Daniel O’Shea joined the GWPC community 2 years ago with the intent (like many others) to change his life and get healthy. For him, the means to this end was CrossFit. Since starting CrossFit in February 2011, Daniel has dropped 80 pounds, and more than doubled his strength gains. He recently performed a strict pull-up for the first time, which was one of his personal fitness goals for 2012.
GWPC spent a few minutes with Daniel to talk about his physical journey, training regimen and opinions on “The Sport of Fitness”.
GW: Daniel, first off thanks for agreeing to meet with us, and congratulations on getting your first pull-up!
DO: Thanks, it was one of my last fitness goals for 2012, so I’m glad I was able to get it before the end of the year.
GW: How did you find out about our CrossFit Program?
DO: I had been curious about CrossFit for a while, since I have some friends who had tried it and seen very good results. I was initially pretty reluctant to try it because it seemed very intense, I was so out of shape, and I thought I would hurt myself. I knew that to be successful, I was going to need help, especially since it had been 5+ years since I had worked out with any sort of intensity/focus, and I wanted one on one instruction to see if CrossFit was right for me. While I was still looking for a gym/trainer, I found the CrossFit East Bay website (crossfiteastbay.com), and got in touch with Max Lewin (CFEB Owner & Program Manager at GWPC). He responded really quickly, and since the gym was close to my office, I walked over the next day to check it out and loved the place. I signed up for a membership on the spot.
GW: How long have you been doing CrossFit?
DO: I started in February 2011, so almost 2 years. My weight when I started CrossFit was 265 lbs. and I am currently at 185.
GW: What’s your favorite workout?
DO: My favorite workout is “Karen” (150 wall ball reps with 20# ball to a 10’ target for time) because it was the first workout that I could do Rx (as prescribed).
GW: A lot of folks are intimidated by CrossFit, especially given the aggressive nature of the workouts. What would you say to someone who asked you about the culture of CrossFit and more specifically, the CFEB community?
DO: I’d say that it’s just that, a community. I’ve found the people to be highly supportive and encouraging. Of course it helps that we have similar fitness goals, but outside of that, most of the people I’ve met have just been good people.
GW: Do you have any goals for 2013?
DO: Well, there are 3 “core” skills that I still haven’t gotten yet: Double Unders, Handstand Pushups and Muscle Ups. Ideally I’d like to get all three next year, but if I were able to do any of them, I’d still be psyched. Also, I’d like to try climbing (bouldering) next year.
GW: Thanks again Daniel, we’re psyched to have been a part of your transformation, and wish you continued success with CrossFit (and hopefully soon, climbing)!
DO: No problem, thanks to all my trainers and workout buddies at CrossFit East Bay and GWPC!
