Congratulations to Matt Lisak, our February 2024 member of the month here at Viking Athletics! Matt is a recreational mixologist when he’s not working or working out, and he’s especially proud of the strength GAINZ he’s made in the last year. Keep reading to learn more about him!
- What are your hobbies/interest/talents outside of the gym?
I’m a big fan of cooking and mixing cocktails – I’m a decent cook, but generally get pretty good responses to my cocktail making.
- Share with us one thing that most people do NOT know about you?
I’m a pretty open book, so not sure there is too much that people don’t know… I’m into pretty heavy music, but never pick it for workouts because I know it’s not everyone’s deal.
- How long have you been with us at Viking Athletics?
Since I moved to central CT in January 2021, with the exception of a break to do some specific strength training on my own and the resulting back injury – found out first hand the difference in-the-flesh coaching makes!
- Take us back to your first week here. How did you feel? Remember the workout?
I had just moved here but had been doing CrossFit for a few years by then. I don’t remember the workouts really, but do remember feeling very welcome, and appreciated that the gym wasn’t cliquey like some I had been to in the past.
- What moment/achievement are you most proud of at Viking Athletics?
My oly lift and strength numbers from 2023… my 1 RMs moved so much last year and I’m super proud of that. 30 lbs PR on Snatch, 21 lbs on Cleans (Thanks Sarah), 75 lbs PR on front squat, 30 lbs on DL, 50 lbs back squat, 15 lbs bench.
- Design your perfect workout?
I love the heavy and fast transition interval stuff with ‘near-full’ recovery rests
4 Rounds for Time:
3 Power Cleans (225/155)
5 Box Jump Overs (30/24)
10 Bar Facing Burpees
3 Minutes Rest
- What is your least favorite movement?
Handstand pushups, mostly because I used to be able to do them quite well, but lost them over the years
- Summarize your lifestyle in 5 words or less.
Living healthy-ish, but having fun
- Have you experienced any changes in your lifestyle since joining Viking Athletics?
Extra training sessions that have helped me meet my goals and prioritizing consistency in class. The core program will has helped me with most of mine and has given me the motivation to chase being able to do 95% of .com and Open workouts Rx within time cap.
- What advice do you have for anyone who is thinking about joining or who has recently joined?
Wherever you are fitness-wise, start showing up and you will only get better, both in and outside of the gym