Athlete Spotlight: Mathew Shamloo

Name: Mathew Shamloomathew
Age: 31
Occupation: Graphic Designer
Which class time do you usually attend? 7pm
Favorite WOD: The Seven
Favorite Lift: Snatch
Deadlift Max: 445
Back squat Max: 315
Favorite Food: All of it.
Favorite Movie: The Goonies
Favorite Athlete: Tim Duncan
Dream Job: Hosting a show like Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations
Dream Vacation Destination: Backpacking across Southeast Asia

How long have you been CrossFitting?
“September 2013”

What keeps you coming back/motivated?
“I would say that my competitive nature is what motivates me the most. Not only looking at the whiteboard and wanting to be stronger and faster than everyone else, but mostly with my numbers and myself. I know the only way to beat them (and myself) is to come in and work hard.”

How did you find CrossFit?
“My first exposure to CrossFit was while I was stuffing my face with a big slice of greasy pizza. They had the 2011 Games on the television in the restaurant. I just thought to myself “That looks kind of cool…” But it took me another year before I gave it a go.”

What is your athletic background (If applicable)?
“Youth level sports: football, baseball and basketball in high school.”

How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, level of fitness?
“I was in pretty decent shape before I started at No Excuses, but not near the level I thought I was. CrossFit has given me a better understanding of how to better achieve the goals that I want and shown me the potential for growth that I have. It’s also doubled our grocery bill.”

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.)
“Handstand walking. A year ago, I could barely hold freestanding handstand for a second and a few weeks ago I walked the length of the gym.”

Who or what motivates/inspires you?
“I have a thing for underdogs. Mostly because when they are successful, it’s because they have done things the right way. They put in the work despite being told you can’t do this, you’re too short for that, you’re not built for this, you’re too old, etc.”

What is your proudest CrossFit achievement?
“Competing in a partner WOD with my wife last year. We were one of only a few teams to complete one of the events.”

Name one goal/personal achievement you would like to achieve through CrossFit?
“My current goal is a 100kg (220lb) Snatch.”

Hobbies/Interests outside of CrossFit?
“I like trying new things. Going new places. Eating new food. Whatever. I especially like to go to new places and eat their food.”

Any advice for new members?
“This is a process and you’re going to fail…and that’s ok. Everyone does. There isn’t one person in the gym that doesn’t struggle. And none of them will tell you that CrossFit is easy, but the truth is, you don’t want it to be easy. You want to constantly challenge yourself. Run harder one lap. Pull harder one deadlift. Squat lower one rep. The only way to way to get better is to push your limits and the only way to know your limits is to hit that wall and feel that pain. The next time you’ll be ready for it and know that you can push a little more.”

Any additional thoughts/comments:
“Don’t take this too seriously. At the end of the day, this is just exercise. Whether you are coming in to lose 100 lbs. or to train for the CrossFit Games…HAVE FUN!”

Coach Brandon’s Take:
“Matt came to No Excuses with a pretty good skill set and strength. He has improved tremendously over the last few months and has become one of our top athletes. The scary part is he still has a lot of room to grow. He’s one of the most humble and down to earth guys I have met and I think that is what has made him so successful in CrossFit. I’m excited to see how much more he will improve in the future.”