Athlete Spotlight: Robert Thornton

Name: Robert Thorntonrobert_thornton
Age: 59
Occupation: Engineer for Heatcraft Refrigeration Products
Which class time do you usually attend? 6PM if traffic allows
Favorite WOD: Any of them that doesn’t include pulling a sled with ropes between your legs
Favorite Lift: Snatch
Deadlift Max: 335
Back squat Max: 235
Favorite Food: Oh my!!! So many choices. I don’t know where to begin.
Favorite Movie: Adventure, Action, Funny ones, but The Great Escape, Point Break, Bridge Over the Kwai to name a few.
Favorite Athlete: Anyone who plays college football with heart.
Dream Job: Selling margaritas and boiled peanuts on the beach.
Dream Vacation Destination: Not to brag, but by the time you have
reached 59, you have probably been there as I have. I still love Caribbean the best….Easy to get to and relaxing. Hawaii was too much jet lag for a vacay. Snow skiing out West is my favorite active vacation.

How long have you been CrossFitting?
“4 years.”

What keeps you coming back/motivated?
“It has been said that when you lose your health, you lose everything. Well, maybe not everything, but good health is definitely in my cards as long I can do something about it.
To workout and enjoy good strength/ flexibility and do whatever I want to do without pain or weakness or meds keeps me coming back.”

How did you find CrossFit?
“After going through a divorce years ago, I lost my edge and hit a plateau.
My son knew Kyle Maynard from High school and knew about NEC. He told me that I needed a kick in the butt…so 4 years later here I am.”

What is your athletic background (If applicable)?
“I played football starting with PeeWee’s all the way through High School football, ran track, and some track and field. While in the Coast Guard played on several scrap teams and got involved in boxing. I used to run marathons but the knees don’t like them anymore.”

How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, level of fitness?
“It is my stress relief! I have a very stressful job as a troubleshooter. (I actually stress out trying to get to the gym in traffic by 6pm too)! Ha. I used to have high blood pressure and cholesterol. After doing CF for only 6 months, my numbers changed drastically for the better and have been good ever since.”

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.)
“Not that I didn’t think I could, but when I made my 1st rope climb…I said to myself, why couldn’t I do that before? I went on to do 5 more that night.”

Who or what motivates/inspires you?
“I am so happy to have a God that I can know that there is a home base and that there actually is a reason to live, and there is no need to fear death. I simply love life without any drama or complications and to be able to enjoy everything that I have been blessed with.”

What is your proudest CrossFit achievement?
“Actually, losing the fear and intimidation that I felt the 1st few days that I started. As an older guy was not sure how I was going to perform or fit in with a generally young group.
Being ranked high enough in the last CF Open to be mentioned in the NEC newsletter.”

Name one goal/personal achievement you would like to achieve through CrossFit?
“To keep coming here until I’m 90 and be in good health. Then I can get hit by a truck. I should be ready by then.”

Hobbies/Interests outside of CrossFit?
“Motorcycle riding, love my Harley, snow skiing, watching sports, anything by water. This may sound crazy but I love cleaning my house and working in the yard/painting/putzing, etc. Did anyone mention beers and margaritas? (In moderation, of course).”

Any advice for new members?
“Don’t let the clock intimidate you but give it your all. It will always get better. Use weights that challenge you but not hurt you. This is a fun time as well as a healthy time. Physically and mentally. Enjoy it.”

Any additional thoughts/comments:
“A healthy balance in life is a must! NEC helps provide me with a part of that balance.”

Coach Brandon’s Take:
“Robert always comes to the gym with a smile on his face, which makes him pleasant to coach. He always has a positive outlook on life and CrossFit. He will tell you he’s not the fastest or the strongest in class, but he’s certainly going to give it his all every time. Robert has been a very big advocate for CrossFit and especially No Excuses CrossFit over the years and we’re happy to have him as part of the family.”