February 2017 Member of the Month

Kurt Schardin

Preferred Name:  Kurt

Age: 46

Where did you grow up? 
Bloomington

When did you become a member of Mi5 Fitness? 
Two Years Ago

What do you do when you are not at Mi5?
I’m the Membership Sales Director at the Burnsville YMCA.  My hobbies are fishing, working out, watching football.  When I have a dog, I love to pheasant hunt.  I love working out with my wife and going to restaurant’s with my family

How did you find out about Mi5? 
I always saw the sign when I drove passed it to visit my sister

When/How did you realize CrossFit/Mi5 was the right fit for you? 
I needed a change in my workout and I was getting bored.  I needed some different type of motivation and I always like to compete. 

What is your favorite WOD/movement? 
Anything with the shoulders,  Shoulder Presses, HSP, Short quick movements that allow me to use my height as an advantage. 

What is your least favorite WOD/movement? 
Rowing and Running

What would your perfect WOD look like? 
I’m not picky.  Just as long as I’m moving

What is one thing you have been able to accomplish since starting at Mi5 that you never thought you'd be able to do? 
I have actually haven’t had a can pop in two months.  I was a pop addict and drinking 2-3 Dr. Peppers a day.  If I was on a fishing boat, I could easily drink a case.  (Which I have done)  It was causing my gout to flare up and I was tired of disappointing my wife because she wanted me to quit.  Thanks to Kristin and the staff, I think I kicked the habit.  Now, I’m addicted to Fit Aid. 

What motivates you to stay fit? 
My daughter Lily motivates me to stay fit.  My wife Connie and I want to stressed to her the importance of being fit.  My wife does a great job leading by example at home and at the gym.   I want Lily to believe she can accomplished anything and do anything that a guy can do.  I want her to know that Strong is Beautiful.

What is something about you that Mi5 members do not yet know? 
I developed Tinnitus  (Ringing in the Ear) six years ago and it never goes away.  It causes me a lot of anxiety and stress every day.  I never have silence and some days are louder than the others.  If I didn’t have Crossfit or Mi5, my blood pressure and my anxiety levels would be through the roof.  Sometimes, you might see me cover my ears because I’m checking to see how loud it is.  If I had one wish, it would be a day without Sound.  Enough of that, now let’s talk about how great I am.
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What advice would you give to someone just getting started at Mi5? 
Chris G told me to go slow and take your time.  Of course, I didn’t listen and pulled muscles right away.  I recommend that everybody get a personal trainer.  Kristin got me going and moving in the right direction.  I owe her a big thanks for her advice and direction.  Due to scheduling conflicts, I now train with DJ who is getting me ready to hopefully compete someday.  All the coaches are awesome (except for Andrew.  He is a punk :)).