat Shop on the canal trail a few times, called and spoke with Nabil, he seemed “cool” so I came in and did a few classes and got hooked on the programming and members.

Q.  What has been the most significant benefit or change since you’ve been a member of the Sweat Shop?

I actually want to exercise!  If I miss a class or am unable to get my fitness on then I am bummed! Also I know it is cliche but my fellow Cross-fitters. Sweat Shop has an amazing amount of good people in the box.

Q.  What is your favorite exercise or workout?

Any Chipper, Renee programs some brutal ones! In regards to the barbell, it would have to be Cleans. I still need to work on my form but I just love doing them.

Q.  What is your least favorite exercise or workout?

Thrusters, they destroy my soul.

Q.  What is your favorite cheat meal/snack?

Skinny Cows, Chips and Salsa.

Q.  What do you enjoy most about training at CrossFit Sweat Shop?

Variety of fitness and the people. The feeling of accomplishment after every workout.

Q.  Now that you’ve been doing CrossFit, what’s one thing you could never seen yourself doing again?

Going to a regular GYM and pretending to work out while reading a magazine or watching TV, that’s not working out!  Ha Ha !!

Q.  What is your proudest exercise related achievement?

I ran the New York City Marathon for the Hole in Wall Gang charity. Raised $6,000.

Q.  What advice would you give someone who is hesitant to try CrossFit?

Just try it, it’s addicting but there are way worse things to be addicted to. Just give in and join the cult, and get your fitness on!

Q.  What is your most sought after exercise goal?

Being able to do all the movements in Crossfit, even if I cannot do them “perfect” just being able to do them is something I strive for.

Q.  What do you enjoy doing outside of CrossFit?

Anything with my wife Noelle,  running/hanging with my two pups, brunch, music and vinyl records.

Q.  What is something you’ve recently purchased for less than $100 (or acquired for free) that you thoroughly enjoy and would recommend to others?

Burr Grinder. to make sure my coffee beans are just right and my fathers old record player from the 70’s, nothing sounds as good as old school vinyl records!

Q.  Any advice you would give your 25 year old self?

Nothing, I needed to go through what I went through to be who I am now.. I would not want to change that