Ed DeFrancesco

Coaches Comments:

Ed is our Member of the Month because he is always attentive to all instructions that the coaches give him. He is consistent and comes 6-7 days a week eager to improve his skill set. He will come early and stay after class to work on his weaknesses. Ed is always willing to help out with anything or anyone which shows his strong character. He has been working on his squat technique and double under which have improved tremendously. We are certainly lucky to call him ours and we are proud to have him as our member of the month!

How did you hear about CrossFit Meriden?

I actually heard about CF through my wife. She did a summer special and thought I would like it. I resisted at first and then finally gave it a try and loved it!

Why did you start at CrossFit Meriden?

I was looking for something that would not become routine. I pretty much have done some sort of exercise my whole life. But, often, I would fall into routines and do the same thing over and over and over. Then I would stop for a while before starting back up and repeating this cycle over and over. Right before CF I was doing some personal training but even that was getting a little routine. Then I discovered CF. And, I have been going strong now for over two years. It never gets routine!!!!

What is the biggest change you’ve seen in yourself since you started CrossFit?

Overall fitness, endurance, confidence, all sorts of positive changes.

What do you like about it? It’s always changing, never routine and never boring. I love the coaches and the community. It’s some of the nicest, most supportive people I have ever been associated with. CF makes me feel younger. Being one of the older athletes it can get a little frustrating watching the younger CF’ers but it is also motivating to try and keep up.

What is your favorite CrossFit movement? Why?

I like rowing. I feel like I can hang with the big boys a little better. I like cleans, I like the feel of power moving the heavier weight. I like toes to bar because when I started I couldn’t do them, at all. I really like all of them, although, I could do with less thrusters and pull ups.

What would you say to someone who wants to try it?

Go for it! It’s not easy…and it doesn’t come without some aches and pains. But, in all honesty, I feel better now than I did 10 years ago; mentally and physically, and I have some back and shoulder issues. Everything can be modified. I’ve been doing it for over two years and I still modify many exercises.

What is something people might not know about you?

It’s kind of known now but I used to be a “professional” arm wrestler, back in my 20’s. I am also a big John Denver, Pat Benatar and Blue Oyster Cult fan. Many of the CF’ers are saying who? I love all the Rocky movies but my favorite movie is My Cousin Vinnie.