Hey Folks!

It’s that time!  Yesssss – we get to talk about our amazing members again (well, one of them)!  This month, we’re highlighting someone who takes the time and puts in the extra work to ensure they’re safe, and effective with their movements.  This person always has a great attitude and has meshed with folks old and new (to the gym, but also chronologically old and new).  For January, we’re proud to feature…

Ryan!

Here are his answers to our questions!

Name: Ryan Jakov

Age: 27

Occupation: Field Engineer with Weir Minerals

What was your exercise experience prior to CrossFit?

Typical gym-goer with a “routine”.  Started in high school and stuck with it throughout university.  Other than that, I was a ‘baseball in the summer’ and ‘hockey in the winter’ guy in organized leagues up until university.  I was always a big cross-country biker, have been since the beginning of high school.  So I have always been fairly active, but never really competitive other than in baseball.

How long have you been doing CrossFit and why do you choose to CrossFit?

I have been doing CrossFit since about March/April of 2014.  I was invited to join a very small and brand new CrossFit affiliate in Esterhazy, SK when I was living out there.  This gym was in a home garage.  I chose to stick with CrossFit because I immediately saw improvements, and I especially liked the compound movements and the continuous coaching.  I learned so much so quickly, it was great, it was addicting to always be improving.

What is your favourite part about CrossFit?

I would say my favourite part of CrossFit is the social aspect.  I am sure many people would agree.  You go at a routine time, see the same people, and all work together.  You really get to develop a relationship with others, as well as improve with them, no matter what gym you go into.

What are the accomplishments you are proud of? (CrossFit or non-CrossFit related)

In CrossFit, completing a competition is always a great accomplishment, even if you don’t come out on top…even sometimes you do and surprise yourself!  I would say that outside of CrossFit my biggest accomplishment would be completing my engineering degree and finishing my EIT to become a professional engineer that people trust and enjoy working with.  A good work ethic translates to both boards of CrossFit and work life.

Favourite workout or lift?

I love to hate all CrossFit workouts, ha!  But I would have to say my favourite lift is either of the two Olympic lifts, because you are almost always seeing improvements in them.  There is always room to grow and get better in those.

Anything else you would like to share please feel free

One of the coolest things I like about all this is all the extracurricular activities we do as a gym; pond hockey, Christmas parties, competitions, other recreational weekend activities, etc.  It really makes you feel like you are a part of something.