Name: Mike Matthes
Age: 38
Occupation: Software developer
Which class time do you usually attend? 4pm
Favorite WOD: Murph
Favorite Lift: Power Snatch
Deadlift Max: 415
Back squat Max: 305 – 3RM
Favorite Food: Pizza
Favorite Movie: Pulp Fiction
Favorite Athlete: Steph Curry
Dream Job: I have it
Dream Vacation Destination: Space
How long have you been CrossFitting?
“About 3.5 years.”
What keeps you coming back/motivated?
“After 3.5 years there are still members at the gym that beat me at WODs. Until I can win all of them, I will stay motivated.”
How did you find CrossFit?
“A friend of mine told me how hard Crossfit is so I decided to see for myself.”
What is your athletic background (If applicable)?
“I have played recreational sports all my life.”
How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, level of fitness?
“I’m 38 and in better shape that I was at 21. CrossFit has taught me that my entire body has never been in shape until now.”
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 thought I could lift more than 300 lbs in any movement. I have now lifted over 400 lbs in a deadlift and over 300 lbs in a squat.”
Who or what motivates/inspires you?
“Anyone older than me that is in better shape than I am.”
What is your proudest CrossFit achievement?
“50 double unders unbroken.”
Name one goal/personal achievement you would like to achieve through CrossFit?
“1st place at No Excuses in the 2016 CrossFit open, handstand walk.”
Hobbies/Interests outside of CrossFit?
“Whatever my kids are up to: baseball, basketball, Legos, Star Wars, Minecraft, Ninjago, Chima, Plants vs Zombies, Angry Birds, Waldo, etc.”
Any advice for new members?
“It’s easy to get injured when your muscles are not proportionally strong. Push hard, but stop when you start feeling pain.”
Any additional thoughts/comments:
“All classes should start 5 minutes past the hour to accommodate tardy members!”
Coach Fischer’s Take:
“If you can say one thing, Mike is consistent. He has been coming for quite awhile and has never taken any substantial time off his training. This has created a steady rate of improvement for him, seeing gains without really plateauing. He has become one of the stronger and more skilled athletes in the gym.”