Sunday, August 1, 2010 – Athlete Profile: Keith Adamson

Athlete Profile:  Keith Adamson

1.  In general, what is your background?

Cleveland’er yeah I’m one too.  Beth and I migrated to Charleston after doing a 3 year stint in Herdon, VA just outside of DC.  Now that we made it to Charleston I don’t think I’ll leave if I have a choice.  I love the South.  I bought my shrimp net just 5 months after being here.  If I can be in, near, or just smell the water with a beer in hand (er’ paleo friendly vodka water)… I’m happy.

2.  Age, Occupation?

29 – Beth said before she lets me turn 30 I have to quit acting like I’m 23. Engineering Manager at Benefitfocus- a software company out on Daniel Island.

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

Beth heard about it from a guy she works with and we started looking into it.  We had been doing P90X and that was a start, but got boring and repetitive.  Not very competitive either.  –I read a funny quote on Life as Rx “3 out of 4 3rd string quarterbacks recommend P90x.

So last December I pulled up to Integrity, got inside and saw the Olympic style lifts done at a fever pace, ropes and hands tore up from the pull-ups I thought hell yeah.

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

My previous fitness goals were all driven by bigger, faster, stronger type goals.  I played football at Ohio University and as a defensive end bulk was the goal.  As long as you can sprint 10 yards faster than a corn fed offensive lineman, your “metcon” goals were reached.

From high school on, I was putting on ~25 lbs per year until I hit 275 which was my football fighting weight.  I could move some serious weight at the time, but as I got out of football and wasn’t training 6 days a week, that muscle started to disappear.  Beth continued to fold my size 40 pants and XXL shirts that she could’ve used as blankets, but all I really knew was how to hit the weights.

Since I started CrossFit, my goal has been to not worry about the weight I’m lifting so much, get my metcon in order and truly be fit.  Now down to 200lbs, doing sit ups where my gut isn’t an opposing force and being able to keep up with Beth’s ass feels pretty freakin’ good.

It really has been a lifestyle change from learning Paleo, getting back to the core foundations of fitness and training my mind how to push again.  It applies to everyday life too.  The mantra Integrity is the foundation of strength says a whole lot.

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

Short term I want to be able to do a handstand pushup with no wall.  On going, still need to get to a point where I can consistently break through that pain barrier.  Then, I want to get a taste of some competition.

6.  Favorite CrossFit moment so far?

Couple months ago I hit a 255lb power clean.  Not as much as my hay day, but I failed at it once, but hit it the second time.  There’s something about rackin’ a heavy power clean that gets me excited, Beth won’t let me put a bar in the bedroom though so I need to be in the gym to get that fix.

7.  What do you like most about CrossFit Integrity?

Integrity has a truly unique team feel.  Made some good friends keep meeting new ones and love competing against ya’ll (yeah I traded in the Ohio “you guys” for ya’ll this year).  That team includes the coaching and culture that’s been established.  The coaching is impressive.  I’ve been doing those Olympic style lifts for years training under guys who’ve built respected strength programs, but I’ve learned so much more in the last 7 months.  Also, the nutrition class and discussions we have at the gym have been truly invaluable.

8.  Favorite WOD?

Bear Complex

9.  Least favorite WOD?

I like ’em, but I hate ‘em all.  Toughest yet was Lynn.

10. Favorite movement?

Power Clean

11. Least favorite movement?

Double-Unders

12. Favorite place to eat in Charleston?

Fat Hen.  Although after a few and a long day on the water, nothin’ beats JB Smokeshack on John’s Island.

CrossFit Integrity, Charleston, SC