Athlete Spotlight: Corey Brindle

Name: Corey Brindle
Age: 33
Occupation: Finance
Hometown: Jacksonville, AL
Which class time do you usually attend? 5, 6, or 7 pm
Favorite WOD: Murph. It reminds me of the army days.
Favorite CF Movement: Overhead squats
Least Favorite CF Movement: Dumbbell box step overs
3RM Back Squat: 295
1RM Deadlift: 385
Favorite Food: Burgers
Favorite Movie: Sandlot
Favorite Athlete: Chipper Jones
Dream Job: Golf Caddy for Mercedes or Jace. Get to go to nice courses and watch good golf
Dream Vacation Destination: WW2 Tour
If you could have any super power… Fly. I could skip traffic and Marta
Favorite Motivational Quote: ”If you ain’t first, you’re last.” -Ricky Bobby

How long have you been doing CrossFit?
“Since October 2014.”

How did you first discover CrossFit and what made you decide to start? *
“I think it was commercials and ads on tv about it. I looked it up online and noticed there was CrossFit gym half a mile from the house so decided to give it a try. The first day almost killed me. I thought I was going to throw up. It was a feeling I haven’t had in a very long time. Jeff Kearse was my first coach through foundations, and he had me doing a lot of burpees and eventually he got me in better shape.”

Tell us about your fitness/sports background: 
“Football, basketball and baseball in high school. College baseball for a month and then dropped out to join the military.”

What sorts of positive changes (mental, physical, emotional) have you noticed in your life since getting involved at No Excuses? 
“It gives me a constant challenge. I’m able to test my limits mentally and physically. It gives me a good break from the normal work stress. I know when I get to the gym, the workout is the only thing I should focus on and by the time it is over, I have pretty much forgotten what I was stressed out about, and then I can go home in a good mood.”

Who or what keeps you coming back and motivated? 
“The people, the coaching, the workouts, the competition. I feel like every new day is a day I can improve and get better. I am grateful that I get to workout. I had some friends who were killed in Afghanistan that would love to be here doing what we are doing. They push me everyday.”

In what other ways do you use your fitness? 
“Lately, mostly use it to help move furniture. I feel better carrying a golf bag for 18 holes now. My body feels stronger.  I also feel like I am better prepared for pick-up games whenever they come up. I can actually last a couple of trips up and down the court in basketball before I need a break. Also, my goal is to not let Jace be able to beat me up until I’m very old. He’s getting close to it now though.”

Please share with us a favorite CrossFit or No Excuses moment. 
“Two favorite moments: One was judging Glenn and Mike on the rower/burpee workout in the granite games. I thought for sure there was no way they could get a full round and a half in less than a minute, but they pulled out the old man strength and got it in. Second favorite moment was playing games after the last Friday Night Throwdown. Lesson learned that day was to keep your head on a swivel and do not try to steal from Tara.”

Name one goal you would like to achieve in the next year (doesn’t have to be CrossFit related, but it can be) 
“Eat right. I’ve noticed already how some things are easier or feel better because of way I have eaten. I had some nagging injuries that have gone away, and the only thing I have done differently is eat better.”

Tell us about your hobbies and interests outside of the gym: 
“Playing with my son, playing sports, playing golf, watching Mercedes play golf, Braves baseball, going places, trying new things.”

What advice do you have for someone just starting CrossFit or is on the fence about starting? 
“Just try it out. The first day/week/month/year is tough, but if you keep it consistent, you’ll start noticing a lot of great results. Also, take it slow in the beginning, don’t rush movements, don’t rush results and really learn the foundations because they will keep you healthy and moving more efficiently.”

What do you love most about No Excuses? 
“I love the space, the coaching, the programming. I love that they host competitions and are very good at hosting. I also love the cookouts.”

Coach Brandon’s Take:
“Corey is a naturally gifted athlete, especially with gymnastics movements. But the great thing about him is his willingness to accept coaching. It has been awesome to coach him and watch his numbers on his lifts go up and his times in workouts go down.”