January 2018 Member of the Month

Brennan McKeag

Preferred Name: Brennan

Age: 27

Where did you grow up?
Apple Valley and Lakeville

When did you become a member of Mi5 Fitness?
I took a few classes in the summer, then became a full fledged member in the fall.

What do you do when you are not at Mi5?
I'm an Autism Spectrum Disorders teacher at a special education school in Apple Valley.  When I'm not working, I like spending time in the boundary waters, cooking new foods, checking out new breweries, snowboarding, trying new things. I'm enjoying being able to be active and feel good about it, so anything along those lines.

How did you find out about Mi5?
From my dad, Kegger!

When/How did you realize CrossFit/Mi5 was the right fit for you?
After realizing how welcoming and nonjudgemental everyone is. The environment and community is inviting and a comfortable place to put yourself out there and work hard, regardless of your skill level.

What is your favorite WOD/movement?
Probably the bear complex.

What is your least favorite WOD/movement?
Really anything bodyweight. Burpees.  Actually jump rope is incredibly aggravating at times.

What would your perfect WOD look like?
Probably something like 21-15-9 Squat cleans and pull-ups. Or Heavy Grace. That one looks pretty perfect.

What is one thing you have been able to accomplish since starting at Mi5 that you never thought you'd be able to do?
Hand stand pushups!

What motivates you to stay fit?
After my college athletic career was over, my lifestyle got away from me and the bad choices started adding up.  Eventually I got tired of feeling like I was falling behind my friends and family.  Have you seen my dad? Try keeping up with that! I want to be able to continue snowboarding with my brothers, portaging canoes in the boundary waters, and maybe even compete in something.  My lifestyle before that wouldn't have been conducive to that, so here I am!

What is something about you that Mi5 members do not yet know?
I'm a retired acro-yogi, a form of yoga that involves a partner and acrobatics. Look it up!

What advice would you give to someone just getting started at Mi5?
Trust the process! Change happens over time, keep putting in the time and the changes will come.  Also, don't be scared to just get out there and try things.  Chances are you'll surprise yourself with what you can do!