Name: Tim “Athlete of the Month” Turnquist
Age: 37
Occupation: Creative Director
Hometown: Dacula, GA
Which class time do you usually attend?: Cycle between 8:00, 12:30, 4:30, and 5:30 (5:30 is my “home” class though)
Favorite WOD: Cindy? I don’t know many by name
Favorite CF Movement: Bench press (does that count?) and deadlift
Least Favorite CF Movement: Overhead squats and thrusters
3RM Back Squat: 265
1RM Deadlift: 405
Favorite Food: Korean fried chicken
Favorite Movie: Jurassic Park
Favorite Athlete: Michael Jordan (Toon Squad era)
Dream Job: Building exquisite guitars, ukuleles, and surfboards by hand in a workshop overlooking the Pacific Ocean
Dream Vacation Destination: Iceland and probably Croatia
If you could have any super power…: Probably cliche but teleportation
Favorite Motivational Quote: “Be more human.” -Plaque on a mountain in Switzerland
How long have you been doing CrossFit?: Since January 2020
How did you first discover CrossFit and what made you decide to start?: I’ve always known about it mostly from people who have never done it and make fun of it, but I started because I needed something new to shake up my fitness motivations. Just going to LA Fitness wasn’t doing it for me anymore.
Tell us about your fitness/sports background: Generally tall and awkward with limited coordination abilities. But I’ve lifted weights and run off and on for most of my adult life.
What sorts of positive changes (mental, physical, emotional) have you noticed in your life since getting involved at No Excuses?: I’m stronger, both mentally and physically, more confident, and generally more balanced in most aspects of life. CrossFit is simultaneously a way to get fit and a place to belong.
Who or what keeps you coming back and motivated?: The kinships I’ve developed and sense of belonging are extremely motivating. If I take any amount of time off or go to other class times, I’ll come back and people will be like “Hey stranger!” “We’ve missed you!” “Where you been, buddy?” etc. The friendly competition aspect is super fun too.
In what other ways do you use your fitness?: Standing in front of my mirror and admiring the gains. Leaving hiking mates in the dust when climbing stairs (thanks box jumps!). Endlessly proselytizing to my friends and acquaintances about the merits and joys of CrossFit.
Please share with us a favorite CrossFit or No Excuses moment.: The other week I was doing mad heavy floor press and without realizing it the coach was watching along with several other people, and when struggling to get my final rep up I heard the verbal support from all around. It was really energizing and a good reminder of the community aspect.
Name one goal you would like to achieve in the next year: Just to keep pushing myself (within reason) and continue to make progress. I would also like to get better at handstand push-ups (meaning I would like to be able to do them period) and achieve a bar muscle up.
Tell us about your hobbies and interests outside of the gym: Watery and outdoorsy stuff like kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, hiking. Drawing and painting. Reading. Exploring new and interesting beers and breweries. Watching anime with my kids and secretly being into more into it than them.
What advice do you have for someone just starting CrossFit or is on the fence about starting?: Push through the initial awkwardness and settle down into making steady progress instead of trying to kill it right from the start. Consistency is key. Like anything, it’s a journey and one day you’ll look in the mirror and be like, “Dang, boy/girl.”
What do you love most about No Excuses?: The community I’ve come to belong to. All of yous! A solid bunch.
