Over the last several years I have received so much recognition and appreciation from all types of people. I have learned during that time to create mantras and core values with which to guide my life and my lifestyle year in and out. One of my most important values is to Be For Others In All That I Do. So I have been on a mission to do what I do for the sake of others more than for the sake of myself.
In my ideal world, this is how people recognize me, but to be honest, for every compliment I have received or every letter of appreciation that has been written to me or any award/credit I have been honored with, I have probably equally offended, hurt or ignored people all at the same time.
I am not sure how long it has been since I started having conflict, but I do know that I am becoming more and more aware when I act like somebody that I am not proud of. When I was young, I respected and cared for almost every person I met. These days, I have sometimes pre-judged and discredited people before ever giving them a chance. I have even had moments of laying some very harsh criticism on people without permission to give it.
The reason I share this is because I am now 31 years old and I realize more than ever how often I make mistakes. I really do believe that this awareness is the only thing that gives me power to get back to my earlier ability to truly give people the time and attention they deserve. I know it is true that if I am to serve others to my fullest…then I damn well better give them genuine respect and 100% encouragement as they do what they do.
As much as I want to see others grow and achieve, it first must be true that I grow and achieve myself to the 10th Power.
Life gives us the opportunity to always mold and shape ourselves to be the type of person we truly want be. Given all the mistakes I know I have made and will probably make in the future, I am committed to being Greater today…from this day forward.
I always have things on my mind and heart. I want to share them and rarely make the time. Well here is 1 for you…
I look at April as this kind of end of the beginning of the year. All of the many things a new year brings into our mind space as important, we can now look back on and see just how important we have made it!
Sometimes that means we might have to make some tweaks in order to get back on the ball. It could also mean we have to regroup and get ourselves moving back in the right direction because we have been completely off track. Hell, some of you may be seeing things entirely differently and need to change your focus entirely.
Haha, who am I kidding? I am sure all of you have stayed on a perfect path, followed your plan and kept your focus like a laser right?
Whatever the case, the truth is we are all very different and have completely different experiences every single day. But we are in control of every reaction we have to any circumstance we encounter. Staying in tune with ourselves is of the utmost importance.
Looking back and learning from our past is a must to understand ourselves.
Focusing on the present and being in tune with all that surrounds us keeps us grounded.
Creating vision and setting goals gives us inspiration to set ourselves apart from our old self.
You of the Old cannot satisfy you of the Future, so remember to continue to grow!
I am excited to share this guy’s story because Brandon is somebody I can look at and see much of myself in. At 23 years old, it would be hard to say that I had it all figured out because I know I hadn’t really figured out much at that point. I did know what I was passionate about and I did know that I was good at teaching my passion to others.
When I think about a guy like Brandon who is coming into his own…I see him maturing and gaining a sense of what is next for his life. I know he is hungry and motivated. He wakes up with excitement to choose the day and make it his own!
He sees the possibilities and starts chasing them down without fear. The idea of not being able to do it is nonexistent.
He doesn’t always finish better than everybody else, but as all true competitors do, he uses that as motivation to catch up to the level of a better athlete.
I look forward to seeing him compete. There is a strong chance this young man could be in the CrossFit Games this year. Let’s see what happens!
Brandon’s Story
I started CrossFitting August 27th of 2012 at the Trigger Point location and moved to Big Mike’s 5:30am class when the downtown location opened up. I chose Mike as a coach because I’d heard real good things from the other coaches about him and wanted to continue working out in the early morning.
Physically, my strength gains have gone through the roof since I started training with Mike. I feel like I’ve PR’d on a weekly basis. The technical aspect of lifting was something I overlooked before I started CrossFitting, but since training at Central I have learned that perfecting the fundamentals is key in order to perform at a higher level. Every morning I try to take something away from class. I think mentally though I have seen tremendous progress because it was an area I did not give much attention with regards to working out. I never thought about the workload, time cap, or movements. I’m learning to be smart about my WODs and to approach each WOD with a game plan, knowing my limits and lifting with a progression. I had a tendency to go 100% from the get–go. My pace was no different whether was a two minute WOD or 20 minute WOD. Coaching from Big Mike has been extremely helpful in fixing that.
