JANUARY MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Mike Zeininger- MIDCITY

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first experience/WOD?
I heard about CrossFit first from my friend Kelly Sampson, and I got to try the free class with Jeff.  There was one other person there, and I remember being really nervous going in, because I'd never had a really positive gym experience before.  And that free class was hard!  It was impressive to get my ass handed to me with a sample class.  I knew it was going to get me in better shape quickly.   And I loved the feedback, and also realizing I needn't be nervous.

When did you first come to CrossFit NOLA?
Let's see... August or September of 2013

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally take (times and specialties)?
Not enough!  I started out pretty conservatively, but I've slowly bumped up my visits.  I increased this summer even more, and I'm about to go wild and upgrade to unlimited!  I do the main WOD mostly, but I've enjoyed gymnastics, too.  I really want to throw tires and stuff so I'm eyeing up Powerlifting, and I want to start going to endurance regularly.  I've always liked running and would love to get better at that, too.

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit NOLA?
I like seeing and feeling the improvement in my fitness and abilities, but I think it's more the community and the coaches.  I've dropped in other places while out of town, and that's been a positive experience each time, but I feel at home on Cortez.  It's really remarkable stress relief and always leaves me feeling good (after I swear for a while and recover).

Favorite thing about New Orleans?
Hmmm... I like that there are so many things unique to here; the festivals, second lines, Mardi Gras.  I just got a bike recently and I've been loving to bike around.  It's a cool way to see parts of the city you might otherwise not.

What  accomplishment are you the most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)? 
At the gym, I'm really pumped that Julie pushed me to try a bar muscle up - and I got one!  Now I just did the muscle-up clinic and I'm going to do some skill sessions to master that.  Outside of the gym, I'm looking forward to doing the Tough Mudder in March.  I've been curious about it for years, and it's finally coming to New Orleans. 

After a hard workout, what is your favorite meal?
We've been doing Blue Apron for about 9 months, and it's pretty consistently damn good, and really fun to learn more about how to cook.  I didn't know what the hell to do with fennel before, but I know now!  I like getting sushi, too.  Lots of sushi.  

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?
I love reading, and need to make more time for it.  I'm a movie geek - especially horror movies - so I'm always looking for good stuff to watch.  I used to be an assistant director so my movie love runs deep.  My husband (Jacob, you probably know him!) and I like cooking together, and there's always some event happening that makes for a good excuse to see friends and enjoy the city.

What do you do for a living?
I teach 9th grade English at Abramson Sci Academy in New Orleans East.  I'm in my 11th year teaching, and my 6th there.  I thought when I worked on movie sets that it was stressful, but I'd say that teaching is probably one of the most challenging jobs a person could do.  But the growth and achievement of your students is pretty great.  

What is one goal that you are currently working on?
I'm in the MFBC, so I'm looking forward to sticking with that through the year's end, and I finally invested in a jump rope so I can get double-unders.  I got 15 in a row the other day during a WOD so I'm feeling pretty motivated to keep bringing that number up.

Are you doing the CrossFit Open?
I'm not sure.  I did it two years ago, and boy was it hard, but also a really great experience.  Now that it's back on my radar, I'll definitely consider it.  I like the challenge, and the intensity of an event being part of the Open really ramps up your energy level and pushes you to do more than you thought you could.

 James Grady-UPTOWN

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first experience/WOD?
Back in 2012-2013, I had some friends that were doing this “new, CrossFit” thing and was impressed with how much it seemed to be transforming them.  I was curious, intrigued.  Working on a project in Morgantown, WV and looking to make a change to my workout routine, I walked into Mountaineer CrossFit in January, 2013, immediately became hooked, and then the journey began...
 
​When did you first come to CrossFit NOLA?
It was in August, 2014.  I had finished the project in WV.  It was 9:30 AM class Uptown with Kelsey.  It was fantastic.  The rest is history.
 
 How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally take (times and specialties)?
4-5 days per week.  I most often attend the noon class Uptown coached by Brad Raines and from time to time the Saturday morning WODs Uptown with Phil Guillot.  When traveling, I’m a serial “drop-in”.
 
