Sunday, May 24, 2010 – Athlete Profile: Tyler Youngren

Athlete Profile:  Tyler Youngren

1.  In general, what is your background?

I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon.  I lived there until I reached the age of 18, then I started my brutal journey eastward across the Oregon Trail. I arrived in Charleston in July of 2004 to start school at one of the happiest campuses around: The Citadel.  After four fun filled years I graduated in 2008 with a bachelors degree in History and moved back home to take a year off.  I worked in Vegas for a bit with a company called Progressive Force Concepts, which is a security and military contracting/training company.  I was able to travel all over with them to places like Panama City, Panama and the Philippines, I continue to train with them whenever I get the chance.  After a bit of globetrotting I came back to Charleston.

2.  Age, Occupation?

23.  Currently I am a student. Four years at the Citadel wasn’t enough so I went back to get my masters in Social Sciences.  I also was certified as a firearms instructor during my year off, so if anyone wants free lessons just let me know!

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

I had heard about CrossFit while at The Citadel but didn’t really know much about it.  My first experience was in Panama, and it was a brutal one.  I was with one of the instructors (who opened a CrossFit gym later in Vegas) and we found a nice playground at the base of a hill.  Its amazing what you can use for ring dips and box jumps whilst running up and down a large hill.  I worked out regularly when at home, but CrossFit seemed much more intense than just spending an hour at the gym.  I was happy to find Crossfit Integrity when I moved back to Charleston and have been enjoying (probably not the best word) the WODs ever since.

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

I feel much better about myself.  It made me more conscious about being healthy.  While I am not perfect when it comes to diet, I have made great strides when it comes to diet and exercise.

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

I want to be able to do muscle ups.

6.  Favorite CrossFit moment so far?

Not sure if this is a favorite, but it stuck with me:  My first day at the old location was a fun one.  I had done CrossFit a lot before but not regularly, so I was confident.  We had all the boxes lined up and were warming up with some box jumps.  I was doing just fine until the very last jump when I managed to trip and a slam chest first into the box.  Talk about first impressions…

7.  What do you like most about CrossFit Integrity?

The people.  I love the variety of people that I get to work out with.  A lot of the time I find myself laughing about some of the stuff that is said before, during and after a WOD.

8.  Favorite WOD?

I like Fran but I need to work on my form with the thrusters.

9.  Least favorite WOD?

I hate Candy or Angie while I am doing the workout, but I feel accomplished afterwards.

10. Favorite movement?

Kettlebell Swings

11. Least favorite movement?

Squat.  I have a hard time putting my weight on my heels.

12. Favorite place to eat in Charleston?

Oh that’s hella easy:  The Golden Arches, “over 99 billion sold!”.  But seriously, I love Jim n Nicks or Fuel.

CrossFit Integrity, Charleston, SC