Athlete Spotlight: Jeff Peterson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name: Jeff Peterson
Age: 57
Occupation: Product Manager at NCR
Which class time do you usually attend? 12:30, 4:00, or 5:00
Favorite WOD: Am I supposed to have a favorite? I guess I like the WODs that are intense but short in duration.
Favorite CF Movements: Even though I am not very good at it, I would have to say the Back Squat.
1RM Deadlift: 350
3 RM Back squat: 190
Favorite Food: Steak and Lobster
Favorite Movie: Rio Bravo
Favorite Athlete: Roger Staubach
Dream Job: Not having to work at all
Dream Vacation Destination: Hawaii
Favorite WOD song: ACDC Thunderstruck
Favorite Motivational Quote: “If nothing changes….then nothing changes.”

How long have you been doing CrossFit?
“Since January 2016.”

How did you first discover CrossFit and what made you decide to start?
“I had been running for several years and wanted to do something more to improve my fitness. I talked with a few people at work (all about 20 years younger than me) that were doing CrossFit. They all recommended CrossFit but they also told me some of the intense exercises they did at CrossFit. So, I started to think about it. I was really planning on checking out No Excuses in January 2015, but it took me a full year of driving by every day wondering if I should before I finally came in for my evaluation in January of 2016. I really figured it was something that I was too old to start. When I came in and talked with Jeremy I told him all of my ailments and all the things I just couldn’t do. I fully expected him to say “well, you are right, this isn’t for you. But, he didn’t. Next thing I knew I was in a foundations class and on my way to my first actual WOD.”

Tell us about your sports/fitness background:
“I have been very active in all sorts of sports for my entire life. In the last ten years my primary activities have been Tennis, Golf, and Running.”

What sorts of positive changes (mental, physical, emotional) have you noticed in your life since getting involved at No Excuses?
“Since joining No Excuses, I have definitely experienced great benefit physically. While I have I gotten stronger and have increased stamina, I would say that my biggest benefit has been in flexibility and mobility. The movements that are part of the daily work outs have helped me to overcome joint pain and I amazed at the things I can do today, compared to the day I walked into the gym. Of course, I have miles to go and I look forward to more improvements.”

What keeps you coming back and motivated?
“My goal is to feel younger next year, or at least not to feel older. Working to improve my overall fitness through Cross Fit is the best way I know to achieve my goal.”

In what other ways do you use your fitness?
“Doing CrossFit enables me to do more of what I want to do in my life.”

Who or what motivates/inspires you?
“Everybody at No Excuses inspires me as they work on their fitness. It is encouraging to me to see people of all ages working to improve. There is always someone to give you a push when you need it. The program and the coaches are all fantastic and willing to help me with whatever I need. Earlier this year I had a bit of a set back due to an arm injury that required surgery. I was out for a couple months and when I came back, the coaches were all great in providing WOD modifications for me so I could continue to work out. I am just getting back to full health now and am looking forward to the second half of the year.”

Please share with us a favorite CrossFit or No Excuses moment.
“I would have to say it was the Cross Fit Open in 2016. I had just started CrossFit and the next thing I know, I am doing these crazy Friday Night Workouts week after week! It was strangely fun and satisfying to be a part of this with the rest of the gym.”

Name one goal you would like to achieve in CrossFit.
“Some day, I would like to do a real pull up!” ☺

Tell us about your hobbies and interests outside of the gym:
“I keep busy with church responsibilities/activities, golf, a little tennis, some running, and try keeping up with my six grand children.”

What advice do you have for someone just starting CrossFit or is on the fence about starting?

  • Make up your mind to start (don’t wait a year like I did)
  • You are not too old to start
  • Just keep coming.
  • It is only an hour.
  • Good things will come from it.

What do you love most about No Excuses?
“The coaches are great. The people are great. The environment is great. No Excuses is great.”

Coach Laura’s Take: 
“Jeff has come such a long way in a year and a half! I would attribute that to his consistency and his attitude. His willingness to jump in with both feet and be coachable has been one of the main factors that has led him to where he is today! His squat has improved tremendously from where he started, along with many other facets of his fitness. I loved seeing him take on the CrossFit Open! His return to the gym after his surgery and working where he was capable is a testament to his commitment to his health. It is encouraging to see how Jeff has improved, and I know that he will continue on this path of fitness!”