Sunday, March 28, 2010 – Athlete Profile: Scott Martin

Athlete Profile: Scott Martin

1.  In general, what is your background?

I grew up in Charlotte, NC and played basketball & baseball competitively throughout high school.  I picked up volleyball (beach and indoor) in college.  After muddling around GloboGyms since college I found CrossFit in the summer of 2008.

2.  Age, Occupation?

Just turned 34.  Currently I work as a business analyst at BenefitFocus.  Basically my job is to work with clients to determine their business needs and then pass those on to people who do the actual work.  If you’ve ever seen Office Space I’m the old, bald guy with glasses that screams “I DEAL with the CUSTOMERS!!”

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

After college I started the GloboGym routine to supplement my volleyball training.  After 2 years, 30 pounds, and one knee surgery it became pretty evident that things were going downhill.  A friend pointed me to the crossfit.com website and I started doing what I could in the GloboGyms around Austin.  I finally decided to try out an affiliate and the WOD that first day was Karen.  I finished in a little over 12 mins.  I dragged myself back in the next day and we did Fran.  Which also took me well over 11 mins.  Needless to say I was wrecked for the next few days.  I’ve been hooked ever since.

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

A few years ago at a tournament in Va. Beach I started cramping up and was completely gassed in only the 3rd match of the day.  It was pretty depressing to be that out of shape and barely being able to finish the match.  This past weekend I played for four hours straight with absolutely zero problems.  Other guys were doubled over after a long rally and I barely felt winded.  If you can suffer through the last round of Fran or the Filthy Fifties almost anything else is easy in comparison.

Since starting CrossFit I’ve spent a lot of time educating myself on general exercise science and nutrition.  This community has a wealth of fantastic information.  From Robb Wolf (http://robbwolf.com) on Nutrition to the guys at Catalyst Athletics (http://performancemenu.com) for Oly lifting there are some really good sites out there.

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

Short term is to break 1,000 on the CrossFit total.  Long term, be able to Rx King Kong.

6.  Favorite CrossFit moment so far?

It’s a tie between breaking 400# on the deadlift and my first muscle up.  I achieved both within about a week of each other.

7.  What do you like most about CrossFit Integrity?

Integrity is the 4th CrossFit gym that I’ve joined and is by FAR my favorite.  We have a great community, great coaches, and some really, really impressive athletes.

8.  Favorite WOD?

Fight gone bad

9.  Least favorite WOD?

Anything with a lot of running

10. Favorite movement?

Deadlifts are definitely my strongest.  I’m really looking forward to learning more about the Olympic lifts at the seminar next month.

11. Least favorite movement?

Kettlebell swings and Overhead squats.  I’m equally terrible at both.

12. Favorite place to eat in Charleston?

The Glass Onion in West Ashley