Erik Johnson

Name

Erik Johnson

Age

40

When did you first start training at MSC?

I've doing Crossfit for 4 years. (I started sometime in 2013)

What are your favorite exercises/movements? 

My favorite movement(s) are thrusters & deadlifts.

Least favorite movement?

Least favorite is: wall walks.

How does your first experience at MSC compare to your experience now?

My 1st time doing Crossfit, I was kinda like "I got this", but learned quickly that I was out of shape & needed lots of help with several  movements. (I was hooked though) Now most of the movements are 2nd nature to me & I can do more reps than before.  Functional fitness has made me a better person (physically) & I'm more aware of what I eat. 

What are your hobbies outside of the gym?

My hobbies outside of the gym include: playing corn hole, shooting guns, watching movies, & just spending time with family.

"I've been coaching Erik for the past three years and he has really come a long way. He has improved not only in his overall strength and aerobic capacity, but his mobility has also gotten a lot better as well. Erik is usually a lone wolf during the 7:00 AM class but he never complains, he comes to class consistently and does the work. He usually puts up one of the fastest times on the board and he is also just pleasant to be around. Keep up the great work Erik!"

Sally Mills

"Sally is one of the hardest working athletes I know. She does everything with a positive attitude and a smile on her face. She is always up for a challenge and doesn't shy away from tough exercises, if something is outside her comfort zone she goes after it full force. I really respect her as an athlete and as a person, she is very caring, determined, and fun to be around. I love having her at the gym!"

-Chelsea 

I've been coaching Sally for 3 now, the amount of change that I have seen in her is incredible.  She was determined and focused from day one.  From learning to squat to now partnering with MSC as a certified trainer she has been the epitome of determination, even when stuff gets difficult. Thanks for growing with us and being a linchpin in our community! 

-Mark 

What got me into exercise?

I was working about 44-50 hours a week (plus 45 minute commute each way) and on call every other day. Needless to say I was really tired and put exercising a low priority. I got tired of felling this way and called Mark up. I had driven past his old place all the time and knew of his facility. He taught me how to exercise effectively, cleaned up my diet and the rest is history. I have been so motivated and inspired by my progress that I decided to get my personal trainer certification!! So if ya know anybody send them my way :-)

How long have I been training at MSC?

Going on 3 years. 

IF YOU WERE WORKING OUT AND NIJAS ATTACKED THE GYM. WHAT TOP THREE ITEMS WOULD CHOOSE TO DEFEND YOURSELF, AND WHY?

mark, Bobbi and Jake so they could kick their asses for me:-)

What's your favorite exercise? 

squat clean. Not sure why but I just like that movement. 

What inspires you?

well my training partner Karisa inspires me to be better. She is a machine and it is a benefit to train w someone who is better than you and that pushes you to achieve more.  On a more personal level....I would say a person who faces adversity with grace, confronts it and overcomes. That's why I like OCR....you see so many people of all shapes, sizes, ages, athletics abilities, and disabilities. If those that are not as capable as I am, due to circumstances or physical handicap, are doing something that is difficult (mentally or physically ) then I need to suck it up and do it too!!

What exercise are you currently working to perfect?

What am I not working on?! I can always work on every lift. If I had to choose one it would be MU's. 

HOW DOES YOUR FIRST WORKOUT AT MSC COMPARE TO YOUR TRAINING EXPERIENCE NOW?

My first workout at MSC I about died. I remember it had rowing as part of it. Hence, probably the reason I hate rowing. After that I was scared to death of what was to come. I still am because I know they will kill me but what is different is my mindset. I know now that I can get through the workouts......may not be graceful...but I will finish!!!

YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN AND ELEPHANT.  YOU CAN'T GIVE IT AWAY OR SELL IT, WHAT DO YOU DO WITH THE ELEPHANT?

If I had an elephant it would be my pet elephant, instead of having a dog or cat. We would play in the yard and then I would ride him to the store or to pick my little one up from school and we would ride him home. 

A PENGUIN WALKS INTO THE ROOM YOU'RE IN RIGHT NOW WEARING A SOMBRERO. WHAT DOES HE SAY AND WHY IS HE THERE? 

Penguin- what the heck kind of question is this lol?!!! I guess he would he would say "hola, here is a margarita". 

WHAT DO YOU WORK TOWARDS IN YOUR FREE TIME?

Mark and I are collaborating on a community wide health initiative for our community which I am super excited about!! Other than that I just want to be a good wife, mother and friend and pay it forward for all the blessings in my life. 

Brad Work

 From Brad's Coach Chelsea, "Brad has been an excellent addition to MSC ever since he joined two years ago. He has concrete goals and works very hard to achieve them. I really appreciate his consistency, he has steadily improved and gotten stronger over the past two years because he comes to class every single day. He has gotten especially good at longer, aerobic workouts. Brad is a quiet, humble guy with a great sense of humor and he is definitely the person to chase during most workouts. He's extremely dedicated and I can't wait to see how continue to progress! "

Name: Bradley Work

Age: 38

WHAT GOT YOU INTO TRAINING/WORKING OUT?

