ATHLETE PROFILE
Name: Grant Deen
Hometown: Norwood, ON Canada
Age: 40
Occupation: Global Key Account Manager – Logistics
When did you first start CrossFitting? December 2015
When did you first start training at CrossFit Katy? December 2015
What class do you generally attend (morning/afternoon)? 5:00 AM #EarlyRisers
Favorite WOD: WOD’s that combine a lift (ideally a squat), body weight movements (except Burpees) and Cardio
Least Favorite WOD: Any WOD that has Double Under’s or Hand Stand Push-ups (Both are my Kryptonite)
Tell us about you sports & fitness background: As a child and teenager growing up I played Baseball & Hockey, and during my high school years played various team sports and track & field. I continued playing Baseball & Hockey into my mid 20’s but once kids came along, that is when those activities came to an end. For many years I did not do anything for physical activity and then eventually started going to a gym but without any consistency, routine or plan.
How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD… what was it, and how did it feel? I was getting bored at the gym and running each day, and thought I would give it a try. I have friends that went to other boxes and they talked very highly about CrossFit.
My first day was a Wednesday, so the early riser guys where not there, and for some reason Mike was coaching that day as Lezlie was away. If I remember correctly I think Bradi, Moni, Andrea & Alyssa were in the class, so it was just the girls and I.
The WOD was as follows:
1,0000 meter row, then:
5 – 10 – 15 – 20 – 15 – 10 – 5 reps of
Kettlebell Step up and Overs
Kettlebell Swings
Russian Twists
I have no idea what time it was now, but remembered thinking that it wasn’t that bad. Mike even complimented that my flexibility was good, which we all know now was BS, and he was just trying to be nice (rare morning). I came back the next day and it was a true S&C class with all the regular guys now there, and the strength portion was Strict Press, and I quickly learned how much of a gap existed in my fitness.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)? Prior to starting CrossFit I used to judge my fitness by getting on a scale, which most days was depressing & demotivating. Now I judge my fitness based on the weight I can lift, speed I can complete WOD’s and reaching new goals in skills I have not overcome.
Additionally I am learning how to properly eat to meet my goals. Prior to meeting the Coaches at CFK, I used to think that eating salads and no carb diets was the way to meet my goals and fuel my body, I quickly learned that eating more of the right things is what is required, and eating became enjoyable again.
I may never have a six pack, but overall I feel more confident and I have more energy which not only helps when keeping up with my family, but at work as well.
What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? Well as many of the CFK family know, my wife refers to CrossFit as CultFit, maybe it is, maybe it’s not, but I will tell anyone, the most amazing part to me is the CFK community. When I first joined, I thought I was just joining a gym, but it’s much more than that, I have found friends & relationships that I never would have had, and who would do almost anything to help their fellow members.
Name one goal you have reached since joining CFK and one goal you want to achieve (example: deadlift/squat/press ___ pounds; do a pullup; do a WOD RX’d, etc.): Original goals where to be able to Deadlift over 400# and Back Squat over 315# and both of these where achieved this year.
Goals I want to achieve now are to become efficient with Double Under’s and Gymnastic Movements, particularly to be able to do bar muscle ups efficiently before the open (I got my first one last week).
Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFK moments:
CrossFit Open – It is challenging & rewarding at the same time.
Competitions with my fellow Early Risers.
Observing the entire CFK family come together to support the families affected by Hurricane Harvey.
Watching new Early Risers try to understand what the hell Adam Funnell our resident Englishman is trying to say.
Any advice for people just getting started? First of all, find a class and class time that works well with your schedule so that this does not become an excuse not to go. Next, listen to the coaches, they know what they are talking about, especially when it comes to technique and modifications if necessary. Nutrition, I am no expert, far from it, but have learned that without it you quickly hit a wall, and you will not reach your goals without fueling your body properly. Lastly, embrace the community aspect, it is the best part.
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? My kids, who are both active in sports themselves, keep me busy with most of my spare time, and I enjoy cheering them on and encouraging them to chase their goals. With what time is left, I enjoy building things and home improvement projects.
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