Name: Jon Owings
Age: 37
Occupation: Systems Engineer
Which class time do you usually attend? 5pm
Favorite WOD: Grace
Favorite Lift: Clean
Deadlift Max: 400
Back squat Max: 275
Favorite Food: Carne Asada Burrito from Chanos or In-N-Out Burger
Favorite Movie: Star Wars
Favorite Athlete: Clayton Kershaw
Dream Job: Professional Lip-sync battler
Dream Vacation Destination: Hawaii
How long have you been CrossFitting?
“Since December 2013.”
What keeps you coming back/motivated?
“I like it. The feeling of finishing a WOD. Before the workout I am kind of nervous about how bad it might be. Afterwards the feeling of accomplishment makes me want to come back and do it again the next day.”
How did you find CrossFit?
“I was trying to get back into shape for about a year when I decided it was probably go all the way or go work on my Halo skills. I learned about CrossFit from my friend at church, Ben Davis. After many invites from Ben to come check it out. A couple of friends from church and my wife and I decided to go and see what happens.”
What is your athletic background (If applicable)?
“Baseball and Wrestling in High School. I also played Basketball, Soccer and Football on a more recreational level.”
How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, level of fitness?
“I have a lacrosse ball in every room to work on sore muscles. I don’t eat perfectly but I make choices in order to fuel my body and make sure I can still function during and after working out. I am not the fastest, strongest or skilled, but I can see something in each WOD that helps me be better when it comes to how raise my kids, help around the house and display confidence at work. I am more fit now, of course.”
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.)
“Climbing a Rope.”
Who or what motivates/inspires you?
“I am motivated to glorify God. I know now happiness is in Him alone. I don’t get too frustrated when I can’t do a WOD as fast or as heavy as everyone else. I am right where He wants me to be. That kind of freedom gives makes me thankful for each day.”
What is your proudest CrossFit achievement?
“Finishing 14.5 in the 2014 Open. Then improving so much on 15.5 in the 2015 Open. They were not exactly the same but quite brutal.”
Name one goal/personal achievement you would like to achieve through CrossFit?
“Pull-ups”
Hobbies/Interests outside of CrossFit?
“I enjoy sports, computers (I am a geek), playing with my kids, watching them enjoy life and beating them in Mario Kart and Smash Bros.”
Any advice for new members?
“Don’t watch and compare against others in the workout. Don’t get mad if you are not a competitor getting invited to the CrossFit Games after 3 weeks. After a few months I started noticing how far I had come. I also always keep in mind how much I can still improve.”
Any additional thoughts/comments:
“The community I found at No Excuses CrossFit really keeps me wanting to come week after week. The people make it great. Thank you to everyone for putting up with my bad jokes and your patience with me finishing the WOD slowly while you want to start your joint mobility.”
Coach Chris’ Take:
Jon’s the kind of guy who has a smile on his face when he walks in. He never lets the workout get him down or defeat him. He gives 100% effort every time he comes into the gym. His steady improvement can be credited to having an attitude like that.