Congratulations to Jason Anderson on being CFR’s April Member of the Month. He is a loyal member of the Viking Barbell Olympic Weightlifting classes!
1) What are your hobbies/interest/talents outside of CrossFit?
Spending time with my wife Alicia, hiking, concerts, eating and eating more. Also, still enjoy an occasional Saturday night of binge gaming when I have the free time.
2) Share with us one thing that most people do NOT know about you?
I’m left-handed. On a more personal note, many people do not know where I disappeared to last year when I took a brief hiatus from the gym. In November of 2016, my wife, Alicia was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) which progressed rapidly to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). She began treatment in February of 2017 and received a bone marrow transplant in June of 2017. She’s making huge strides in her recovery and we’re looking forward to celebrating her 1-year transplant ‘birthday’ next month.
While this was an incredibly stressful time for us, we were still lucky to have found a bone marrow donor immediately. Many other families dealing with these cancers and diseases are not so lucky. I’d encourage everyone to consider joining the bone marrow registry. It’s completely free and registration only requires a cheek swab that is mailed directly to you. It could save a life!
https://join.bethematch.org/s/landing
3) How long have you been with us at CFR?
Started in 2012 at 033 in Glastonbury, then migrated to CF South Windsor, back when both of those gyms fell under the CFR umbrella. Ended up in West Hartford with CFR proper around 2014-2015
4) Take us back to your first week here. How did you feel? Remember the workout?
Overwhelming and awesome at the same time. There were no on ramp’s when I started so it was straight into the fire with scaled movements day 1.
Don’t remember the first workout, but my first recorded workout was Jerry, which is a 1-mile run, 2k row, 1-mile run for time. Took me a 33:07, committing to and then actually finishing it was an accomplishment, especially since my love/hate (mostly hate) relationship with running was just as strong then as it is now.
5) What moment/achievement are you most proud of at CFR?
The 2 Weightlifting meets I’ve done this year.
Setting goals, putting in the training and ultimately being on the platform in front of a crowd of people was a huge achievement for me personally.
6) Design your perfect workout?
Something heavy, simple and short duration…
8-minute AMRAP
5 Snatch or C+J (heavy-ish)
50 double unders
10 HSPU
7) What is your least favorite movement?
Without a question, thrusters
8) Summarize your lifestyle in 5 words or less.
Semi-fit Weightlifting Nerd
9) Have you experienced any changes in your lifestyle now that you have been a CrossFit athlete?
Absolutely, aside from the overall physical well-being and looking great in a singlet. My confidence and drive in my personal and professional life has improved.
10) What advice do you have for anyone who is thinking about joining or who has recently joined?
Do it! Set measurable goals, and track progress. Consistency is key, change does not happen overnight.