 What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit NOLA?
Three main drivers:  1) physical, 2) mental, and 3) community.  First, being a guy in his “mid”-forties, I don’t think I’ve ever been in as better shape in my entire life since doing CrossFit; the impact it has had on my body is amazing; I just simply feel better.  Second, doing what I do for a living, I find myself at times in highly stressful situations and I find CrossFit extremely therapeutic; I can tell when I have not worked out – I feel my balance/mojo/zen/karma is all out of whack.  Finally, it’s the community – I often refer to my fellow “CrossFitters” as “my people” to my friends who do not seem to understand CrossFit.  We possess our own lingo, are typically like-minded in that we are pushing to better ourselves, always willing to subject ourselves to some level of pain, consistently willing to push/support each other no matter one’s age, background, pedigree, etc.  My job takes me all over the country/world and the first thing I do is locate the nearest box which immediately provides me a sense of being in a very familiar place – a sense of being at home.
 
Favorite thing about New Orleans?
I enjoy the wide variety of music and the cocktails.  Having been all over the country, there really is no other place that can match the musical vibe that’s in New Orleans.  I have found that I truly enjoy the exposure to the wide variety of music and the music festivals and the truly amazing musicians this town has …and a good Sazerac!

What  accomplishment are you the most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)? 
“Inside” of the gym, I’d have to say participating at this year’s Deep South Shootout.  With the support and inspiration of Mollie and Brad, along with my teammates Lee, Lewis and Johnny, I put myself out there, got comfortable with being uncomfortable, and found it pushed me beyond what I thought were my existing mental and physical limits.    
 
As for “outside” of the gym, I guess I’d have to say my greatest accomplishment are my family and friends.  For a knucklehead like me from the suburbs of Chicago who grew up during the 80s, to have such a great family and circle of friends, especially the friendships I’ve made through CrossFit, is truly humbling and a tremendous accomplishment.
 
After a hard workout, what is your favorite meal?
I’m extremely conscious of what I put into my body.  One, I simply cannot eat like I did when I was in my 20s/30s.  Two, I’m fascinated with how food interacts with the body; I can tell how certain foods effect my body and make me feel.  However, when veering off course, I do enjoy good Thai and Vietnamese food and good brunch-like foods (eggs, bacon, pancakes, French toast, etc).
 
What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?
Concerts/music festivals, reading (I spend a lot of time on planes/in airports – always looking for a good read – CrossFit for my mind), and the various activities of my 11-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son which keep me busy by default.
 
What do you do for a living?
I’m a CPA by trade and I work as a management consultant for a global consulting firm headquartered in New York City.  My area of expertise is working with Companies who are experiencing financial distress; they could be in bankruptcy, on the verge of it, or heading in that direction.  I’m a fixer of sorts. 

What is one goal that you are currently working on?
Muscle-ups and my shoulder strength/mobility.  I can squat and dead lift a house – my 1RM strict press is a phone book.  I need to get that in better balance.

Are you doing the CrossFit Open?
Yes.  A long term goal of mine is to someday actually make it to regionals as a Masters competitor.  I may not make until my mid-50s, but I’ll make it.

Paul Longstreth-Downtown OG

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first experience/WOD?
I was touring in Norway and looking for a simple gym membership. The owner of the gym had expanded into the basement to start "Crossfit Langevåg". I remember telling him that it was more than I wanted...too intense and probably bad for my joints. He dropped the price and challenged me to come back that evening. I don't remember the WOD, although it involved lots of burpees and air squats. I left feeling BEAT DOWN - nauseated and as sore as I've ever felt. But I was SO hooked. I couldn't wait to get back the next night!

When did you first come to CrossFit NOLA?
I joined Crossfit NOLA immediately upon returning from the Norway tour. I didn't want to waste a day! It was Oct 2014.

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally take (times and specialties)?
I train, with my partner Gina, 5 days a week. We're Uptown on weekday evenings at 4:30 and we love the partner workouts on Saturday mornings at 10. I also try and make active recovery on Sundays...I need the mobility work so badly.

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit NOLA?
I'll admit it...VANITY. I'm shallow, but I'm honest!

Favorite thing about New Orleans?
I love the musicians. I love the cooks. I love the crazies.

What  accomplishment are you the most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)? 
Outside the gym, I'm proud to be part of the New Orleans music community and it's history. Inside the gym, I'm proud of the way I bring it each day. I'm competitive, yet supportive and I'm proud of the place I've created in the Crossfit family.
 
After a hard workout, what is your favorite meal?
After a spoonful of honey, I'm always up for Indian or Ethiopian. 

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?
Interests outside of Crossfit?!! You're kidding, right?

What do you do for a living?
I'm in the music business, mainly as a piano performer/entertainer.

What is one goal that you are currently working on?
I'm focused on mobility and overhead strength in 2017.

Are you doing the CrossFit Open?
Ah-ha! That's what this is REALLY about...a passive aggressive attempt to get an old man to commit to the Open! Shit. I guess I'm in...