Name: Matt Ziesmer
Age: 28
Occupation: Quality Analyst for NCR
Which class time do you usually attend? 5 p.m.
Favorite WOD: I don’t know if I have a favorite WOD. I do have several that I strongly dislike though. If I had to pick one though, I enjoy a good partner WOD.
Favorite Lift: Back Squat
Deadlift Max: 365
Back squat Max: 285
Fran: Never done Fran.
Cindy: I’ve vicariously done Cindy by completing ‘Murph’ (1hr 9mins).
Got Muscle-ups?: Not yet but soon, very soon…
1 mile run: 5:26
How long have you been CrossFitting? Since August 1st of 2011
What keeps you coming back/motivated?
“I’d say there’s three things that keep me coming back — community, results and the challenge.
Community — the fact that you’re not alone. Whether it’s the coaching staff or the other members, we’re all there to make each other better. I know I definitely wouldn’t push myself, as hard, if I didn’t have a coach
yelling at me to keep moving or trying to keep up with the person next to me.
Results – I’ve worked out, in some form or fashion, throughout my 28 years but I’ve never had the same success that I have had in one year at NEA.
The challenge — many a time I’ve looked at a WOD and thought, ‘Oh, I hope something comes up so I have a good excuse not to do it (a bit ironic, eh)’. But it’s those WODs that you realize aren’t so bad and you can’t wait to try the next one.”
How did you find CrossFit?
“I had a tennis partner that introduced me to Linda Moore. She was sharing the great results that she had by coming to CrossFit. Three weeks later I was starting 101.”
What is your athletic background (If applicable)?
“I played basketball and soccer, in high-school and college, and have always played some type of sport growing up. I currently play a lot of tennis.”
How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, level of fitness?
“I’m definitely in the best shape of my life. Exercise is something that I look forward to doing not just something I know I should be doing.”
What is the one thing you have done here that you never thought you could do? (muscle up, double unders, heavy deadlift, run a mile, etc.)
“Skin the cat.”
What motivates/inspires you?
“I’ve made great progress, in one year, and I’m still relatively young. Thinking of what I might be able to accomplish in a couple more years is a good inspiration.”
What is your proudest CrossFit achievement?
“Finally winning a Paleo challenge.”
Name one goal/personal achievement you would like to achieve through CrossFit?
“I’d like to win an Affiliate League team challenge.”
What goals have you achieved in CrossFit?
“I’ve lost roughly 45 pounds. I can do a strict pull-up.”
Hobbies/Interests outside of CrossFit?
“I love playing sports (tennis, soccer, softball… you name it, I’ll play it). Music, I’ve played the piano for 23 years and dabble with the guitar.”
What is your favorite meal?
“I’d have to say Mexican, but typically if it falls under the umbrella of ‘food’, I like it.”
Any advice for new members?
“DON’T GIVE UP… Crossfit can/and will be discouraging at times. Some skills will come quickly and some will be a ‘goat’ for years. You have to take the small victories and use those to motivate you to keep persevering.”
Coach Brandon’s comment:
I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Matt over the last year. He’s probably the quietest guy in the gym, but he has the biggest heart. It’s been awesome to watch his hard work over the last year and see the transformation in his body. Matt has a keen ear for accepting coaching and wants to get better every time he’s in the gym.