May 2016 Member of the Month

Bob Jaskowiak

Name: 
Bob Jaskowiak
 
Age:  
57
 
Where did you grow up?
Born and raised in South St. Paul, MN.  SSP Class of ’77. 
 
When did you become a member of Mi5 Fitness?
October of 2015
 
What do you do when you are not at Mi5?
I work at Federated Insurance in Owatonna.  I spent time with my wife Ruthie.  We live in Lakeville and have four grown and gone children, plus two dogs, Missie and Sally Up, both of whom demand a lot of attention.      
                          
How did you find out about Mi5?
Ruthie has been a member since the summer of 2013.    She is an avid supporter and true believer in the Mi5 fitness philosophy, and she pushed me to commit to improving my overall fitness by joining Mi5.  I’m glad I listened to her.  Thanks Hon!  
 
When/How did you realize CrossFit/Mi5 was the right fit for you?
Right away!  The difference between Mi5 and any other gym is the degree of customization and personal attention.  I met with Coach Chris and he did a movement screen which helped me identify strengths and weaknesses.   He taught me the importance of stretching and conditioning.   Coach Kristin helps me with nutrition, and meets with me regularly to track my macros and progress.  She is my biggest fan.  Coach Andrew is a great motivator and  instructor.  He makes sure the workouts are fun, the movements are done safely and with correct form for maximum impact.  And Coach Hollie is relentlessly positive!  Everyone at Mi5 ensures the workouts are expertly programmed and individually scaled.     
 
What is your favorite WOD/movement?
I like basic barbell exercises, like front squats, back squats, bench presses, and deadlifts

What is your least favorite WOD/movement?
I like everything, but my least favorites are mountain climbers and plate pushes. 
 
What would your perfect WOD look like?
My favorite workout is any Saturday Bootcamp.  After a long week it’s great to be around a crowd of smiling, fun, motivating and mutually supportive members.  It’s a community of like-minded people of all ages and interests that enjoy and support each other.   The workouts are varied and fast-paced, with a great mix of strength and cardio interval training.  The coaches are energetic and everything can be adapted to my individual situation for maximum benefit.  Nothing not to love about Saturday mornings at the gym – it keeps me young!  
 
What is one thing you have been able to accomplish since starting at Mi5 that you never thought you'd be able to do?
Climb the %#$@! rope.  I’ve never been able to do that, not even in high school.  But I can now! 
 
What motivates you to stay fit?
Encouragement and progress!  The Mi5 coaches are certified, knowledgeable, experienced, friendly, approachable and supportive.  They want to help each member to identify and achieve their own individual goals.   Programming, instruction and encouragement mixed with your own determination and stick-to-it-iveness guarantee results.  And for me, the more progress I make, the more results I want!  That’s what motivates me the most.  Well, that and Coach Chris, who always knows when I’m doggin’ it and always quietly makes sure I know that he knows!    
 
What is something about you that Mi5 members do not yet know?
I’ve completed 2 Tough Mudders, a 10 nautical mile race, 2 half marathons, four marathons and a 12-hour Ultra-marathon since I turned 50.   I don’t run nearly that much anymore.  And thanks to Mi5  I’m in the best shape of my life. 
 
What advice would you give to someone just getting started at Mi5?
I would say: “Congratulations!  You made a great decision.  Tell the coaches everything you want to achieve.  Listen to and follow their advice.  Bring a disciplined, committed work ethic to the gym.  Meet as many people as you can.  Have fun, and stick with it.  It will pay off and you’ll see results in no time!”