I WAS BORED WITH MY CURRENT WORKOUT ROUTINE AND WANTED TO TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT THAT WOULD REALLY CHALLENGE ME.

WHEN DID YOU START TRAINING AT MSC?  IT'S BEEN JUST OVER 2 YEARS.

MY FIRST DAY WAS FEBRUARY, 27TH 2015

IF YOU COULD ONLY TAKE ONE EXERCISE TO A DESERTED ISLAND FOR A YEAR WHAT WOULD IT BE?

BACK SQUAT, I WAS THAT GUY WHO DIDN'T TRAIN HIS LEGS MUCH SO I HAVE SOME GROUND TO MAKE UP.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE EXERCISE?

MUSCLE-UPS. SINCE THE DAY I DID MY FIRST MUSCLE-UP THEY HAVE BEEN MY FAVORITE.

WHAT EXERCISE ARE YOU WORKING ON PERFECTING CURRENTLY?

POWER CLEANS

HOW DOES YOUR FIRST WORKOUT AT MSC COMPARE TO YOUR TRAINING EXPERIENCE NOW?

SO DIFFERENT. MY FIRST WORKOUT I REALLY THOUGHT I MIGHT DIE, I'M REALLY HAPPY I CAME BACK.

 WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BAND?

TOOL AND DAVE MATTHEWS BAND

IF YOU WERE WORKING OUT AND NIJAS ATTACKED THE GYM. WHAT TOP THREE ITEMS WOULD CHOOSE TO DEFEND YOURSELF, AND WHY?

A PVC PIPE, LIKE DONATELLO OF COURSE, A BAND SO THEY CAN BE TIED UP WHEN I'M DONE, AND A LIGHT DUMBBELL JUST IN CASE I NEED SOMETHING TO THROW. 

 A PENGUIN WALKS INTO THE ROOM YOU'RE IN RIGHT NOW WEARING A SOMBRERO. WHAT DOES HE SAY AND WHY IS HE THERE?

"IN A WAY, ALL OF US HAS AN EL GUAPO TO FACE."  THIS IS A PENGUIN WHO CLEARLY WANTS TO SHOW OFF THE FACT THAT HE JUST WATCHED THE MOVIE THREE AMIGOS

WHAT DO YOU WORK TOWARDS IN YOUR FREE TIME?

I WORK ON MY STRENGTH OVERALL.

Messerfit has become a giant part of my life, I love coming to the gym everyday.  The people and the experience make Messerfit a wonderful place to train.  I'm very excited to be given this honor. Thanks!

Mike Roman

For this month we wanted to recognize Mike Roman! He has been a MSC member for 1 year now and has made a huge impact on the culture in the evening and vibe of the gym.  He's a blast to be around and tells the best stories. Without further adieu I give you MIKE ROMAN with a DL PR!!

Name: Michael Roman

Age: 45

What got you into training/working out? 

In February 2014 I was 100 pounds overweight and it really began to affect my health. The Dr. wanted me to start all sorts of medication. I decided I didn't need that, and I could fix the problems by getting off my butt. 

When did you start training at MSC?

I started at MesserFit in February of 2016. 

If you could only take one exercise to a deserted Island for a year what would it be? 

I hate them, but it would probably be burpees!

What is your favorite exercise? 

I like the deadlift. I'd never done them prior to learning at MesserFit. 

What exercise are you working on perfecting currently? 

I'm slowly improving my power cleans. 

How does your first workout at MSC compare to your training experience now?

My first workout I thought I was in pretty good shape. I quickly found out I was not! Now I look forward to the challenge of learning new things and getting stronger! 

What is your favorite band? 

If I had to pick one it would be Van Halen. 

A penguin walks into the room you're in right now wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he there? 

What's up bro..how much do you bench?

What do you work towards in your free time? 

Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Skiing, and generally trying to be a better human.

Jay Kappes

Congratulations to Jay Melinda Kappes, he is the FIRST official MSC Member of the Month! Read below to find out more about Jay!

Name: Jay Kappes

Age: 52

When did you first start CrossFit? 3/19/2015

Favorite CrossFit movement? I will say that my favorite crossfit movement is all of the movements. I really enjoy learning and trying to improve.

Least favorite CrossFit movement? If I had to say what my toughest crossfit movement is I would say double unders. Practicing double unders for me involves a lot of painful whipping from the jump rope!

How does your first CrossFit experience compare to your experience now? My first crossfit experience was a little scary and very tiring. I believe my first week was during the open. Fortunately I kept showing up for class and slowly began to learn from a very patient coach (Chelsea) the proper way to do the movements.
I can honestly say that I cannot wait to get to class each morning to continue to learn and hangout with some really awesome people! Truly a blessing.

What are your hobbies outside of the gym? I love most all outdoor activities. Hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, camping, off road riding.

"Jay is such a joy to have in class. He works extremely hard every single day and he has made immense progress since he first started. Besides being insanely strong, he is one of the nicest people I've ever met in my life. He would do anything for anyone and he's always willing to help when someone needs it. Jay is an all-around great guy and the 5:30 AM class is lucky to have him!"
-Chelsea