Athlete Spotlight: Abram Duke

Name: Abram Duke
Age: 40
Occupation: Engineer
Hometown: Guyton, GA
Which class time do you usually attend? 6pm
Favorite WOD: Anything with barbell work
Favorite CF Movement: Full Snatch
Least Favorite CF Movement: Double Unders
3RM Back Squat: 405
1RM Deadlift: 515
Favorite Food: Fried Gizzards
Favorite Movie: Do not have one
Favorite Athlete: John Smith
Dream Job: Do not have one
Dream Vacation Destination: Ireland
If you could have any super power… Omniscient
Favorite Motivational Quote: Too far in to stop now!

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

How did you first discover CrossFit and what made you decide to start? 
“A relative opened a box in Oceanside, CA and she recommended it for a long time.  I finally stopped by No Excuses, after driving past if for years.  I started because I wanted to be healthy, and provide a good example for my kids.”

Tell us about your fitness/sports background: 
“Wrestled in high school, and club team in college.  Lifted weights off and on, but basically nothing for about 10 years before starting CrossFit.”

What sorts of positive changes (mental, physical, emotional) have you noticed in your life since getting involved at No Excuses? 
“More energy, and I am less grumpy!   Physically I am stronger than I have ever been, also gained back a lot of my flexibility.”

Who or what keeps you coming back and motivated?
“Maintaining a good example of physical health for my kids.  I also like to lift heavy stuff!”

In what other ways do you use your fitness? 
“When I have time to play, I can play harder now!”

Please share with us a favorite CrossFit or No Excuses moment. 
“Glen talked me into my first competition, and I thought I was going to die in the middle of it, but his and Nicole’s positive motivation kept me going.  Although I could barely walk for 4 days afterwards, I was proud I completed it.”

Name one goal you would like to achieve in the next year (doesn’t have to be CrossFit related, but it can be) 
“I intend to Snatch 225, and clean 305.”

Tell us about your hobbies and interests outside of the gym: 
Camping, boating, building stuff, and anything with my kids.

What advice do you have for someone just starting CrossFit or is on the fence about starting? 
“The rewards are well worth the effort.”

What do you love most about No Excuses? 
“Physical and mental exhaustion is the great equalizer, and brings out the true nature of one’s character.  From what I have experienced, this gym is full of good people.”

Coach Laura’s Take:
Abram started as a really strong athlete and it was clear he was very coachable and eager to learn. He has developed even more strength over the years and it has been cool to watch him develop more competency in his gymnastics skills. Abram is a great addition to the gym and now his entire family is involved in bettering their fitness with his wife Angela in class and their two boys in our kids and teens programs.”