Sunday, April 25, 2010 – Athlete Profile: Dave Mittman

Athlete Profile: Dave Mittman

1.  In general, what is your background?

I grew up in Southern California as I’m sure many of you could tell already by the way I talk. I then went to “college” out in Colorado, and in a very roundabout way ended up here in Charleston in 2006. I’ve played a variety of sports all throughout my life and probably enjoy surfing and triathlons the most.

2.  Age, Occupation?

Just turned 28, Pilot in the Air Force

3.  How did you get to know about CrossFit and why did you start?

I actually heard about CrossFit from Chris Pace.  He walked into work one day and since I knew he had been doing P90X, I asked how it was going. He said, and quite enthusiastically I might add, that he was doing this thing called CrossFit and that it was so intense he was throwing up after some workouts and that I should come and try it out. I think after hearing that, a lot of people would have been turned off completely but for some reason, I had to know what this thing was all about. Probably a sure sign I’m not quite right in the head. I had the day off later in the week and I showed up and unfortunately forgot to bring shoes but what I saw …well, it was like my eyes had been opened to what fitness was really about. I was hooked! The next day I came back and did my first workout and as they say, the rest is history!

4.  How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, level of fitness?

Before CrossFit, I was your typical gym zombie, working out and doing the same, isolated exercises over and over again with a run here and there. To be honest, I thought I was pretty fit. I was the epitome of somebody who had hit a wall and the worst part about it was that I even knew I had been on this plateau for over a year. I was starving for ways to change things up but there was nothing in sight.   All that came crashing down (thankfully!!!) when I started doing CrossFit. In many ways, CrossFit is a big daily “slap in the face”. I’ve never in my entire life felt so winded and so physically exhausted after so many of these workouts but at the same time, I’ve never felt so good about the state of my fitness and where my fitness is going. I’ve made great strides in strength, flexibility, endurance and a bunch of other areas and am really excited to see how things progress. In addition, I’ve also become much more conscious of what I eat. In a very abstract and simplified way, fitness is about 1% exercise, 1% diet and 98% sticking with it. I was really good with the exercise and sticking with it part but I’m not much more consistent with the diet part and feel much better as a result.

5.  Name one goal and/or personal record you would like to accomplish through CrossFit?

This is tough, just one? I’ve got a few but I think overall I’d just like to get “stupid” with CrossFit. By that, I mean use it along with CrossFit Endurance and CrossFit Gymnastics training and maybe some Yoga and maybe get into some events and really push the envelope of where CrossFit can take me.  I’d also really like to be able repeat muscle ups and fine tune overhead squats and hand stand pushups.

6.  Favorite CrossFit moment so far?

Easy! Day one. I knew I had finally arrived at where I needed to be.

7.  What do you like most about CrossFit Integrity?

Great people with great coaches in a great facility…what’s not to like?

8.  Favorite WOD?

Another tough question. I can’t choose just one. They’re all good in a weird and often times painful way.

9.  Least favorite WOD?

I wouldn’t exactly say that I have a “Least Favorite WOD” but I do feel bummed when I can’t Rx or when I know there’s something that’s going to be hard for my skinny little frame to get through.

10. Favorite movement?

I’m a huge fan of cleans and front squats but the snatch is growing on me fast.

11. Least favorite movement?

This is tough because no matter how much you like doing a movement, a CrossFit WOD can quickly make you hate that movement. Just off the top of my head, I’d say mountain climbers.

12. Favorite place to eat in Charleston?

There’s nothing finer on a summer day sitting outside at Poe’s with a good burger or fish tacos and a cold beer and then heading to the beach. Honorable mentions go to Fat Hen’s brunch and the brunch.

CrossFit Integrity, Charleston, SC