Chris Vivion

For Chris Vivion, CrossFit isn’t just the most effective workout he’s ever done, it’s a family affair…and a business one, too. He regularly hits the box with Jess, his wife, and their two year-old son. And his 9 a.m. WODs are a healthy mix of sweat and strategy with his business partner, Sky Holden. When we say CrossFit is a community, this is what we’re talking about!

To learn more about our Athlete of the Month (and enjoy some playful ribbing at Sky’s expense), check out our Q&A with Chris!

When did you join CrossFit 718?

It must have been 8 years now! Way back during the 5th Ave days. Sky Holden was only 5 feet tall then!

How did you discover CrossFit?

I had been half-assing the main site WODs for like a year, and one day my wife and I were driving down 5th and I saw the sign and was so excited to see one in the hood. We stopped and that was that. I fell in love with Izzy’s beard and never turned back.

Why did you end up sticking with CrossFit?

It’s the only thing that has kept me consistently in shape and engaged, and because it’s all about the community. So many wonderful friends have been made from 718.

What kinds of changes have you noticed since starting CrossFit?

I think working out in a competitive format is really positive for me, mentally. It’s a motivator, and since the bar constantly changes with your skills improving or slipping, CrossFit really always challenges me. I still struggle with diet and lifestyle, but I think always coming back to the box keeps me more balanced.

How do you make time for working out?

I am lucky to have a flexible schedule, but my wife and I always support each other having time for fitness in our routines. We often share that activity (with our son in tow!) so it’s prioritized. I also do 9 a.m. classes with Sky and we treat it like a working session. Hmm, maybe I should expense the box too.

What’s your favorite lift?

Anything I’m better than Sky at works for me, so pretty much everything.

What recent achievement are you most proud of? 

I think doing Murph for the second time and beating my first time of 50 something was pretty great. That was seven years or so ago, so I must be improving. Also, breaking my 225 clean is a huge milestone for me. I’m hoping to get to 250 this year.

What goal are you working on?

Breaking that 250 mark! Also beat Sky, beat Sky, beat Sky. Don’t stop, be ruthless. He’s not better just taller.

What do you do when you’re not at the box? 

I have a new baby girl, Nell, and an almost two-year old boy, Loren, with my wife Jess. She goes to the box too! I run a production company in Brooklyn called Spacestation which has a brand-new culinary arm that works with chefs and brands to make amazing food content called WellFed. I run that with fellow CrossFitter, Sky Holden!