Athlete Spotlight: Adam Perillo

Name: Adam Perilloadam_perillo
Age: 28
Occupation: Special Education Teacher
Which class time do you usually attend? 4 or 5
Favorite WOD: Cindy
Favorite Lift: Deadlift
Deadlift Max: 325
Back squat Max: 205
Favorite Food: French Toast
Favorite Movie: Role Models
Favorite Athlete: Harry Potter (Won the Tri-Wizard Tournament in 2000)
Dream Job: Beach Scientist that also lives on a beach.
Dream Vacation Destination: Australia

How long have you been CrossFitting?
“Exactly one year.”

What keeps you coming back/motivated?
“I don’t want to lose any progress so I show up as much as I can out of fear.”

How did you find CrossFit?
“I googled “Gyms in my area.””

What is your athletic background (If applicable)?
“I played college tennis.”

How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, level of fitness?
“CrossFit has helped me maintain an overall sense of health and fitness that I have never had before. I was very inactive and let my weight and health get out of hand. I was 20% bodyfat and now I am closer to 6%. I photograph a lot better now.”

What is the one thing you have done here that you never thought you could do?
“That one time when I climbed to the top of the rope legless because I couldn’t figure out how to use my feet properly.”

Who or what motivates/inspires you?
“I feel like I’m in the shape now where I can test the limits of my body. I want to push myself to the next physical barrier after every PR. I’m going to run this body into the ground.”

What is your proudest CrossFit achievement?
“Completing MURPH was a huge mental and physical test for me. I look forward to trying it next year with a weighted vest.”

Name one goal/personal achievement you would like to achieve through CrossFit?
“I want to get a muscle up. Like just one to start with, maybe more after.”

Hobbies/Interests outside of CrossFit?
“I love going to trivia nights. I’m also a craft beer-snob who likes comic books.”

Any advice for new members?
“Don’t let anyone set your pace for you. I know sometimes it seems defeating when the guy next to you is cleaning your body weight with ease, but no one starts off that way. Your greatest competition is yourself, everyone else is competing in the same internal struggle. You’re just all in the same room.”

Coach Brandon’s Take:
“When Adam started CrossFit he looked like a fish out of water. He struggled with a lot of basic movements, but he never got frustrated and always listened to coaching cues. About six months later he morphed into this CrossFit ninja. He started doing things I never imagined like unbroken pull ups and deadlifting twice his bodyweight. He has made tremendous progress in one year and I can’t wait to see how he improves in year two.”