Greetings Relentless Family!
For our last Coaches’ Spotlight of 2018, we give you: BLUM!1
- What was your athletic background prior to CrossFit?
Growing up I played football through my sophomore year in high school. I was always one of the smaller players so the weight room was a place that I liked to frequent. In my junior year I stopped playing football and became much more interested in weight lifting. I did my first powerlifting competition in my senior year of high school and continued to lift on and off throughout college. After college I took a desk job and put on quite a bit of weight. I began running to lose the weight and unfortunately stopped lifting but continued running for several years. I walked into Relentless as much more of a runner than a lifter, I wouldn’t call myself a lifter but I’m definitely no longer a runner.
- How were you introduced to CrossFit, and how long have you been doing it?
I began Crossfit in 2009. I always wanted to train like a MMA fighter but at that point in my life I was not interested in getting punched in the face. With a little research I came very close to joining a box in Watertown where I was working at the time. After a little more homework I discovered Relentless and have been here ever since. (very happy I held off on joining the initial box)
- What made you want to be a coach?
I have always had an interest in teaching people especially if it’s something I really enjoy. Coaching seemed like a natural fit for me and about 18 months into CrossFit, Coach Boivin convinced me to take my L1. I haven’t looked back since.
- What are your favorite/least favorite movements?
My favorite movement is the front squat, I think it translates very well into several CrossFit movements (thrusters, cleans, wall balls etc….). This will make several people cringe, but my least favorite movement is the snatch. I absolutely appreciate the technicality of the snatch however my shoulders don’t share the same appreciation.
- What are your hobbies outside of CrossFit?
Outside of CrossFit I spend a lot of time with my family. My kids have basically grown up in the box so a lot of what we do revolves around Crossfit. Outside of that we spend a lot of time relaxing on the beach in Newport throughout the Summer months. I can’t say that I have any real hobbies but this is a little bit about self-reflection so maybe now I’ll pick something up.
- What is something that very few people know about you?
I would say that most people don’t know what I do for a living. I am a Mortgage Banker and have been doing this in some capacity since 1999. I also had a short stint as a cardio kick boxing instructor, Billy Blanks style…..Editors Note: We will provide a $20 gift card to any member who can obtain video of Blum’s Kickboxing instruction. Any takers?
- What is the greatest advice you can give members?
Listen to your coaches, listen to your bodies and don’t get wrapped up in being on top of Wodify. It’s very easy to get caught up in being the fastest/strongest which is certainly part of what we are looking for, just make sure that we aren’t sacrificing technique and quality for speed.
- What do you see as the “next step” in the CrossFit world?
CrossFit has come a very long way in a relatively short amount of time. The talent of athletes that are making it to the “next” level is truly amazing. Where do we go from here? I have no idea, but I am very excited to watch it all unfold.
- What inspires you, as a coach and/or athlete?
This one is easy, I am most inspired by “firsts”. It doesn’t matter to me if it’s the first time you squat over 315 lbs or if you achieve your first TTB. The look on an athlete’s face after the hard work pays off is priceless.
- What is your proudest coaching moment?
Another tough one to answer. I have coached all levels of athletes ranging from elite games level athletes to athletes walking into the box for the first time. I have coached women through their entire pregnancy, athletes in wheel chairs as well as an athlete with a prosthetic leg. I would have to say that I am proudest of being able to accommodate all levels of athletes and do my best to make all feel welcome in my class for the entire hour.
1. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, anyone? Krum/Blum, get it? Sorry, couldn’t resist.