Patrick Uliano 

Patrick “Patty” Uliano is no stranger to the weight room. Before starting CrossFit over six years ago, he was a dedicated bodybuilder. But over time, he stopped seeing the results he wanted. His body may have adapted to the same stimulus, he guesses, or maybe he just stopped pushing himself. 

Making the switch to CrossFit’s constantly varied workouts (and dialing in his diet) was just the change he needed. He feels stronger and leaner, and the community helps keep him motivated and accountable. 

If you’re looking for Patty, check out the rings—he just PR’d eight unbroken muscle-ups! But he won’t be satisfied until he gets 10. 

Read out our Q&A with Patty and get to know May’s Athlete of the Month!

How did you discover CrossFit? 

I discovered CrossFit through my cousin who showed me a few workouts in the gym at the condo. Once I did my first one, I was hooked.

Why did you end up sticking with CrossFit? 

I just like the whole vibe of it. From snatches to clean and jerks, and also from a conditioning standpoint. Sometimes the WODs are hard, but you have to live in that pain to make progress. In my opinion, I think it’s the most effective form of training to date. You also have the community, which creates accountability. 

What kinds of changes have you noticed since starting CrossFit? 

Honestly, I come from a bodybuilding background, and CrossFit has changed my body dramatically. I guess when I was bodybuilding I wasn’t pushing myself and got used to the stimulus. Since CrossFit is constantly varied and each movement is a multi-joint exercise, my body builds adaptations in different ways. When my diet is fine-tuned I notice I am leaner and stronger as well.

How do you make time for working out? 

My schedule right now is all over the place, but I still make it to the gym. Everyone needs self-care. For me, an hour a day preserves me mentally. 

What’s your favorite movement or WOD? 

To be honest, I love all of the movements from a lifting standpoint. But I especially love snatching. I also love the hero WOD Murph because of what that workout stands for. I salute all the troops that have served our country. They are true heroes in my eyes. Also, because that workout is so hard, it’s good to live in the suck every once in a while. 

What recent PRs are you most proud of? 

I recently Pr’d my ring muscle-ups. I got eight unbroken, but I want to get to 10. They always have been a struggle for me. But I’m getting better at them day by day. 

What goals are you working on? 

I believe when you work hard in the gym it translates into real life. Right now I am trying to get into the military. It has been a challenging process, but I believe I can achieve it. At the end of the day, if you believe in yourself that’s all that matters. Opinions are wasted thought by others. Just like with fitness, you have to believe you can achieve that goal and it will manifest through time and hard work. 

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

I like to read a lot and continue to learn. I believe you need a balance of the mind and body. I also listen to a lot of podcasts. This one in particular called Jocko Podcast has really had a profound effect on my life. He talks about leadership and how discipline equals freedom. That is a code I try to live by, but I have defaults as a human being. I just graduated from college and work at a restaurant for now. I also love spending time with my grandma. She is my best friend.