Athlete of the Month – February 2016 – Jonathan Bermuda

Where were you in your fitness journey before BCF and where are you now?
Before BCF, I went to the gym 5-7 days, did your typical workouts, bench press, squats, arms and some cardio. Though I worked hard, I was frustrated and didn’t understand why I wasn’t getting the results I wanted. I wasn’t getting stronger, wasn’t toning up, I was still just average and didn’t feel confident to take my shirt off.

Now after a year of BCF, not only am I stronger but I’m able to do things I couldn’t do before; toes-to-bar, high volume pull-ups, rope climbs, and a heavy ass Deadlift. Lol. I’m more confident not only in the gym and with my abilities but also outside the gym with myself and my appearance. I’m closer than I’ve ever been to achieving my fitness goals. Like Mike always says you just need to come every day, practice, put in the work and it will happen.

What were your goals when you started and have you achieved any of them?
My fitness goals have always been to get six pack abs and feel comfortable taking my shirt off. I’ve tried and failed since I was 30, I’ve always made that a goal of mine to achieve before my next birthday. Now approaching 35, in May, I have finally gotten the six pack I always wanted, and I got them before the deadline. My next fitness goals are to get muscle-ups, double-unders, and a 400lbs deadlift.

What about BCF makes you keep coming back?
Motivation, confidence, support and genuine kindness/welcoming I receive from everyone. Definitely love coming and feeling the camaraderie and support from all athletes and coaches. Though the workouts are sometimes ugly they are totally worth it, and without BCF I’d never do nor attempt some of the movements.

What is your favorite part of being a member at BCF?
Feeling welcomed, accepted and part of a team. Along my fitness journey, being vegan, I’ve been told by trainers and other CrossFit gyms, that not only would I not gain muscle but was made to feel inferior for being vegan and that ultimately I would fail. At BCF I’ve never felt inferior nor un-welcomed and being vegan has never been an issue or an excuse towards my abilities. Quite the contrary it’s a non-issue as it should be. I’m always greeted with a smile and always feel welcomed and part of the team/community.

When/what was your “ah ha!” moment?
There has been several “ah ha” moments but the one that stands out the most is when I saw “leg less rope climbs” immediately I laughed and told myself it was impossible. Not only was I able to do it, but I was able to do two of them in a row. I remember realizing that day, that moment, I’m stronger than I give myself credit. Also not to doubt my abilities but rather to always try no matter the outcome.

Does anyone at the gym (member or trainer) inspire you and why?
Most definitely, everyone inspires me both fellow athletes and the coaches. Their determination, will power and competitiveness to improve keeps me wanting to lift heavier and move faster. The coaches know and push me to lift more weight, than I think I’m able to do, I’m surprised every time that not only am I able to do the lift but that I’m stronger than I think. Without them and the athletes I’d still be at the gym lifting the same weight and wondering why I’m not stronger.

– Jonathan

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