Sunday, June 26, 2011 – Athlete Profile: Joel Greenstein

Athlete Profile: Joel Greenstein

1.  In general, what is your background?

I grew up in Coral Springs, Florida. After graduating high school, I decided to join the Coast Guard and spent the next 6 yrs out at sea.  My last two years of service I was stationed on a ship in downtown Charleston. I then used my GI Bill along with student loans (which I will be paying off for the next 50 yrs) and started at Trident Tech and then graduated from C of C with a degree in Chemistry.

2.  Age, Occupation?

35.  I am Outside Sales rep for Berlins Restaurant Supply and host Trivia games for various bars downtown.

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

My wife, Jen, works with Vanny at High Purity Standards. She is always on my ass about my gift of gaining weight. Jen also has a metabolism of gold no matter what or how much she eats. She even surprised me with a 2yr membership to Pivotal Fitness (I never went). I didn’t realize how bad I let myself go until I saw the beach pictures from our last trip to Mexico.  Jen knows I am very competitive and will only commit to something if it is a challenge or some type game.  Since she became pregnant and wasn’t up for the challenge, she was able to convince her best friend Ashley, who is just as competitive, to workout with me. Ashley and I agreed to join under the conditions we take a minimum of 3 classes a week together. This would guarantee that one of us wouldn’t let the other chicken out.

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

When I showed up my first day, I almost passed out from being so out of shape. Now when I work out, I still feel awful every time but I enjoy feeling like I got the crap beat out of me. It is a love/hate relationship!!!  I have modified my diet by eliminating soda and eating less burgers and wings.  I actually enjoy unsweet tea now.  My doctor is extremely impressed with the way my body and health has changed. He and my wife have been lecturing me for a couple years and now they are both happy with the results.

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

I would like to not feel like death, just once, after finishing a workout. I’ve been told numerous times you are supposed to feel great after a workout but that stills stands to be true.

6.  Favorite CrossFit moment so far?

I used to avoid classes if pull-ups were part of the WOD.  If there were pull-ups, I would grab the green band because it never let me down. As I was setting up for the WOD, Amy was yelling at me from across the room to remove the band and Rx the WOD.  I figured she would go away if I ignored her but I was wrong. That was the first time I Rx’d pull- ups and now I am addicted to them.  I try to work on kipping and knock out as many pull-ups as I can before each class. Thanks for the push Amy!!!

7.  What do you like most about CrossFit Integrity?

I enjoy the motivation that comes from working out in groups. The coaches are outstanding and have no mercy (ex: No-Rep Vanny).  A traditional gym would never work for me since I need the interaction and the competitiveness of others around me.

8.  Favorite WOD?
 
Any WOD that I beat Ashley in when we both Rx the WOD.

9.  Least favorite WOD?

WOD’s that have a mix of running.  I like to run long distances but running back and forth between cones is tedious and monotonous.

10. Favorite movement?

Pull-ups!!!

11. Least favorite movement?

Overhead squats, the movements feel unnatural to me.

12. Favorite place to eat in Charleston?

It’s hard for me to just list one since I sell restaurant equipment and my wife is obsessed with going out to dinner. Taco Boy is probably my favorite since they have an awesome Mexican street corn and everything is so fresh there.

CrossFit Integrity, Charleston, SC