Athlete Spotlight Martin C!

This weeks Athlete Spotlight goes to Martin C!

Martin C

Hometown
Verdi NV

Age
21

When did you first start CrossFitting?
Summer 2013

When did you first start training at StoneAgeFuel?
January 2014

Favorite workout/movement?
Weight sled

Least favorite workout/movement?
Wall Balls

Tell us about your sports/fitness background.
I did gymnastics as I grew up and switched to soccer when I became too tall for gymnastics. I did four years of soccer at McQueen High School. Currently I do Jeet Kun Do and Judo.

How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first workout… what was it, and how did it feel?
My roommate turned me on to CrossFit in 2013 at UNR in the Summer Cub Corps class. That first workout was back squat for strength and Fran (Thrusters and Pull Ups). I had to take a break walking back to the car after the workout. I was exhausted but I was hooked. I returned to CrossFit in January 2014 at Stone Age Fuel.

What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting at StoneAgeFuel? (before/after)
Before I started at StoneAgeFuel I was skinny and that is about it. I was your typical feather-weight two dimensional runner. Now as I progress, I have a lot more noticeable lean muscle and I’m able to endure more physically. I have much more energy throughout the day and I feel better physically than I did before. When I started I was lucky to put much weight at all on the bar. Now I put weight on bar and push myself to increase that weight before I finish the set!

What changes in your life have you experienced from StoneAgeFuel that were totally unexpected?
People look at me differently. My friends say they aren’t afraid that I’ll blow away in the wind anymore. I have become much more confident in my life. I have gone from an opera singer and EMT with hopes of doing rescue for the United States Air Force to a potential Navy SEAL candidate. Growing up I had always thought that the gym was for “meat heads” but I have seen so much positive growth in my life since I started at Stone Age Fuel that I think I will always push myself beyond my own physical limits.

Please share with us any favorite StoneAgeFuel moments.
I remember the first time I did the Helen workout. I could run but was so dead by the time I got to the other exercises in the WOD that I barely finished at all and I finished well above the time limit. A friend that I met at the gym named Joanne was surprised by my first run time but was really supportive even though I struggled. It was encouraging and I came back the next day ready for more punishment.

Any advice for people just getting started?
Stick with it. Be too dumb too quit and find an excuse to make yourself do it. There are so many benefits just as long as you show up ready to work. Getting fit is more fun the more you do it. Plus the Stone Age Fuel team is 100% great!

(Also, something that I have learned, as your body grows and develops muscle, you will get tired. Sleep and food are key. Get enough of both!)

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit at StoneAgeFuel?
Outside of training I love to read and play video games (You know, typical kid stuff.) I have recently picked up swimming, running, and martial arts in the name of Pararescue/SEAL training. I still love to sing and play piano in my free time.