November 2017 Member of the Month

Walid Gharwal

Preferred Name:
Walid

Age: 
46

Where did you grow up?
Bloomington, MN 

When did you become a member of Mi5 Fitness? 
October 2013

What do you do when you are not at Mi5? (occupation, hobbies, etc.) 
I have a demanding job as an IT consultant but when not working, I mostly spend time with my family both immediate as well as mom, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.  I also pay volleyball whenever I can.  Other than that, I like to spend time in the kitchen - I'm mainly in charge of breakfast 😊

How did you find out about Mi5? 
Back in 2013 when I attended LifeTime in Lakeville, I took a HIIT class from Rachel.  Halfway through the class I walked out and couldn't take the intensity.  Rachel and I spoke after the class and she mentioned Crossfit and Mi5 Fitness.  

When/How did you realize CrossFit/Mi5 was the right fit for you? 
I had never heard about Crossfit until Rachel mentioned it to me.  After that conversation, I looked into it further and immediately realized that this is what I need; something that will not only challenge me but keep me coming back as I need variety and change.  I have always been athletic but since I stopped training in a group setting as I did when playing soccer, I just could not get motivated enough to keep the level intensity on my own.  Once I started Crossfit, I couldn't wait until the next WOD.   

What is your favorite WOD/movement? 
Basically any movement that incorporates Cleans, squat cleans, presses mixed with some cardio in short bursts is great!  Something like the Saturday October 28th 2017 WOD.

What is your least favorite WOD/movement? 
Hard to say - if I'm feeling well, there is nothing I don't like.  Though, due to my shoulder immobility, any incorporation of snatches or overhead squats in a WOD I can live without.  For strength training, both exercises are fine.  Oh, and I don't care much for the bike 😉 

What would your perfect WOD look like?
I don't know, maybe a 15 minute AMRAP of 8 squat cleans, 6 HSPU, 4 shuttle runs, 1 rope climb.

What is one thing you have been able to accomplish since starting at Mi5 that you never thought you'd be able to do? 
When I first started and saw others clean 135lb, I wished I could do that.  Now, I can actually stick to a prescribed WOD that includes that weight.  But, the biggest thing that CrossFit has given me is the mental strength - not just in the box with finishing the WODs but in life with finish some tough tasks.

What motivates you to stay fit? 
I have one body, life does not stop and if I don't take care of my body the body won't take care of me.  That's it - I think it's that simple.  I am very grateful for this!

What is something about you that Mi5 members do not yet know?
ha!  I think there is a lot of things but I do speak 5 languages.  

What advice would you give to someone just getting started at Mi5? 
Take care of your body and the environment!  Stay positive and try to be empathetic.