January 2020 Member of the Month

Brian Rathke

Preferred Name: Brian

Age: 51

Where did you grow up?
Germantown, WI Go Pack! 

When did you become a member of Mi5 Fitness?
February 2016

What do you do when you are not at Mi5? 
I have spent over 25 years in commercial construction in project management. Currently working as a Senior Project Manager for a national specialty commercial contractor. When I’m not working or at Mi5 I enjoy the outdoors so my hobbies have included biking, kayaking, skiing, mountaineering, hiking, rock climbing, endurance events like Tough Mudder and sprint distance triathlons, trap shooting, hunting and golf. Recently I was fortunate to add bowling back to the list of hobbies.

How did you find out about Mi5? 
My commute on I35 would take me past the original location everyday so after becoming unmotivated with the classes and my individual fitness routine at Lifetime I decided to do a drop in workout at Mi5.

When/How did you realize CrossFit/Mi5 was the right fit for you?
After years of being sedentary and then training for and completing several sprint triathlons, I wanted to get back to weight training style of fitness. I knew from my first week that CrossFit/Mi5 was the right fit for me because of the people and community here. The coaches and members pushed me to work harder than I ever did on my own  in a non competitive setting. It’s you vs. you with a more personable and instructional coaching approach at Mi5.

What is your favorite WOD/movement?
Power snatch and power clean and jerk

What is your least favorite WOD/movement?
Burpees

What would your perfect WOD look like?
A 25 minute AMRAP strength variation of Cindy that includes pull ups, bench press, barbell back squats with jump rope (DU /SU) between movements.

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 competed in powerlifting in high school (bench, back squat and deadlift), however at that time Olympic style lifts were not taught or mainstream. Since startling at Mi5, I have been able to learn the form and technique while progressing in weight with the Olympic movements. I never thought 30+ years later I would be able to accomplish this!    

What motivates you to stay fit?
I think age and health are a state of mind. Movement and fitness are paramount to longevity of both age and health. I feel my best when these are staples in my day.

What is something about you that Mi5 members do not yet know?
I used to volunteer on the Welch Village Ski Patrol with Matt Stordahl

What advice would you give to someone just getting started at Mi5?
Many people that are just starting a fitness journey or have never worked out at black iron gyms or a CrossFit box utilizing free weights, kettle bells and barbell movements can be intimidated and reluctant to try some movements or style of workout. Keep in mind that everyone was a newbie once. Know and trust that the outstanding coaches of Mi5 always take the time to teach and demonstrate the proper form and movement technique. The Mi5 coaches and members do not judge so never hesitate to ask for additional guidance or clarification if you re not comfortable with any movement. Lastly, be good to yourself and listen to your body.