Sunday, November 22nd – Athlete Profile: Anthony Castillano

Athlete Profile:  Anthony Castillano

1.  In general, what is your background?
 
I was born and raised here in Charleston, SC.  I was an active kid and pretty much played any and everything, but martial arts was the only sport I competed in.  I also DJ’d as a hobby in highschool and still mess around with it every once in awhile, but it’s strictly for the love of music and just for having fun.

2.  Age, Occupation? 

28, Physical Therapist Assistant at Roper St. Francis Hospital.     
 
3.  How did you get to know about CrossFit and why did you start?
 
Around mid-2007, my gym membership at the globo gym I was attending was about to expire and I was trying to find a way to stay in decent shape without having to be a member of a gym.  Well one day while channel surfing on my day off from work I came across the first p90x commercial and it seemed legit, it had free weights, plyometrics, and even did pull ups (something never really seen in home video workouts). I ended doing this for a couple of months (inconsistently) and then the DVD’s just got repetitive and monotonous.  After that, I pretty much just started doing more research on home workouts and came across Rhadi Ferguson (an MMA strength conditioning coach) and combined his circuits with exercises from the body weight culture website.  This ended up getting boring also, but unknowingly gave me some prerequisites like burpees and double unders prior to CrossFit.  But anyways to cut the story short, one day while checking out the used fitness equipment on Craigslist I saw a CrossFit ad, got the address, went and checked it out, and instantly felt and loved how it made exercising ‘new’ and fun again..

4.  How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, level of fitness?
 
CrossFit has changed the face and definition of what I used to think fitness looked like and was about.  It’s methodologies have changed  what i put into my body and has also brought my body into it’s best functional shape.       
 
5.  Name one goal and/or personal record you would like to accomplish through CrossFit? 
 
An Iron Cross

6.  Favorite CrossFit moment so far?     
 
Just the realization of how mentally stronger I’ve become.  In the beginning I remember looking at a WOD and thinking “there’s no way I can do this…” or “I just want to quit dude…” compared to the current “I know this is going to suck real bad, but i’m not going stop till it’s done…”
 
7.  What do you like most about Crossfit Integrity?
 
The rope climbs, rings, and the community…  The Community first of course =P.  It really is a motivating and inspiring atmosphere when everyone is completing the WOD together..

8.  Favorite WOD?
 
Filthy 50
 
9.  Least favorite WOD? 

Hmmm…  I’d have to say pretty much any WOD that I have to scale down for and therefore prohibits me from receiving the coveted ‘Rx’ next to my name.
 
10. Favorite movement? 
 
Deadlifts
 
11. Least favorite movement?  
 
Hang Cleans (cause I suck at them…)
 
Pull Ups (cause they make me paranoid of getting sore golfer’s elbows again…)
 
12. Favorite place to eat in Charleston?
 
Qdoba’s Mexican Grill – Not exactly Paleo, but I love their massive grilled chicken burritos  with tons of guacamole.

Crossfit Integrity, Charleston, SC