BILL AITKEN

Coaches Comments:

Bill has a very positive attitude and is always the first to arrive in the morning. He is very coachable, appreciates the feedback and instruction, and works very hard in every work out. His hard work definitely shows. Bill has improved in all of his lifts as well as his endurance.

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

I have definitely seen some changes to me physically and continue to see gains everyday since starting CrossFit a year and half ago but more importantly it has giving me the energy, drive, and confidence to want to excel in all that I do. CrossFit has taught me to not be so self conscious about things I would stay away from in the past and to take on new challenges. Each WOD presents a new challenge whether it be a new movement or increasing weights where at first I may have been hesitant to challenge myself but now will accept the challenge, work through it, and do the best I can. This philosophy has carried over to my personal and professional life as well.

What do you like about it?

How every work out is different and you continually challenge yourself in ways you could never imagine. For years, I went to the gym or ran but it was pretty much the same workouts. Even though I saw improvements physically, CrossFit has taken my workouts to a new level. I love the encouragement and motivation that happens during a WOD and how the coaches and others push you to get through a workout. Also love the feeling of hitting a PR or when movements that I struggled with such as the overhead squat begin to feel comfortable and you nail it.

What is your favorite CrossFit movement? Why?

For me it would have to be the Dead Lift. I may have a planned rest day but if a dead lift workout gets posted, I am typically there. When it comes to the Dead Lift, it is one movement where I can do a heavier weight and feel as if I have a decent form as well. Front and back squats are also one of my favorite movements.

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

Don't be intimidated by the workouts, keep an open mind, give it a try, and don't get discouraged. CrossFit is open to all abilities and that workouts can always be scaled to be aligned with your abilities and when the time is right to begin to challenge yourself. Make CrossFit a regular part of your routine.

What is something people might not know about you?

That growing up and in high school I was not athletic at all and very rarely exercised. I would occasionally get into a workout routine but never really stuck with it. When I first started CrossFit, it was only going to be for the summer and looking back who would ever think getting up at 5:00am was going to be normal part of my daily routine. CrossFit, having a regular exercise program, and eating healthy has become a way of life for me now which isn't a secret to those that know me.