Name: Mark Middleton
Age: 46
Occupation: Regional Sales Manager
When did you first start CrossFit? June 4th, 2018
Tell us about your sports & fitness background. I played baseball and basketball in high school. I have always been athletic and really enjoy competition. I never really lifted weights, at least not correctly… being from a small town we didn’t have a “gym” to go to.
How did you first get into CrossFit? I have a few friends that go to CFE (Ryan & Ashley Lewis and Christi Wyatt) that kept telling me I should try it, that they thought I would love it. So, I signed up for the June “Beginners Class”.
How did it go? They were right, I loved it! My only regret is that I didn’t listen to them two years earlier…
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health, and fitness since starting CrossFit? My clothes fit better, I have lost over 20 pounds, gained muscle. I feel better than I have in years. I had such chronic lower back pain I couldn’t stand for more than about 30 minutes at a time. That’s gone!
What impact has CrossFit had on your life? My energy level is up…I no longer have constant back pain. I don’t get out of breath doing small tasks. Nate doesn’t even have to have 911 on speed dial every time we go outside to run…lol
What is your advice for people getting started or thinking about starting CrossFit? Do It!! Stop thinking about all the reasons you can’t and just do it. You will only regret the time you wasted not starting sooner. The coaches at CFE are amazing, they will help you modify every work out. They encourage you and make you feel like you really are an athlete again. Everyone in the gym is awesome, it really is a community. I have only been here for 4 months but have already created friendships with several people. I have joined and quit several other “gyms”. The big difference is not one person at the other places even knew my name much less noticed I was gone.
What are your hobbies, interests, and other talents outside of CrossFit? I own a Harley so my wife (Ginger) and I like to go riding. I volunteer at my church (CommonGround), and like to spend time with friends and family.
What’s the wallpaper of your phone? A picture of my daughter Alyse.