Athlete Spotlight - Dan Perry

1. How did you find out about Crossfit? My wife and her friend started going and it was not long before she brought me along. I have loved it from day one and even though she has since decided it is not for her I will be a CrossFitter for life.

2. What is your favorite Crossfit exercise or WOD?

Not sure I have a favorite. I have really enjoy running so I like any that involve the runs. I have also enjoyed all the lifting that we have done lately. But really I enjoy them all once they are done and I have caught my breath.

3. How long have you been Crossfitting for?

I have been coming to Crossfit for just over a year now.

4. What do you do for a living?

I am a web application developer for Utah State University Research Foundation. There are a few of us from USURF that Crossfit.

5. What are your hobbies?

I enjoy golfing, mountain biking, running and camping. I am also kind of a nerd so fixing computers and building web apps are things I do even away from work.

6. What are your goals?

Well with in CrossFit my goals are to keep improving. The advise Brad gave me when I asked him what a good max on dead lifts for me would be, he replied 10lbs better than your pr today. So that is my goal with all my work outs, to do just a little better than the last time I did that exercise. To do 5 more pull ups in a row, to string 10 more double-unders together, to lift 10 lbs more than before, just always improving.

oh I also want to shoot a par or better round of golf sometime in my life.

7. Why do you Crossfit?

I Crossfit because it gives me confidence and helps relieve stress . It gives me a place to escape everyday life. My wife has said on several occasions, “You should have worked out today you are in a better mood when you work out” I also want to stay strong and fit. I suffered a heart attack 3 years ago not because I was in poor health or had a real heart problem but because of a virus but it was a wake up call that life is fragile and I need to stay fit and strong. I plan on staying fit until the end.

8. Any advice for future CrossFitters?

 Just to stick with it. Those first months when you may not be able to full push ups and pull ups and doubles, all that gets easier and you will get better and stronger. I am in better shape and have more muscle now then when I was in my twenties. I may still have those days when I get sore but the pain goes away and the rush of accomplishing things you never thought you could do replaces it. CrossFit can if you let it change your life.