Sunday, August 29, 2010 – Athlete Profile: Brad Cohen

Athlete Profile:  Brad Cohen

1. In general, what is your background?

Born Chicagoan, Got my Undergrad at the University of Illinois and my Masters from Loyola University Chicago. After working in the private sector for Walgreens Corporate Office (and driving an hour and a half each way to work) for 4 years, I awoke one morning with a severe case of Seasonal Depression. What is Seasonal Depression you ask? Well, the Mayo Clinic defines SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) as “a type of depression that occurs at the same time every year, usually during the fall and winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody.” Luckily, after seeking help, I found I was not alone, and that there were promising treatments available to me, the most common being to move somewhere warm. Hello South Carolina!

2. Age, Occupation?

I turned 30 in May. I currently work as a Department of Defense employee for SPAWAR. I do somewhat boring IT work, but along with that comes extensive travel to some of the more unique places in the world; my favorite thus far being Djibouti, Africa. Does everyone know what the capital of Djibouti is? It’s Djibouti.

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

Hello, my name is Brad, and I am a recovering muscle head. I had gone to “globo gyms” all my life making vein attempts to get “big.” I was wary about CrossFit at first due to the high intensity, short workouts. I felt I would become “small.” My friend Himan convinced me to try it anyway; so on a cool day last December, I attempted Angie. I don’t need to tell you guys what happened (it involves blacking out), but after apologizing for being stubborn and realizing the pathetic state of my fitness, I was sold. Also I was going on Spring Break that March and really wanted a six pack.

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

Let me start with Level of Fitness: It’s Absurd. I haven’t felt this energized since I was 22. I don’t even get hung over anymore because my body is now repairing itself at such an astronomical rate. I’m not so sure that was an intended effect of CrossFit, but it’s certainly a welcomed one!

My Life/Lifestyle has adjusted accordingly as well. Working out has changed from something that supplemented my life, to something that dominates my life. Since almost every conversation, discussion, and Facebook post now somehow involves CrossFit, I am forced to conclude that it has indeed affected my life in a positive way.

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

I would like to make the White Board in a strength exercise, and I would be ecstatic if it could be for Strict Press.

6. Favorite CrossFit moment so far?

I will never forget struggling SO hard to finish my first WOD that included MUs, and having the entire 7:00 class cheering me on as I was finishing. It was inspiring.

7. What do you like most about CrossFit Integrity?

Mainly its unique ability to trap more hot, humid air than the steam room at Gold’s.  But after that, hands down the coaching, however it would be wrong to exclude the comradery that is CrossFit Integrity.

8. Favorite WOD?

Virtual Shoveling

9. Least favorite WOD?

Any WOD that’s at 6am

10. Favorite movement?

How could it be anything but the seemingly forever evasive, ridiculously challenging, MUSCLE-UP!  (Honorable mentions include Cleans, and HSPUs)

11. Least favorite movement?

Rope Climbs. I still find myself avoiding the WODs that sport them.

12. Favorite place to eat in Charleston?

Basil. I’ve eaten there three times in one day on several occasions (though those were usually all day drinking events like the bridge run). I feel that if I had the opportunity to visit Thailand, I would end up being disappointed in the food.

CrossFit Integrity, Charleston, SC