CrossFit has made me question myself physically and mentally. I want to know how far I can push myself and know there’s always room for improvement. CrossFit brings out weaknesses I never thought I had. Through the coaches, I’m learning new ways to strengthen those weaker points, both physical and mental.
I moved to Austin in May of 2012 after getting out of the Marine Corps to attend school. I didn’t know anyone coming to Austin, but CrossFit Central has been a community of awesome people that I can relate to physically, mentally and spiritually, which has changed my life in a very positive way.
15/12/9 dual KB shoulder to overhead @ 26kg
Farmers carry 165lb each arm 80/100/120ft
Brandon finished 1st place with a time of 1:46
Besides my family I think the biggest thing that motivates me is the fact that I’m never satisfied with where I am at, I strive to be better everyday. The pain and discomfort of a WOD only lasts a few minutes but the satisfaction of putting 100% effort, pushing beyond what I thought myself capable is well worth it.
When I found CrossFit I was 22 years old, 208 pounds, my energy level was definitely lower before starting CrossFit and my food consumption was just about anything and everything. I still eat a lot but I try to be smart about what it is now. My latest body comp results put me at 214 pounds and 7.5% body fat.
My goal is to eventually compete with the best at the CrossFit Games. My first competition was the RWB competition [We The People] back in September. I’ve also done a few CrossFit Classics, and just this month competed in The Fittest Games. I’ve had a competitive nature my whole life, but what I love about competing is the energy. It’s a rush and definitely an awesome learning experience. Competition highlights weak points that I may never seen in daily training because of the intensity and volume competing take out of me.
This young lady was an easy pick for the November Athlete of the Month story. Her commitment to improvement was obvious on Day 1 but it has only gotten stronger over the last few months. Obviously having an athlete in class is a great way to gauge their attitude and progress, but when you start seeing them working out with other coaches in other programs you know they have another level of seriousness to them. Usually it takes a client at least a few months before they inquire about how to increase their fitness level by doing Private Training, Kettlebell, Barbell Sport, Strictly Strength or Lean Lifting. Not the case for Rachel…this lady went all in the day she started at CrossFit Central and I’d bet nobody could have convinced her not to. She is blazing and her results so far have been earned and well deserved!
Rachel’s Story
I started CrossFit at the beginning of July 2012, although I didn’t start attending classes regularly until the beginning of August. I joined Mike’s class at the end of August, so I’ve been with Mike pretty much since I started at CrossFit Central. I chose Mike’s class because the time slot worked for me. Unfortunately, I think I will have to change coaches next semester.
Since I started training with Mike I have noticed I am getting much stronger and have something to look forward to at the gym everyday!
When I started CrossFit, I was 26, pretty down, ate fairly healthy but not Paleo (cheese was my biggest weakness as I ate it at almost every meal). Although I knew I was getting stronger, I wasn’t sure I was seeing results in my body comp. But during the 6-week Lean Turkey Challenge right before Thanksgiving, I lost 3.7% body fat, 10.5 inches, 6.2 pounds and gained 2 pounds of lean muscle.
I thought that I was in shape before (I worked out regularly, lifted, etc), but since joining CrossFit I’ve realized that those workouts were nothing compared to what I do in the gym everyday now. It has made me realize the type of strength that I can strive to achieve and has given me something to reach for. I’m motivated by the way I feel after I’ve completed a workout and the excitement of going to the gym to see everyone.
I participated in the We The People fundraiser and just finished the Lean Turkey Challenge at CrossFit Central. I am a very competitive person and enjoy it, but I have been hesitant to sign up for competitions because I don’t know that I’m at a level where I won’t completely embarrass myself! My goal is to be able to do Rx workouts at all the workouts and would like to get to a point where I can compete in bigger events and actually do well!
