Athlete Spotlight: Jay Bell

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Name: Jay Bell
Age: 58
Occupation: Business/Construction Attorney
Which class time do you usually attend? 5pm
Favorite WOD: any WOD without snatches
Favorite Lift: power clean
Deadlift Max: 310
Back squat Max: 235
Favorite Food: My wife Elizabeth’s lamb at Easter (and Fu Mao’s ribs).
Favorite Movie: Patton
Favorite Athlete: John Elway
Dream Job:   Columnist/Author
Dream Vacation Destination:  Alaska

How long have you been CrossFitting?
“Since March 2014.”

What keeps you coming back/motivated?
“The coaches and people at NEC are terrific and so encouraging.  I keep making progress. I really look forward to working out every day. Oh yeah, and Stacey’s music selections…..”

How did you find CrossFit?
“My son, then 22, wanted to get back in shape.  So, to encourage him I said I would do CrossFit with him (with really no intention to make it a long term thing).  I got hooked when I saw my body changing and noticed how much stronger and flexible I became.”

What is your athletic background (If applicable)?
“Very little.  I had never lifted a bar bell before starting CrossFit.”

How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, level of fitness?
“I don’t really adhere to a “diet”, but I now eat healthier because I don’t want all my hard work to go to waste.  Every time I finish a workout I have such a feeling of accomplishment.  I recently mentioned to Brandon what a great stress reliever CrossFit has been for me.”

What is the one thing you have done here that you never thought you could do?
“As a kid, I never could climb the rope in gym class.  Now I can do it multiple times in a WOD!”

Who or what motivates/inspires you?
“Watching how much Adam can deadlift.”

What is your proudest CrossFit achievement?
“Doing the CrossFit Open (and Brandon didn’t have to call the paramedics!)”

Name one goal/personal achievement you would like to achieve through CrossFit?
“Stringing together double unders. And as many of you know, I’m still working on my fist-bump.”

Hobbies/Interests outside of CrossFit?
“World War II history.  Truly the greatest generation…”

Any advice for new members?
“Just keep walking in the front door.  And remember, no one is watching you during the work outs, we’re all just trying to survive ourselves!”

Any additional thoughts/comments:
“I encourage everyone to drop in to boxes while traveling. I’ve done it twice and it was a lot of fun.”

Coach Brandon’s Take:
“Jay came to the gym with some CrossFit experience, but it has been a pleasure to work with him and refine his movement. He’s made tremendous progress in his strength and gymnastics movements. (Believe it or not, but he’s really good at hanging L-Sits.) A big part of his improvement has been his consistency in the gym. He’s in the gym four or five days a week in the evenings and always works hard.”