December 2016 Member of the Month

Rick Gonzales

Preferred Name: Rick 
  
Age: 65, next month 
  
Where did you grow up? In between Baltimore and Washington, DC, a little town called Laurel. 
  
When did you become a member of Mi5 Fitness?  September 2013, over 3 years ago. 
  
What do you do when you are not at Mi5? (occupation, hobbies, etc.) I work as an Information Technology consultant.  My other hobbies (besides Crossfit!) are downhill skiing, yoga, and cooking. My wife and I are touring major league ball parks and have visited 20 so far. 
  
How did you find out about Mi5? I was at Lifetime Fitness and members I respected and worked out with were moving to Mi5.  I had to find out why they were changing. 

When/How did you realize CrossFit/Mi5 was the right fit for you?  In the first week I realized how much I enjoyed the varied movement, the challenge, and just what a great community of trainers and members were there.  I don't say "I have to work out" I say "I'm going to Crossfit". A whole different attitude. 
  
What is your favorite WOD/movement? Cindy!  (5 pullups, 10 pushups, 15 air squats).  My p.r. is 16 rounds in 20 minutes. 
  
What is your least favorite WOD/movement? Besides Burpees?  I find reverse bear crawls tough. I can't get coordinated (yet). 
  
What would your perfect WOD look like? Deadlifts, pullups, bench press, bridges on stability balls, box jumps, power cleans. 
  
What is one thing you have been able to accomplish since starting at Mi5 that you never thought you'd be able to do?  Handstand holds and handstand pushups.  The biggest barrier was mental (being inverted) and the trainers worked with me to get over it. 
  
What motivates you to stay fit? I feel so much better and I want to maintain a very active lifestyle, no matter my age. 
  
What is something about you that Mi5 members do not yet know? I worked for years with a professional hitting coach in Maryland and was a hitting coach for various teams in Lakeville.  I can see 1 swing from a player and break down the good and bad. 
  
What advice would you give to someone just getting started at Mi5? You can't change history; you start where you are and all that matters is what you do going forward.  Trust the process and the trainers.  Celebrate your victories and enjoy the community and the journey. ​