Sometimes people come in with the right attitude and when they do…I know what is about to happen. They get results and they get them fast! Patrick is a very smart and positive individual. When you show him something he takes it in, takes his time to do it just right, then destroys it! Patrick has only been a client of mine for 6 months but I feel like he has been around for over a year. His learning curve is so fast. He started a bit out of shape but has rapidly turned himself into a very good and efficient CrossFitter! This man deserves the spotlight!
Patrick’s Story
I started at CrossFit Central in Big Mike’s class on April 23rd of this year. I found out about CrossFit from my friends in California who belong to CrossFit Norcal. Prior to joining Big Mike’s class, I had never participated in a CrossFit workout.
I joined Big Mike’s MWF 12:15 class for two reasons: one, it worked perfectly with my schedule and two, my friend Donovan Miller was in the same class. I recall meeting Big Mike after my last Elements class with David DeLeon. Big Mike said “Oh, you’re joining the big guns class.” I didn’t know what he meant and was a bit nervous until I saw all the big guns (my peers in the class) executing the WODs at high intensity and with passion. It was then that I knew that I was fortunate to be under Big Mike’s watch.
In the past 6 months of CrossFitting I’ve noticed substantial changes physically, mentally, and with life in general. I just turned 39 years old and I feel I’m in the best shape of my life. I feel stronger than ever before, more confident and completely content. I’ve become more aware of the nutrition that goes into my body as well as my family’s nutrition. My trail running and mountain biking activities are better than ever.
CrossFit has given me the confidence to always push myself in any goal I set for myself as well as pushing others to achieve their goals. We’re all capable of accomplishing amazing things. I’m motivated to be the best role model for my family, friends and anyone around me. My two young daughters are my biggest fans. It makes me proud to have them recognize and acknowledge my motivations as a husband, father and athlete.
When I started CrossFit in April, I was 38 years old, weighed 184 lbs, and ate whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. Pizza was my weakness. I did my second body comp at the end of September and my results were surprising. In five months, I lost approximately 15 lbs of fat and put on appoximately 5 pounds of muscle. My body fat percentage went from 21.6 to 13.8.
My goals now are (1) to be known as a leader, role model and example amongst my peers inside and outside CrossFit; (2) Crush WODs at RX with efficiency, strength and text book form; and (3) refine all of my Olympic lifts to become more efficient and stronger.
Reality is always changing isn’t it! I mean the way things ARE aren’t always so, are they? Why would anybody ever really believe that they have figured it all out or accept that their current circumstances are going to be their future circumstances? Unfortunately, this is the case for so many people.
Choosing to change is always a bold thing to do. But when any part of life becomes so routine that things like having fun, being motivated and showing up with a positive state of mind just aren’t happening…I say we must change.
Why is this so scary?
Most people have been taught do things because we are “supposed to” and have accepted what is “safe” or “convenient.” Along the way, being in control of your own life and destiny with absolute power disappears.
I believe a Certain and Secure lifestyle can quickly become a Monotonous and Adventureless one.
This represents the quality of our life “To the T.”
The quality our lives is completely relative to the amount of uncertainty each of us is able to handle. The way I see it, our days should be filled with variety. Every couple of years we should experience radical change. We should look forward to the unknown and we should pray to God for a real life full of excitement.
Believe me when I say I get that staying consistent is a true commitment we must have, but moving beyond ordinary is the only way we can experience living that is absolutely extraordinary!
Living our destiny is a choice each of us can only make for ourselves. Do you remember when you chose the life you stand in today? If not, this all must be an accident. Don’t let the wind blow you wherever it wants to go. Go ahead and stand up so you can take a good look around, then decide where exactly you want to be!
I don’t get to choose what clients start training in my classes and most of the time they don’t get to choose me. Somehow though it usually turns out to be a perfect fit. Jerry has been one of those guys you just can’t help but want to coach. If these pictures don’t speak for themselves…let me just say that he completely committed to making a change. Loosing 25+ pounds of body fat won’t happen by accident. That is an idea that turns into a plan created by taking action! Jerry is 4 years younger than me, but he is also a man I respect knowing how he lives his life. If I had 100 clients just like him, it would make me look like one hell of a coach!
