Each month we spotlight a different CrossFit 1710 athlete who stands out and shows just how awesome they are. What is it that makes up an Athlete of the Month? It may not be the person that finishes the fastest, Rx’s every WOD, or gets a PR every time they walk in the gym. Although we love and celebrate when those things happen, the Athlete of the Month is made up of much more than physical ability. This person shows up, gives their best every time, and then gives a little more. They are hungry to learn and always ready to do the work. They support their fellow athletes and encourage them to reach their goals. This athlete embodies what we believe the CrossFit 1710 Community should be about.
Our November 2023 Athlete of The Month is Brian Gingles! Brian began his CrossFit journey with us on March 23, 2023. He joined CrossFit 1710 thanks to encouragement from his fiancé, Amanda Torres, who was having fun with fitness in our coach-led classes. Since then, Amanda and Brian have been working out together in afternoon classes multiple times a week. Brian attends Open Gym as well, which has allowed him to improve his fitness and consistently pass physical fitness tests for state trooper academy. We are incredibly proud of your hard work and commitment, Brian. We look forward to more fun and fitness with you and Amanda in the gym!
Get to know Brian in his interview below.
1. TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF.
My name is Brian Gingles. I am originally from El Campo, Texas and now reside in Wharton. I am a 31-year-old Christian and I’m a part of Rescue Church. I’ve been serving there pretty much my entire life. I help with the graphic design, photography, other media, and anywhere else that I can contribute. I recently became engaged to my beautiful fiancé, Amanda Torres. I enjoy BBQing, cooking, sports, and the outdoors in my spare time.
2. WHAT MADE YOU START CROSSFIT?
I’ve followed CrossFit 1710 on social media for years, but it was my fiancé, Amanda, who actually got me started. I was wanting to get back in shape and she gave the gym and coaches a glowing review. She wanted me to go with her, so I gave it a shot and have been going since.
3. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED SINCE JOINING CROSSFIT 1710?
I have learned that I surprisingly enjoy the team workouts. I am introverted, so I normally enjoy working by myself, but with the team workouts I do push myself harder.
4. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT CROSSFIT 1710 OR CROSSFIT IN GENERAL?
I think the biggest thing that sets CrossFit 1710 apart is the atmosphere. It is a very encouraging and positive place to be. When you’re trying to finish and you’re just tired and everything hurts, those cheers and applauds from fellow athletes can give you that extra boost to keep pushing and finish strong. The coaches do a superb job of setting the tone for the gym whether they are coaching the class, participating in it, or even just driving by (one time Coach Shannon was driving by and was honking and cheering out the window as we were running). All the coaches do a great job of demonstrating the movements, helping you find one that’s doable for you, and pushing you to be your best. I’ve been pushed by all of them and I’m grateful for it.
5. WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST CROSSFIT MOMENT?
One of my proudest moments was when I was doing a team workout with Coach Jason. The workout called for GHD sit ups and I had only done a few here and there. With his encouragement and push, I completed wayyyy more GHD sit ups than I ever thought possible.
6. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVEMENT/LIFT?
I would have to say that rowing and box jumps are my favorites. I’ve always done well with box jumps and I’ve been putting extra work on to improve my rowing. I always like seeing those on the WOD
7. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE MOVEMENT/LIFT?
Pull ups! It has always been one of my weakest movements and that is sometimes frustrating for me, but I’m determined to get the kipping pull ups down. I’ve been slowly improving my pull ups by just continuing to show up.
8. WHAT IMPACT HAS CROSSFIT HAD ON YOUR LIFE IN AND OUT OF THE GYM?
It has helped me develop better habits and I’m more active in additional training outside the gym now. I’m much healthier now because of it and I have more energy.
9. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AND HOW CLOSE ARE YOU TO REACHING THEM?
One of my goals is to do a full Murph. I’ve been running with a weighted vest, so I have that portion down, but the pull ups is going to be my biggest challenge. I would say I’ve still got plenty of work to do before I achieve a full Murph, but I am a lot closer to it today than I was before CrossFit 1710.
10. WHEN YOU’RE NOT CROSSFITTING WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO?
I enjoy BBQing, cooking, and baking. I like trying and creating new recipes. I also enjoy sports, fishing, the movies, and the outdoors.
11. WHAT IS THE ONE TIP YOU’D GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS THINKING ABOUT STARTING CROSSFIT OR JUST STARTED?
Just do it. It can seem intimidating and I used to think “dang, I need to get in shape before I ever start going there!”, but that is not the case. Every workout is doable. When you arrive it’s a friendly and encouraging atmosphere. There is a healthy competition, but it’s not about competing with the person next to you but becoming the best you!
12. WHAT IS YOUR DIET LIKE? HOW HAS IT CHANGED SINCE STARTING CROSSFIT?
I do eat slightly healthier now. My dinner plate does actually contains vegetables now, before it was solely meat and potatoes. There are some healthy meals, like a quinoa bowl with sweet potatoes, squash, and chicken that I actually really enjoy and look forward to. For the first time in a long time, I would say I actually drink enough water. I’ve added a lot more protein through shakes and that helps curb my appetite a little.
13. RESULTS? TELL US ABOUT YOUR RESULTS!
Since I’ve started CrossFit 1710 earlier this year, I have definitely gained muscle mass and lost fat. My energy and endurance has increased from working out and my mindset has improved as well. I’ve accomplished some lifts and movements that I didn’t think was possible for me at the time.
FREEWRITE-
A big shout out to the coaches for always giving the extra push whether they’re coaching the class or participating in it. I’m stronger, better, and healthier because of it.
