This time around for Athlete Spotlight we’re sure you’ll enjoy getting to know a bit more about our feature athlete – Chris Thomas. Chris joined the Coastal Crew in May 2014 and has become a positive inspiration within the gym. Chris’s positive attitude, dedication and willingness to give everything his best has resulted in rapid increase in abilities and confidence within the gym. Recently Chris established a 102.5kg personal best Back Squat which is a huge achievement considering Squats were his nemesis early on. Congratulations Chris- We look forward to seeing what else you will achieve in the coming months and years.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself – age, occupation, where did you grow up, interest, etc.
My name is Chris Thomas, I’m 30 years old. I currently work in the actuarial department at Youi insurance and have been there for the past 3 years. I currently manage a team of 4 people and we are responsible for looking after the reporting and data used across the whole company. I’m eldest by nearly 7 years of three kids, with a younger brother and sister. I grew up living in the southern suburbs of Sydney, and moved up to the coast a few years after the rest of my family had once I had finished my university studies.
I’ve spent a big chunk of my life on a golf course and look for any opportunity to get out for a hit. My whole family plays golf, so there is a bit of competition between us, especially between myself and my brother as we play off very similar handicaps.
2. How long have you been training at Coastal CrossFit?
I’ve been training at Coastal CrossFit for just over a year.
3. What was your training back ground and what/who got you into CrossFit?
Up until about 5 years ago, I hadn’t really ever done training. I was a bigger guy living in denial about how big I actually was. At my peak, I was at 112 kg’s, however didn’t really think I was that big. Now I look back at old photos and realise how wrong I was. The comparison between my old and new license is ridiculous, and looks like two different people.
I started training at a local gym with some guys from work and also made some dietary changes. Over time, I dropped to just under 100 kg’s. However with time my motivation faded, especially when I wasn’t seeing any real results, I had plateaued in a big way. I was training with a PT, and doing my own work, but wasn’t seeing any improvements, it was time for something new.
I had heard of CrossFit through the CrossFit Games and also from some guys at work. After a lot of convincing from Michael Carey and Sam Carlson, I finally decided to give it a go. Now a year later, I’m well and truly hooked and have seen some massive gains in all areas. I’m currently under 90 kgs, which is the first time since I was a teenager, it was a scary realisation to know I was lighter when I turned 30 then what I was when I turned 20!
4. Do you remember your initial perception and first impression of CrossFit? Has that changed?
My initial perception of CrossFit was that you had to already have a strong fitness background to even bother thinking about doing. Looking back, I don’t think I could’ve been more wrong. All workouts can be scaled/modified to your own level of fitness. While at first this was a little intimidating as most of the girls at the box were doing heavier weights, lots more reps then me, I quickly realised I wasn’t competing against them. I was only competing against myself, and trying to improve my own fitness/strength.
Having a small group with trainers who are always there to provide advice and guidance on technique has been a massive plus. I had heard about the amount of motivation that fellow athletes/members provide during workouts and it has been one of the main reasons that I’ve enjoyed my CrossFit journey so far.
5. You recently traveled and did a big trek. Can you tell us about your trip; what you did, how you went and what role your CrossFit training has played in the preparation for this?
At the end of last year I did the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu which is a 4 day trek at altitudes ranging from 2500-4200 meters above sea level. Whilst it isn’t the longest trek around, the altitude difference has a massive effect on things you would normally be able to do without thinking. The fitness I had gained from CrossFit played a massive part in being able to tackle this challenge, especially given the effects of the altitude had on my ability to push on, despite my lungs screaming at me to stop. The thing that sticks with me the most was when we were approaching the highest altitude, and how hard it was to climb the last few hundred meters. The entire time I kept going back to some of the workouts which I thought were going to break me as motivation to prove to myself I could push through it.
The fitness and ability to push myself I had gotten through CrossFit, meant that I was able to enjoy the entire experience a lot more. Rather than been in last group to arrive at camp each day, I was generally in the lead groups and was easily able to keep up with them, without any issue. There were some people in our group who didn’t enjoy the trek much, as they had very much underestimated the fitness required, and how much the lack of oxygen would impact them.
6. What goals do you have for your future training (short, medium and long term). Any more treks?
The thing with CrossFit (or any fitness program really), is that once you realise how much potential you really have, you want to keep pushing yourself. At this point I don’t have any specific fitness goals, as I want to improve in all areas. I know I still have a lot of work to do with technique in certain areas which I want to improve on, specifically Olympic Lifting.
No more treks planned at this stage, next holiday may be something a little more laid back J
7. What are you favourite and least favourite types of workouts?
My least favourite workouts are usually ones that involve any overhead weights as this is where I am weakest and have the least amount of flexibility (Can thank sitting in front of a computer all day at work for that!). I know this is where I still have a lot of work and progress to make in this area, so I try to make an effort to goes to these sessions as much as possible, despite how much it sucks!
As weird as it sounds, these days my favourite workouts are generally the ones where I have to push myself to my absolute limit. While these workouts generally suck while doing them, they are usually the ones that have the biggest impact on my overall fitness levels. Participating in the Open this year was a great learning experience, and I look forward to it next year, hopefully by next year I will be able to do some of the workouts RXD!
8. How/what do you think CrossFit has added to you life?
Whilst I know weight isn’t everything, it’s hard to look past the fact since starting CrossFit, I’ve lost over 10 kgs whilst also significantly increasing my strength. Since gaining this new strength, my golf game has actually improved to the point where I am playing off the lowest handicap ever of 3 without any coaching.
I’ve also seen massive improvements in my overall health. I’ve always had a slightly high blood pressure, however after a year of CrossFit, the numbers couldn’t be any better. My resting heart rate is also at a level that is well above average, which I’ve never had in the past.
One disadvantage of doing CrossFit, and improving my body overall, is that I’ve had to buy all new clothes in the past 12 months! Things that used to be tight, now look baggy and don’t fit at all!
9. Do you have any advice for other CrossFitters or potential CrossFitters based on your experience?
I would recommend everyone give CrossFit a go, no matter what your fitness level is. I know a lot of people who have a negative view on CrossFit due to some stupid videos/articles they’ve seen online, however that hasn’t been my experience at all. Having trainers who are there to guide you and program workouts that can be scaled to any level has been amazing. Chris and Marie are amazing trainers, and I can attribute all of my improvements in fitness and strength to their work!