Jerry’s Story
I started CrossFit on June 15, 2011 and have been in Big Mike’s class since I started. When I came to my last Elements class, I saw Big Mike teaching a class and kept looking at what they were doing. I liked how much positive energy and encouragement Mike had towards the people working out. Honestly, it was by chance that I got into his class but I’m glad I did because I could tell that Mike had a lot to offer. It didn’t take me long to figure out that I was right. I chose Big Mike as a Personal Trainer about 3 months ago and have been training every Saturday with him since then in addition to my MWF class.
When I joined CrossFit Central, I was 25 years old, weighed 195 pounds and I couldn’t stand how I looked. I didn’t have a lot of energy and I ate pretty much everything that caught my eye – sweets were my weakness. Last week, I had a body comp and I’m now 153 pounds (down 42 pounds) and at 13.1% body fat.
With Mike, I’ve lost weight and gained muscle but, most importantly, I’ve gain confidence inside and outside class. I have more energy throughout my day, I get more rest, and I’m more confident and productive. With CrossFit, I’ve come to realize what I’m capable of. Since I’ve changed my lifestyle, I can see how other people struggle with weight and fitness goals. I’ve shared my great experience with everyone close to me.
Looking at my results keeps me going. There isn’t a day that goes by without my wife telling me how proud she is of me. Big Mike keeps me motivated in every class, he keeps me wanting more. I want to be under 10% body fat and, outside the gym, I’d like to have a balance between life and work without losing focus on my fitness goals.
I’ve recently started using AdvoCare products. I completed the 24 Day Challenge so have used the Herbal Cleanse, MNS Max C, and Spark, and have added Muscle Strength and Catalyst. In addition to AdvoCare’s 24 Day Challenge, I have done Crystal Nelson’s Fuel 21 Challenge. I continue to do these challenges because of the amazing results I’ve had – and I’ve become very competitive!
It didn’t take long to realize that Big Mike was going to be the person that would help me reach my goals. My life has drastically change since I joined Mike’s class, not only inside the gym but outside as well. I’ve become very confident about the way I look and it’s helped me be more productive in everything I do. I never thought I’d be the guy that people ask for health and fitness advice. Its incredible how people approach me and ask for tips on how to lose weight and get fit. Training with Big Mike has given me a new perspective on life. I’ve learned what to eat and how to take care of my body. I can honestly say that my lifestyle and my habits have completely changed. I’ve also gotten a new desire to help people who are currently struggling with health and fitness like I was a year ago, much like Mike helped me.
So many thoughts came into my head when I saw this picture.
It started with…Wow, do you remember this kid?
The truth is these were some very challenging times for me. I remember feeling really insecure during in these days. When I see this picture I see myself as a kid who was very uncomfortable in his own body. I didn’t like myself at all and really was an unconfident person.
Today I hear stories about how taller kids will crouch over for the sake of trying to fit in. I didn’t even know I used to do that until I looked at this picture. At the time I was 14 years old and had outcast myself thinking that I didn’t have any friends at school and that I was literally a repellent when it came to girls.
Wow…It’s no wonder I gravitated to sports and the weight room when I got to high school. This may have made me a bonafied jock, but I didn’t care. It was the only thing that I felt comfortable with and excited about. Not much else appealed to me. I would have been totally lost without it!
Fast forward past all the injuries and having to give up my sports career much earlier than I ever wanted to, all while trying to figure life out. This was when I was introduced to CrossFit. After many broken bones, 3 knee surgeries and a rotator cuff operation…this was exactly the kind of workout program and physically active lifestyle that my doctors, physical therapist and career guidance counselors made clear that I wasn’t supposed to do anymore.
I couldn’t help myself! My whole life – every ounce of confidence I ever developed – came from these arenas. I didn’t believe at 24 years old that I would be able to succeed at anything else and I had already begun to prove this to myself. I was on a fast track to an overworked and disgustingly impoverished life. I had nothing to lose even if “knee replacement” was what it was going to mean for me.
