Oct 2017--Joe Werick

1. Tell us about yourself, your family, your occupation, hobbies/interests.
I was born and raised in St. Mary’s and got married to my beautiful wife in 2007.  We have six children, three girls and three boys.  I work as a IT administrator/software developer for Andax Industries, and when I have a chance I like to read, go target or clay pigeon shooting, and keep the kids in line.  I’m trying to get into fishing for the kids’ sake, but our first attempt was not very successful.

2. When do you start CrossFitting? Why did you start? Why do you continue now?  
I started CrossFit at the end of May, 2016, and got into it as a Mother’s Day present to my wife.  (I was also in bad shape, so there’s that too.)  I continue because it’s a great stress outlet, has a lot of joyful camaraderie, and it helps keep me fit enough to keep up with my kids.

3. Do you remember your first WOD? What were your thoughts after your first WOD?
I don’t remember the movements, but I remember thinking how crazy it seemed and wondering if there would ever be a point in the future where I wouldn’t be sore for a couple days after WODs.

4. What do you enjoy most about CrossFit?
The competition, being able to help others by pushing them farther than they thought they could go, and, vice-versa, the encouragement you receive from them.

5. What is your proudest CrossFit moment?
Completing my first 1/2 Murph.  That was tough.

6. What is your favorite movement or lift? What is your least favorite?
My favorite movement is probably slam balls – very therapeutic.  Least favorite used to be wall balls, but now it’s definitely overhead squats.  They just a lot more difficult than they seem they ought to be.

7. Have you had one or two challenging CrossFit goals that you've achieved recently? What are your current goals and how close are you to reaching them?
It’s been incremental of course, but my wall balls have gotten much better than they used to be.  Currently I’m close to completing a strict hand-stand pushup.

8. What makes CrossFit different from other fitness programs that you might have tried in the past?
The variation of the workouts and the competition among the members.  I would not do this on my own, but with our group and the workouts we do, it’s much easier to maintain that motivation.

9. What impact has CrossFit Benedictus had on your life, in and out of the gym?
At the gym I’m able to work harder for longer, and outside and my wife says I’m happier.

10. Tell us about your nutrition and how it has changed, if any, since starting CrossFit?
Well, I haven’t gotten on a strict regimen, but junk food is pretty non-existent now – just trying to keep the diet simple and minimal.

11. If you could write a WOD for the classes to do, what would it look like?
4 rounds:
500m run
20 wall balls
20 dumbbell snatches
17 minute cap

12. What advice do you have for others about the importance of the dedication of taking care of yourself, of investing in yourself?
You get out what you put in, and your body can tell when you’re cutting corners.  Get enough sleep, eat well, and come to the Box consistently.  You will reap the benefits, physically, mentally, and spiritually – guaranteed.

13. What advice would you give to someone new to CrossFit or who is thinking about giving it a try?
Give it a try!  Not just a try though.  Do it.  You will be sore for a while, but that will lessen over time, and it truly is just your body shaking off the rust.  Everyone at the Box has been there and is there to support you.  You will not regret it.

14. Open Forum:
Thank you to all the coaches and athletes who show up to the Box to workout.  It takes time out of everyone’s day to make this thing work, especially for Dr. Carroll and all the coaches.  I also appreciate the positive attitudes and encouragement from everyone in class.