Sunday, May 16, 2010 – Athlete Profile: Ian Jacobs

Athlete Profile: Ian Jacobs

1.  In general, what is your background?

I was raised primarily in Bermuda.  Most of my family is from Los Angeles, CA and in addition to spending vacations there, I went to college at UCLA.  I’ve bounced around the country since college, most recently pursuing my PhD in Political Science in New York City, with stops in Chapel Hill, NC and State College, PA.  I had a bit of a quarter-life crisis this past year and decided not to finish out my PhD, get divorced, and move down to Charleston while I tried to sort myself out.  So far, so good.

2.  Age, Occupation?

27, Server at Blossom Restaurant

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

I originally found out about CrossFit through a friend in college, Megan Matal, who told me her boyfriend did it.  At that time, I was certified through the NSCA as a personal trainer and had been doing strength coaching with the NCAA athletes at UCLA, and scoffed at the programming.  After all, how hard is it to do a bunch of cleans with 95 pounds?  Then, after graduating I learned that one of my former athletes (former Marine, too) and badass linebacker of the football team started CrossFitting after he graduated from college and enjoyed it.  I spoke with Megan about CrossFit again, and she told me that her boyfriend was now an Air Force Pararescue and that two WODs a day made Pararescue training seem easy.  I decided it was worth giving a try.

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

It’s made me far more intolerable to be around for non-CrossFitters, since I’m usually pushing the Gospel of Glassman.  J Sort of like a Scientologist, but fitter.  When I started CrossFitting, I was also a Thai Boxer, and the bump in my conditioning was pretty incredible.  I think, however, that the biggest contribution to my life overall as a CrossFitter has been opening my eyes to a community that embraces cleaner living.  Generally speaking, what I put into my body and how I treat my body is far better than before, and I think that is what will pay dividends in my life down the line.

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

In the short term, I would like to start chaining Muscleups together.  In the long term, I would like to be a 300/400/500 pound Clean/Bench/Squat guy with a 6.30 2000m row.  I’m ambivalent about the bench though.  Maybe the same numbers, but Clean/Romanian DL/Squat.

6.  Favorite CrossFit moment so far?

Finally conquering the Muscle up was pretty nice, since I’d been chasing that one since I started three years ago.

7.  What do you like most about CrossFit Integrity?

It’s an honor and a privilege to be working out every day with Brian.  Having a constant reminder of how far I need to go to work on things keeps me fresh and challenged.

8.  Favorite WOD?

(Almost) Anything heavy, since I’ve got a relative advantage in that.  Rowing, too.

9.  Least favorite WOD?

The CF Football WOD, Kalsu (100 Thrusters at 135# for time, five burpees at the top of each minute).  Yes, I know I just said I like heavy WODs, but seriously, some workouts are just asshole.  I will live a long and happy life never doing this one again.

10. Favorite movement?

I enjoy cleans, snatches, and KB work.

11. Least favorite movement?

Thrusters.  I need to conquer my fear of box jumps but thrusters are the devil.

12. Favorite place to eat in Charleston?

Blossom.  Come see me.  The code word for the hostess to sit in my section is, “Paleo.” “Bear Jew” works equally well.  Also, the Glass Onion is pretty tasty.  Grilled Duck Breast with Foie Gras butter?  Yes, please.

CrossFit Integrity, Charleston, SC