Well I never had a knee replacement and through God’s grace I have the opportunity today to be a positive and influential person in the world I now know.
In my life I have experienced countless heartaches emotional phases where I felt totally lost. Giving up was something I definitely can say I considered. However, I was gifted to learn that through the power of choice…I could turn it around. I can’t say that “Easy” is a great description for staying on this journey I’ve been on, but one thing for sure is that it has definitely been “Worth it”!
When I first saw this shirt design, I knew it needed something besides my logo. I never want to promote something for my own glory. My logo is made with my initials: B (Big) – M (Mike) - G (Gregory). As cool as the logo looks (in my opinion) I wanted the shirt to also have something that would relate to the person who was wearing it. I would like to share some words about my view and why, when JD and Dru from V23 suggested WIT as the acronym to add, it seemed so perfect for the design.
As an athlete, I personally expect a great deal from myself. As a coach, I am greatly rewarded to know I have clients who show up and give it their all!
As people, achieving our ideal outcome in our personal, physical, spiritual and emotional lives does not always come easy. All things worth having are also worth earning. In order to earn anything, we must first decide that we want it and then DO THE WORK so that we may have it – Whatever It Takes.
Somebody told me once that it took them 25 years to become an overnight success! People may see something that is amazing today…but do they see all the blood, sweat and especially tears that came way before the beautiful result did?
This is what WIT is all about! I exist knowing that nothing comes easy, and I would never ask for it to! If I want things to change or have something new…then I have to change and be somebody new!
Every day we get to make a choice. Every choice we make shapes and creates who we become. This started at the time we were born and will continue until the day we no longer live. Today I choose the things that give me the chance to become the Man I want to be.
If you would like to buy this shirt, I would love to see you wearing it! It means more to me than you will ever know.
The WIT T-shirt is available for pre-sale through V23 Athletics from Wednesday, September 5, 2012 through Wednesday, September 19, 2012. It is available in Men’s and Women’s cut crew neck shirts in black or white. Shirts will ship the first week of October.
We just finished designing the shirts for Big Mike! Chalk Monster and V23 worked together on developing his logo so when Chris Gaussiran reached out to us to do the shirts we were pretty excited! We really like his new branding of BMG!
Mike wanted an inspirational quote or saying on the shirt. After some thought and research into old Vince Lombardi quotes…Dru realized that the inspiration was right in front of us. Mike uses the phrase “Whatever It Takes” quite often. It speaks to who he is as a coach and person. Laser focus and determination on a daily basis. Whatever it takes…get the job done! Accomplish your goals! Mike is a no nonsense guy when it comes to his goals for himself and his clients. He is unwilling to settle for anything less than perfection.
This September, CrossFit Central is taking on a new event: We the People. This community-wide CrossFit event will support two causes that are close to our hearts – this country’s veterans and its children.
We will be raising funds for Team Red, White and Blue whose mission is to transform the way wounded veterans are reintegrated into society when they return from combat and for the Youth In Motion Foundation, an organization created by CrossFit Central co-founders to promote programs throughout the community that help young people learn how to live healthy, active lives.
17 minutes of your day to impact hundreds of lives. We The People Fundraiser
Saturday, September 22nd – 8:00am – 12 noon
@ Camp Mabry
The WOD:
17 minutes – 3 rounds – 5 stations
1 minute at each station
1 minute rest between rounds
Advanced, Intermediate, Beginner & Kids Divisions
STATIONS: Thrusters
Box Jumps
KB Swings
Burpees on to a Plate
Row for Calories
There are two steps for participation:
1) Register on Eventbrite to compete or spectate (you must register by Sept. 6th to pre-order a shirt) and
2) Collect donations from your friends and family through FirstGiving.
I am not sure how long it has been since I started having conflict, but I do know that I am becoming more and more aware when I act like somebody that I am not proud of. When I was young, I respected and cared for almost every person I met. These days, I have sometimes pre-judged and discredited people before ever giving them a chance. I have even had moments of laying some very harsh criticism on people without permission to give it.
