July 2019 Member of the Month

Andy Hamilton

​Preferred Name: Andy 

Age: 38

Where did you grow up? 
 Forest Lake MN

When did you become a member of Mi5 Fitness? 
Nov/Dec 2018

What do you do when you are not at Mi5?
Father of four awesome busy kids
Coaching their sports/activities
Healthcare OR Sales
Family activities
Golf 
Volleyball
Fitness

How did you find out about Mi5? 
A good friend and fellow Mi5’er: Matt “WOD-Boss” Dokken

When/How did you realize CrossFit/Mi5 was the right fit for you? 
After only a few “test” visits late last year, I recognized how structured Mi5 was. The programming consistency, class schedule and variety, coaching, people: everything added up, very quickly, and I realized it was a perfect fit.  I was concerned about having to “rebuild” and get acclimated to a new community but it took no time at all. In spite of how obnoxious I am, I was welcomed with open-arms! 😂

What is your favorite WOD/movement? 
Big surprise! Any upper body movement is fun (Shoulders to overhead, etc)
Really have grown to enjoy pull-up work, muscle-ups (finally), burpee Pull-ups.
Rowing for time
Rope climbs

What is your least favorite WOD/movement? 
By far, Overhead Snatch...  

​What would your perfect WOD look like? 
It would be an RS (remove shirt) WOD
Arm curls and bench press to warm-up
Mandatory pre-work out shakes
A combination, for time, of:
- Some rowing for Cals 
- Burpee Pull-ups
- Box Jump Overs
- Shoulder to Overhead 
- A whole bunch of NOT doing overhead snatch

What is one thing you have been able to accomplish since starting at Mi5 that you never thought you'd be able to do? 
After a year at a different Lakeville club, I’ve had countless PR’s since joining Mi5.  I’ve reached a new level of fitness and met an incredible group of great friends. Trying to keep up with Jon Ryan and Beating Utzpen that one time was fun too...

What motivates you to stay fit? 
Fitness is something I’ve come to depend on to help manage the everyday stresses of life.  I really appreciate how it makes me feel.  I love the friendly competition and the motivation/drive that creates. 

What is something about you that Mi5 members do not yet know? 
In some circles, I’m something of a “legend” on the lanes. My Dad owned a bowling alley growing up and for many years, that was how I spent my winters. I’m one game short of matching the 9 sanctioned perfect “300” games my Dad has under his belt. I’ll let him have it.... 

What advice would you give to someone just getting started at Mi5? 
Don’t be intimidated by the sport itself: there’s something here for every level of athlete. There’s also a lot of flexibility in the sport and at Mi5, to grow/adapt with you.  I'm so inspired by all of our new members and how quickly they, from every fitness walk of life, are able to jump right in and benefit from what Mi5 and CrossFit has to offer. Patience and commitment, especially in the first weeks is critical but the rewards are huge. 

As far as expectations, I’ve explained this to many people that have since joined Mi5 - it’s a like a miracle drug that you can’t get enough of.  From the community to the translatable benefits the work-outs provide; picking up a child over my head, recreational sports/activities, everyday movements, all become easier. The coaches genuinely care, are happy to see you/welcome you, and it’s a place to go that will make you feel better overall (mentally and physically). I love the people, the banter, and the $hit we all give each other.  It’s definitely a bright spot in my day!