Featured Athlete: Eric L.
Most people would describe Eric as a quite dude, … a mysterious dude that always has a new Porsche. Even after being a Sweat Shop member for more than 2 years, I’m still finding out new things about Eric. Just recently he helped coached Jacqueline, Bri, and Helen in the pool as they prepared for the CrossFit Games (Jacqueline) and Granite Games (Helen & Bri). They all agreed that Eric is an AMAZING swim coach! You’d never know it though, he quietly comes in, and gets work done at the gym. While he’s not the loud and outgoing type, if you do talk with him, you’ll quickly realize he’s a really nice dude. Next time he’s shirtless, ask him to demonstrate the trademark swimmer “lat-slap” move… apparently lots of swimmers can do it, but I find it crazy weird and impossible to replicate myself. Nonetheless, read more about Eric below!
Name: Eric Lopez a.k.a E-Lo, a.k.a Ricardo Froning
Age: Freshly 40
Q. How long have you been doing CrossFit?
A. I’ve been doing crossfit for about 2.5 years now.
Q. What were you doing for exercise before CrossFit?
A. I grew up swimming a good portion of my life. I was a pretty good age group swimmer, I swam at Cal, and was a member of the Mexican National Team. After college I was pretty much just doing the gym thing. As time passed I was pretty strong but not necessarily functionally strong. It became that I was working out at weird hours and creating my own routines. I felt like I needed a change, and a little motivation. I also wanted to feel like I was strong all around, bring my cardio back up, and I didn’t want to have to plan any leg workouts! LOL. I heard about Crossfit from a lot of people and decided to try it.
Q. How did you begin training at CrossFit Sweat Shop?
A. I was trying to find a local box in town, did some research, but then I talked to a friend of a friend who was Mayumi. She had nothing but great things to say about Sweat Shop and the people here. So I decided to come in a try it out. I didn’t really have to try any other places.
Q. What has been the most significant benefit or change since you’ve been a member of the Sweat Shop?
A. I think overall health and functional strength. I think I’m in better cardiovascular shape than I have been in years. The aesthetics didn’t hurt either.
Q. What is your favorite exercise or workout?
A. My favorite workout is probably “Linda” since it has Bench in it, or anything with dips!
Q. What is your least favorite exercise or workout?
A. Thrusters… and anything with Thrusters. I don’t think I have to say much about it for people to understand.
Q. What is your favorite cheat meal/snack?
A. Can’t resist a good burger!
Q. What do you enjoy most about training at CrossFit Sweat Shop?
A. The best thing about Sweat Shop is the community! The coaches are very encouraging and positive, not to mention very knowledgeable. The community is such a great group of people that are encouraging and supportive. Everyone is there to help you in your fitness journey, whatever it may be!
Q. Now that you’ve been doing CrossFit, what’s one thing you could never see yourself doing again?
A. I don’t think I could strictly just do the gym thing again. I definitely still try and incorporate it but I feel so much better doing so many different things. Like I said before, I really like the feeling of being functionally strong.
Q. What is your proudest exercise related achievement?
A. I think my first Muscle up was pretty special. It was my first Open and I hit it practicing right before we started one of the open workouts. I was pretty Stoked!
Q. What advice would you give someone who is hesitant to try CrossFit?
A. I would tell them CrossFit is only as good as your coaches. Really do the research and find a great coaching staff. That’s the real key! Any exercise routine can be hazardous, but if you have the right coaching staff guiding you through it, you’re so much better off. Our coaching staff plans the workouts through the week methodically and they give us so many options to switch things around for your skill level. We have RX, Advanced, Beefy, Super Beef, Bison, etc. and if you still need a work around they are there to help.
Q. What is your most sought after exercise goal?
A. Its been DUs for the longest time!!! I’m getting there. Most recently it’s just been getting my hip back to 100%. So far so good!
Q. What do you enjoy doing outside of CrossFit?
A. I love to just chill and relax. I LOVE going to the movies! I’m a huge movie buff. I’m not afraid of going to the movies by myself. I probably relate everything to a movie line or a movie scene.
Q. What is something you have recently purchased for less than $100 (or acquired for free) that you thoroughly enjoy and would recommend to others?
A. I finally got some Lulu shorts…. They are my favorite CrossFit shorts! I’d really recommend them to anyone. They’re very nicely made and comfortable.
Q. Any advice you would give your 25 year old self?
A. Have a good work life balance. Be kind to your body. Cherish family and friends because you never know how much time you have with them. Travel more! Oh yeah, I almost forgot…. pretty soon you’re going to hear about this thing called CrossFit, try it out ASAP! You’re gonna love it! LOL
- CrossFit Age Group Qualifiers Start This Week - April 18, 2018
- Community: The Real Fitness X-Factor - April 13, 2018
- WOD Overview & Insights 4/2/18 - April 1, 2018
- CrossFit Open Intramural Wrap Up - March 27, 2018
- Farewell Ryan! - March 16, 2018
- Weekly WOD Insights 3/5/18 - March 4, 2018
- Getting the Most Out of the Open - February 27, 2018
- CrossFit Open – Schedule & Logistics - February 16, 2018
- Weekly WOD Insights 2/5/18 - February 4, 2018
- 24 Hours With Rich Froning - January 30, 2018
6 comments
Lisa P - October 27, 2017 4:45 pm
I remember the first time I met Eric at the Sweat Shop. He had a big smile and was so nice and so positive! Nothing has changed. Love his funny comments before, during, and after workouts. He usually says what I’m feeling. Lol! Your 8:15 gym mates love you, Eric! 🙂
Jacqueline Janet - October 27, 2017 8:33 pm
I LOVE these “featured athlete series”! But, when I saw it was you, I got even extra excited 🙂
Can you just be contagious….I want all your coolness to rub off on me LOL. You unknowingly, just make people feel good. Eric Elo….Ricardo YES…..You are just that kind of an amazing guy….. the one who in one session, taught me how to take a breath freestyling. That all put aside, you are the most sincere, loving and humble man! Simply a jewel to the deepest facet of quality. Btw a burger is not cheating, the shake and fries tho… smh 🙂
Gomes - October 27, 2017 10:33 pm
8:15 loves you Elo!!! Don’t worry, I’ll always be there to give you a hard time about your reps or depth! Accountabilibuddies fa life! Lol but seriously I’m glad we’re also regular buddies too 🙂
Rene - October 28, 2017 2:59 pm
ELO!!!! 8:15 (8:20) wouldn’t be the same without you!
JB - October 28, 2017 4:25 pm
My man! Good work ELO!
Lones - October 30, 2017 6:19 pm
It’s always great to see Eric when I walk into the gym. He is always so positive.