Athlete of the Month: December 2017
Troy House
Not all New Year’s resolutions are doomed, and Troy House is proof! He joined our “New You” beginner program on January 1, 2017, and the gains – or, in his case, losses – haven’t stopped since then. Troy has dropped an impressive 35 pounds and is well on his way to achieving his ultimate goal of losing 50 pounds by his 50th birthday. We know he can do it and can’t wait to give him a special present from the whole CrossFit community: 50 birthday burpees!
Enjoy our Q&A with December’s athlete of the month!
What inspired you to sign up for the “New You” program?
I knew I needed help. My health was spiraling out of control and I had tried to work out on my own so many times and quit.
Why did you stick with CrossFit?
TAMMY! She rules. Just knowing I get to see that smile and hang with her is enough to get me there each day. What makes her great is her subtle pushes. She’s not a ball buster, but I hate the look she gives me when I’m not giving it 100%.
But what makes her really great is, when going through a WOD, she’ll look at me and say, “Troy, you can’t do this one,” and give me an alternate exercise that works for me. I’ve had two heavily separated shoulders and there are a couple of movements I just can’t do. She always has a great replacement already thought-out for me.
How do you make time for working out?
I begged Tammy to add an 8 a.m. class, as I drop my son off for school at 8 a.m. nearby. I take him 10 minutes early and run in at 8 a.m., so it really doesn’t interfere with my day.
What’s your favorite WOD?
No such thing. After a year I can’t tell you what a thruster or a snatch is. I run a business and think too much. For one hour a day I shut off, have fun and rely on Tammy. I do whatever she says and kill it for an hour. Not one minute more or less.
What recent achievement are you most proud of?
Losing 35 pounds! Turning 50 changes how your body feels and works. Losing a few pounds at 30 meant a few less drinks and some push-ups. At 50, it requires a complete life change. I’ve also lost 8 inches off my belly.
What goal are you working on?
To lose 50 pounds by my 50th birthday! My goal is at least a new PR once a week. Don’t care what it is, but I have to keep progressing.
What would you tell a beginner who’s considering signing up for CrossFit?
Just do it. Don’t be intimidated. I was worried it would be all young semi-pro athletes. And some are, but what’s great is the way you track CrossFit. It’s like golf in that you are only really playing against yourself, and people from all different levels can do the same workout. Doesn’t mean I don’t mumble “FU” under my breath to the youngsters who finish ahead of me, though.
What do you do when you’re not at the box?
I’m a travel adverting photographer. So I travel a lot, in addition to being a dad and husband. My life is mostly about being at the beach, or dreaming and planning to be at the beach.
