Around the Whiteboard with Mario Macrina

If you’ve enjoyed our Athlete Spotlight series in the past, here’s the next installment in our series in which we get to know 1412512_10200933412249213_377421984_oour coaches a little bit more.

Without further ado, here’s Around the Whiteboard with Mario Macrina…

Certifications: CrossFit Level 1
Favorite WOD: Murph/Fran
Favorite Lift: Snatch
Deadlift Max: 405
Back Squat: 345
Snatch: 190 (it wasn’t pretty, but some PR’s aren’t)
Clean and Jerk: 225
Favorite Food: Macaroni and Cheese
Favorite Movie: Braveheart
Favorite Athlete: Tom Brady
Dream Job: Professional Golfer
Dream Vacation Destination: Tahiti

How did you find CrossFit and what drew you to getting started?
“I started to live a very sedentary lifestyle and quit working out altogether. When I was 39, I saw a family friend that had been doing CrossFit for a few months. He convinced me to try it and I went home that night and looked up the closest CrossFit Affiliate in the area. I was blessed that it ended up being No Excuses!”

How long have you been doing CrossFit?
“Since July 2011”

How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, and level of fitness?
“CrossFit has set the baseline for my life. It challenges me to be the best I can be inside and outside of the gym. I have more confidence than I have ever had before and I am the fittest I have ever been in my life. All this translates into my desire to be a better person, friend, father and husband.

But the most important change that has occurred since starting CrossFit at No Excuses has been my acceptance of Christ. I have been surrounded by a lot of people that have a strong faith in God. CrossFit/No Excuses was the catalyst for this and for that I am truly grateful.”

What made you decide to pursue coaching?
“I have always wanted to be a personal trainer. I enjoy helping people reach their full potential and coaching was a perfect outlet for that. I love coaching, encouraging, teaching people of all fitness levels and have been inspired by everyone at the gym.”

Did you play any sports growing up?
“Track and Field. I was 5th in the State for the 200m and a New England Champion in 1989 (yes…1989!!) for the 4×100 Relay.”

What do you love most about No Excuses?
“The people. Period. Everyone there creates this amazing community we are all a part of.”

Tell us a little bit about the 6 am class and what someone could expect if they chose to attend that early morning workout.
“I like coffee and am not afraid to drink it before, during or after a WOD. I have more energy than most people at that time and try to get members excited to be there at 6am. But, there are some members I don’t have to encourage (6am crew…you know who you are!!)”

What is your personal motto?
“I don’t think I have a motto. But if I did, it would be: God. Family. Friends.”

Tell us about a CrossFit moment or achievement that you are particularly proud of.
“My first Muscle Up. That was huge for me. It took me 4 months to get one…and another 4 months to start to string them together. I love Muscle Ups.”

What is your funniest CrossFit moment?
“Oof…there has been several “funny”…or embarrassing moments at No Excuses. I have dropped the bar on my head during a snatch, fell flat on my back attempting a ring HSPU, whacked my forehead during a pull up…but maybe the one that has stuck around since it happened is the “Dead Fish”. My unique cue to the 6am one day this past winter to get them to visualize hip explosion. I will never live that down. Sometimes you just wish you could get back words once they left your mouth.”

What is one goal you have yet to achieve in CrossFit but are working hard towards?
“A pistol. Haven’t been able to get one yet, but have been working on my flexibility.”

What are your hobbies and interests outside of CrossFit?
“God. Family. Friends. Sound familiar?? Oh…and golf. I’m also obsessed with my lawn.”

What is your advice for new members?
“Don’t quit. Don’t think just because you can’t do something now, you won’t ever. Stay strong, both mentally and physically. And leave your pride at the door. Everyone fails at one time or another. Accept that and you learn more from this sport that you ever imagined.”

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