Athlete Spotlight: Bryan Bembridge

Name: Bryan Bembridgebryan_bembridge
Age: 35
Occupation: ‘Associate Service Manager’ is my title. I basically work in an operations capacity for E*TRADE’s equity compensation division.
What class time do you usually attend: 5pm
Favorite WOD: Anything with Cleans or Snatches like ‘Grace’, ‘Isabel’ or ‘Elizabeth’
Favorite Lift: Clean and Jerk
Max Deadlift: 435lbs (1RM)
Max Back Squat: 345lbs (3RM)
Favorite Food: Breakfast is my favorite meal. Eggs, sausage, bacon, bacon…and more bacon. I also have a bad Nutella problem but the rehab worked so I am OK with that now.
Favorite Movie: Either ‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’ or “The Usual Suspects’
Favorite Athlete: Steven Gerrard, Liverpool FC
Dream Job: Host of ‘Top Gear’ on the BBC
Dream Vacation Destination: Can’t think of one. But I did go to Sandals in Jamaica last summer and that was pretty good.
 How long have you been CrossFitting?
“5 years. I’ve been at No Excuses since October ’13”
What keeps you coming back/motivated?
“1. the challenge 2. the community 3. it works better than anything else 4. I like lifting barbells”
How did you find Crossfit?
“A colleague of mine from my Taekwondo school started Crossfitting and was getting very noticeable results. His new workouts came up in conversation…something along the lines of “this is simultaneously the worst and best thing I have even experienced” and “the workouts are kicking my ass”. My response to this was “sounds like something I have to try”.
A few days later, I go with him to visit his gym. These were the days before introductory/foundations classes…so I signed a waiver and jumped right into the pre-WOD briefing… 10 minutes or so 1-on-1 with a coach and then my first workout…’Angie’.
As I labored through the 400 reps and finished dead last, I’m sure one or two of the folks there were thinking “He is probably never coming back”. Meanwhile I was thinking “I am definitely coming back”. I have been Crossfitting ever since.”
What is your athletic background?
“Played Cricket in high school (Jamaica). Taekwondo in college and beyond. Working out at Globo-Gym type fitness clubs for most of my adult life.”
How has Crossfit changed you life, lifestyle, level of fitness?
“I am in better shape now than ever. I have learned the importance of eating properly, proper hydration and rest. I have realized that taking better care of myself through better diet and exercise means a much better quality of life.”
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.)
“I never really have the mindset that “I can’t” do something. I usually think about how I can improve in terms of strength, speed, endurance or technique to make things possible. That being said…it took me a few years to get the hang of double unders.”
 
Who or what motivates/inspires you?
“In life in general, I am motivated by family. In CrossFit I’m motivated by a desire to keep improving.”
What is your proudest CrossFit achievement?
“Finally getting double unders and rope climbs.”
Name one goal/personal achievement you would like to achieve through CrossFit?
“Tough to choose one…Muscle ups, 225lbs Snatch, 300lbs Clean and Jerk.”
What are your hobbies and interest outside of CrossFit?
“I love movies. Taekwondo. Watching the English Premier League.”
What is your advice for new members?
“1. Guys…check your ego at the door. Don’t worry about what others are doing…just try to do YOUR best everyday in the gym. Ladies…don’t be afraid to push yourself. Chances are you are stronger and faster than you think.
2. The coaches at No Excuses are very friendly and knowledgeable. Ask them lots of questions and talk with them about your goals and your performance during WODs. The information and feedback you receive will be invaluable.
3. Don’t underestimate the importance of the things you do outside of the gym such as your diet, proper hydration and sufficient rest.”
Coach Brandon’s Take:
“Bryan has become one of the strongest athletes in the gym. He’s done so with his consistency. He’s always in the gym and ready to work. Bryan doesn’t get too high or too low about a workout. His even keel personality allows him to keep plugging along. The only time I see him get excited is when he beats me in a WOD.”