Member Spotlight — Aaron Bowman

Aaron has been a staple at the 5:30 A.M. class since December 2017. He was

chosen as our most inspiring male athlete of 2018 for cleaning up his diet, being the most consistent member of the 5:30 crew, and doing it all with a great attitude. It is for these reasons we've chosen Aaron as this month's member spotlight. Nice Work Aaron!

You’ve been a staple of the 530 AM class for over a year now, and always bring a great energy to the gym. What keeps you coming back each day?

The 5:30 crew certainly keeps things interesting. Plus, I love starting my day with a workout. It gives me a great feeling of accomplishment and helps me stay focused throughout the day.

You Crossfitted before CFJI… What made you start in the first place?

I had several friends who had done CrossFit over the years and everyone always told me I should try it because I would love it. When my son was born I decided it was time to get back in shape so that I could keep up with him. The classes definitely remind me of team practices over the years and I really enjoy the variety of the workouts.

If you had to do 100 reps of one movement (not running), what would it be?

Does walking on my hands count?

What do you like most about your workout crew?

It’s amazing that so many of us are willing to get up that early and workout that hard. I guess we’re all a little crazy, but everyone has a great attitude and there is generally as much laughing as lifting going on.

What are 1-2 of your goals for 2019?

The nutrition challenge last fall was a big step for me in getting my diet under control. I am in the Life Challenge now and I am hoping to develop new habits like meditation and sleep priority to continue improving.

Favorite Lift?

Tough to decide between deadlifts and squat cleans.

Least favorite movement?

Wall Balls are my nemesis

Least Favorite Gymnastic Movement?

I was a competitive gymnast many years ago, and I have really enjoyed getting back in shape and struggling to do things I used to be able to do easily. I am slowly working my way back towards strict muscle ups.

Favorite “Girl” WOD? / Hero WOD?

I really like “Annie” for an all-out sprint (50-40-30-20-10 Double Unders and Ab Mat situps)

Hometown?

I grew up in Elizabethton, Tennessee, which is way up in the northeast corner by the North Carolina / Virginia line.

Favorite Charleston Restaurant?

I love tacos and I love going to Taco Boy, although Minero is probably the best tacos I’ve had.

If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be?

A surprisingly large number of people ask me if I work at a brewery or sing in a barbershop quartet, so I’d probably start with one or both of those.

What would you most like to tell yourself at age 13?

Focus on the present and enjoy things more.

If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet?

Teddy Roosevelt. I have been reading a biography of him lately and he seems like a fascinating person.

One thing about me people would be surprised to know?

My dad is the oldest of seven children and I am the youngest of three. So I have a brother who is ten years older than me and uncles who are seven years older than him.

If the CFJI coaches came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare?

Probably tacos, because I would want tacos.

What movie would be greatly improved if it was made into a musical?

I would totally watch a Batman musical. Batman Returns as a musical would be awesome.

If animals could talk, which would be the rudest?

Seagulls, particularly the ones at Folly. Those birds are jerks because so many tourists feed them.

What’s the most ridiculous fact you know?

Weezer’s Buddy Holly video was included on the Windows 95 installation CD as the default media player test file.