Athlete Spotlight: Victor Lewis

Name: Victor Lewis
Age: 44
Occupation: Self-Employed
Which class time do you usually attend? 9:30 am
Favorite WOD: Anything that incorporates running and strength training
Favorite Lift: Deadlift
Deadlift Max: 330
Back squat Max: 270
Favorite Food: Steak
Favorite Movie: Remember The Titans
Favorite Athlete: Michael Jordan
Dream Job: Anything that truly gives value to others and helps them
Dream Vacation Destination: Puerto Rico

How long have you been CrossFitting?
“Just over 2 years.”

What keeps you coming back/motivated?
“Seeing the progress I have made and knowing there is so much more progress I can and will make.”

How did you find CrossFit?
“I heard about it a few years ago but it was during a doctor’s visit for low back pain that I saw a commercial about it while I was waiting to be seen that it really caught my attention and then I looked into it further.”

What is your athletic background (If applicable)?
“Played baseball and football primarily growing up then started running track my junior and senior years in high school. I walked on for football at West Georgia and played 2 more years and then turned my attention back to track where I trained for another 8 years.”

How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, level of fitness?
“I would say it has helped me mentally and psychologically as well as I feel I can achieve certain goals I have set for myself and it greatly decreased my level of stress as a teacher and coach last school year. My level of fitness has been the greatest benefit as I feel so much stronger and can do things much easier. I feel like I can take on any new challenge.”

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.)
“Heavy deadlift – 330. Weighing 163 and deadlifting more than 2 times my bodyweight surprised me a little.”

Who or what motivates/inspires you?
“My now former students that I taught and coached as I want to encourage them through my actions how important it is to take care of your body.”

What is your proudest CrossFit achievement?
“Completing the Hugo Open (Especially the 3rd WOD) with Glen Wilkins, Miles Wilkins, and Jeff Gaskins. It was my first crossfit competition of any kind and it was especially nice that I had family members there for support.”

Name one goal/personal achievement you would like to achieve through CrossFit?
“Becoming adept at all the movements with the first being the handstand pushup.”

Hobbies/Interests outside of CrossFit?
“Watching sports (Especially football) and reading different personal development books.”

Any advice for new members?
“Do not feel like you have to compete with the other members who may have been doing crossfit much longer than you. You should really focus on getting good at all of the different movements and not try to speed through the wods at first but rather make sure your movement technique is good. Also be consistent by coming in at least 3 times a week and you will be sure to see great results in a matter of a few months.”

Coach Laura’s Take:
“Victor is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. He is hard-working and dedicated in the gym. Victor came to us as a great athlete and it has been awesome seeing his improvement in areas other than running. He is definitely becoming a more well-rounded athlete, but you still wouldn’t want to be in a running workout with him! He is a sponge when it comes to taking coaching and picking up new movements or tiny fixes.  His enthusiasm for CrossFit, and dedication to learning and improving is a huge asset to everyone at No Excuses and we are glad to have him!”