Member Spotlight - Nathan Wheeler

Unfortunately, I have only had the opportunity to work out with Nathan on the occasion that I come to a 9 am, noon, or Saturday morning, but I assure you that the few times that the stars have aligned, I never left the gym without a few good laughs from some totally unexpected comments, and I always appreciate that. Nathan has been crushing it at the gym since May 2015, and his consistency both in the gym and with nutrition challenges, has landed him as the latest CFJI Member Spotlight. These answers give you an insight on the aforementioned humor...

You work a lot of afternoons and nights, so you've been a nooner most of the time since you've started. Since some early morning and night classes might not know you, tell me what got you into CrossFit from the beginning and what keeps coming back each day?

In the beginning I wanted to try Crossfit because it was different. I liked the idea of a workout program that incorporated strength training and conditioning, but not some sort of Gold's Gym workout routine from the mid 1990s. I also need that class environment. Working out by myself was always difficult and boring. Competition is a third reason. I like competing with myself and others. Crossfit allows you to see improvements if you are consistent and determined. The fourth reason I keep returning are the coaches at CFJI. Jenna coaches just about all of my classes. She pushes her athletes and is a great source of knowledge as well as inspiration.

You do a lot of classes with Kara, and have done a few paleo challenges together — how has that experience been?

Terrible.

That being said, the challenges have improved both of our eating habits. I have noticed my performance and my body composition change for the better. That being said, it's a hard thing to maintain it for more than 30 days. My goal now is to fine tune what i've learned and apply it to everyday life.

What else do you enjoy doing on your free time when you are not at the gym?

Telling everyone I know about Crossfit. And incorporating my love for spreadsheets into tracking my Crossfit workouts. Because lets be honest, Zen planner sucks.

What do you like most about CFJI?

The monthly member spotlight.

Favorite Lift?

I don't really have a favorite lift. I have embraced several lifts that I used to hate. For example, the low bar back squat. Before joining CFJI I would use any excuse to skip squat day. But we use that movement and so many different variations of the movement that i've come to enjoy seeing the progress.

Least favorite Lift?

Snatch. I've never not loved being around one until joining CFJI.

Least Favorite Gymnastic Movement?

Hand Stand Walk. Nobody should ever have to watch me do this.

Favorite girl workout?

"Helen"

Hero WOD?

The one I'm about to do.

Least favorite?

The one I just did.

Hometown?

Charleston

Favorite Charleston Restaurant?

FIG

If there was a movie produced about your life, who would play you and why?

Helen Mirren. She's just got class, and is willing to show a little skin.

If you were a singer, what would the name of your debut album be named?

"A Very Merry Christmas, From Seal and Nathan"

If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?

"Somewhere Out There", from An American Tale

Event in history past/present you would have liked to witness?

October 30th, 1974. Muhammad Ali vs George Forman

If you were on an island and could only bring three things, what would you bring?

Bear, my dog. She's the best. I've gotta make it up to her somehow after Kara and I moved in together. Kyle Frazier, because he'd be so upbeat the whole time we were slowly dying.

A copy of Pride and Prejudice. Finally, a chance to finish it.

One thing about me people would be surprised to know?

In the early 90s my grandfather opened a theme park in the Caribbean. We went to go for a visit and all of the dinosaurs got out. That was terrible.