Sunday, July 25, 2010 – Athlete Profile: Aaron Thompson

Athlete Profile:  Aaron Thompson

1.  In general, what is your background?

I was born in Houston, TX and moved to Wisconsin at a very young age.  Growing up I played a number of different sports, but in high school I focused on basketball and sailing.  I went to college at the US Merchant Marine Academy where I continued to sail competitively and played basketball when I could.  I graduated in June 2008 with a BS in Marine Engineering Systems.  After college I moved to Charleston and have been here ever since!

2.  Age, Occupation?

24, Marine Engineer with Helix Energy Solutions Group, you may have heard of the company in the news recently, two of our ships are working with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.  I work on the pipe lay vessel Caesar, it’s love/hate because I work 6 weeks on – 6 weeks off.

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

My friend Nick moved to Charleston from Delaware and told me he was looking to continue CrossFit down here.  I’ve always tried to stay in shape and when he told me what it was all about I knew I had to try it.   One day I “manned up” and joined him at CrossFit Integrity, needless to say I was hooked after day 1.

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

I’ve always tried to stay in decent shape by running and lifting at the local globo-gym, but the saying is true “you think you’re in shape….. until you try CrossFit”.  After two months of CrossFit I saw my strength and endurance skyrocket.  Continuing working out here I haven’t hit a plateau yet!  I’ve also started to pay a lot more attention to my diet and focus on fitness as a whole and not just as time in the gym.

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

Be #1 on the board!  I’m a competitive person and a coach once told me “You don’t want to lose the close ones!”  Which means anytime I’m close to being on the board it’s just more motivation to get better.

6.  Favorite CrossFit moment so far?

There are two; the first WOD I RX’d was a great feeling.  A few weeks later we were going to do an overhead squat WOD but Brian, Ryan, Derrick and a few others basically wouldn’t let me do it unless I RX’d it.  It hurt but I finished it, what are friends for?

7.  What do you like most about CrossFit Integrity?

The people who work out there is the standard answer but it’s so true, they’re phenomenal.  I just really like the environment as a whole, a place where you work out that breeds competitiveness and camaraderie at the same time is awesome, it’s a true testament to the quality of the athletes and coaches, I love it!

8.  Favorite WOD?

Cindy, can’t wait to do that one again

9.  Least favorite WOD?

They all have their own unpleasant parts, but I think Fight Gone Bad sticks out in my mind as being particularly miserable.

10. Favorite movement?

Pull-Ups

11. Least favorite movement?

Overhead Squats, but I’m learning to like them

12. Favorite place to eat in Charleston?

Charleston has sooo many great places, but Five Loaves is my spot!

CrossFit Integrity, Charleston, SC