Athlete of the Month: January – Brian Mason
We’re excited to introduce Brian Mason as our January Athlete of the Month here at CrossFit Eclipse! Brian joined us after attending a Friends and Family Week in August—and he hasn’t looked back since. His consistency, positive attitude, and eagerness to learn make him a standout in our community. Read on to learn more about Brian’s fitness journey, what motivates him, and how CrossFit has improved his life.
Getting to Know Brian
- Name: Brian
- Hobbies/Interests: Playing softball, hiking, jet skiing on the lake, and hanging out with friends and family.
How Did You Find CrossFit Eclipse?
“My niece, Katey Werkman, and sister, Chris Benningfield, invited me to Friends and Family Week in August. I came all week and joined on the last day. I loved everything about it—the challenge of the workouts and the support from the other athletes, plus coaches Nate, Missy, and Darius!”
Favorite Piece of Advice/Motto
“Be consistent. Embrace and trust the process.”
Go-To Workout Music
“Hard rock when I’m working out, and country music the rest of the time.”
Favorite WOD Movements
“Anything with box jumps, thrusters, and burpees. I love both the physical and mental challenge of these movements.”
Cheat Meal of Choice
“Pizza and chocolate cake!”
What’s One Thing You’ve Accomplished that Surprised You?
“Before starting CrossFit, my knees hurt all the time. I would never have thought I could do an air squat, let alone a weighted squat. Now I’m squatting over 200lbs without any pain.”
What Keeps You Motivated?
“Definitely the people I work out with in the 5:30am class and the coaches—no doubt. The results I’m seeing are also a big motivation.”
Changes and Results Since Joining
“I’m seeing changes in my body, getting stronger, more flexible, and my cardio is coming along.”
Memorable Moment or Highlight at CrossFit Eclipse
“I had a conversation with Coach Nate when I was feeling especially sore and tired. I was doubting coming to class five days a week. He asked me some questions and explained things in a way that clicked. It changed my approach to workouts, and I’ve continued with five days a week ever since, seeing better results. I’ll never forget that.
Also, receiving an award at the Christmas party was pretty cool and very unexpected!”
Unexpected Life Changes
“Yes—my knees and back used to hurt all the time before CrossFit. Those pains are gone, and my life is so much better without that pain. I’m sleeping better now, too!”
Advice for New Members
“Don’t give up. I know it can be hard—embrace the hard, it makes you better. Life is better with CrossFit in it.”
Goals & Future Plans
“I want to get better with my nutrition in 2025, and by the end of the year, I’d like to achieve a 250lb bench press, 300lb back squat, and 300lb deadlift.”
Designing Your Own WOD
“It would definitely include box jumps, thrusters, and burpees!”
Cowboys or Sooners?
“Cowboys! All three of our kids graduated from OSU. I’m a Razorback though—woo pig!”
A Little More About Brian
Originally from Arkansas, Brian will be 57 in March. He’s married to his beautiful wife, Tisha, and they have three children: Kenzie, Hailey, and Myles—plus one grandchild, Louisa, with another on the way in March. Brian works at McIntosh as the EH&S Corporate Director.
Brian, we’re thrilled to have you in the CrossFit Eclipse family. Your dedication and enthusiasm, especially in the 5:30am class, make our community stronger every day. Thanks for choosing us on your fitness journey, and congratulations on being our January Athlete of the Month! Keep crushing those goals and inspiring us all.