Upper East Side

Sorry for the delay folks. We had a tad bit issue with getting some action shots from this months Athlete of the month. Turns out they had no pics of themselves actually doing CrossFit. One of the first things that happens is you sign up, you work out and then you get people to take pictures of you working out.

Well this months Athelte Spot light didnt get that memo. We will have to put that in bigger print on the contracts.

We are excited and very proud to announce this months Athlete Spot light is

Anthony Caputo

Anthony also won our Healthy eating Mens winner. I warn you now, stop reading if you don’t want to be inspired. 😉

We caught up with the man himself and asked him a few questions and finally took some shots of him doing CrossFit.

How/when did you get involved in CrossFit? What has motivated you to stick with it?

My girlfriend, Deanna, made me do it. We did the free intro on Thursday night, and I recall throwing my cigarette out at the door that led to what seemed to be a five-story staircase. I didn’t look back. From that first night I began a journey to take control over my physical existence as a human being. I didn’t focus on results at first but just simply committed to sticking to the program. Sort of an all or nothing approach. I feel great; that is what has kept me going and I’ve become very self-aware of the things that don’t make me feel good at all from a physiological point of view.

What do you enjoy most about being a member at EVF?

Saturday Partner WOD’s. We do this together. No judgments. And coaches who really want the best for us.

Do you remember your first workout? Looking back how did it go?

We did a partner WOD in the free intro. 3 rounds for time: 15 sit-ups, 10 wall balls, 5 burpees … I was about to gas-out (more like give up!) in the second round and thought I was going to die, but I kept at it. 8:34 was our time. Could probably rock that in less than 2 minutes now. It’d be more like a light warm-up on Tuesday night.

What were your goals when you first started? How have they changed?

I decided to commit to it and that I was going to change the way I ate. I really focused on clean eating; part paleo, no gluten and put in the work at the box. I didn’t have any preconceptions and simply trusted the plan. Other than snowboarding and the occasional round of golf, I hadn’t done anything athletic for over 20 years, so there was a lot of rebuilding and there still is. Eat clean, put in work, measure, adjust, do again and eradicate self judgment. Changed? I’ve become more self-aware and scientific about the nuances of programming, muscle recovery and nutrition. My goals are to stay healthy, get stronger and get faster.

How have you grown in that time — health, body, mind, etc.?

I’ve shrunk! Hovering at about 40 pounds less than when I started. I am absolutely in the best physical shape I have ever been. I’m also pushing 40 … very soon, which means I have 40-year-old knees, — which was and is my biggest concern, by the way. I can walk subway stairs like nobody’s business now. Mentally though, the people, this community have given me so much strength it cannot be quantified in a clean or squat PR. Everyone that I have met here keeps me pushing, to better myself, ourselves … that’s what we do for each other. You’ve got one more before the clock hits, get on the bar, get off the floor and pick it up. I am here to encourage you to do what you do for me.

Favorite lift and WOD?

STO. (shoulder to overhead)  Hands down, but as I am focusing more on mechanics, snatching is starting to feel really good. Favorite WOD? DT. I’ll do 10 rounds of DT. Love it.

Least favorite movement and workout?

Work on our weaknesses, right? Probably box jumps. I’ve got old knees. Nine months in, running endurance kinda sucks, but my short distance pace time is picking up. My least favorite workout? Not sure. Don’t pick and choose your WODs. Most frustrating is probably anything with double unders.

What drives you through the door each day?

I need that hour or so as part of my life balance. It keeps me conscious about how I eat and ultimately how I feel. Knowing that when I get to EVF, I’ll be with a group a people that encourage each other to be their best and give it their all.

Do you have any advice for new members?

Don’t stop. Walk down the stairs with a smile. Sprint up on your way out. Trust the coaches.

What do you hope to achieve in the coming year?

Blow up my back squat. Refine my snatch. Hit my DUs. Encourage my friends to push themselves.

AWESOME STUFF! First off how do you not trust a man who has a picture with a horse? This guy could run for president and he would have my vote from this picture alone.

Myself and the entire EVF staff are very proud of Anthony and the progress he has made. This has changed his entire life. One of the reasons why we chose him was because of the significant improvements he has made to his health, himself and his life. I can honestly say I’ve been truly inspired by his story. He is what CrossFit and EVF is all about.

The fight!

The fight for what you truly deserve in life. You deserve what you earn and he has put the time and sacrifice in. He fights everyday to improve himself. I have recently given him the OK to start the Performance classes and he is already improving rapidly.

I’m curious and excited at what the next 6 months are going to look like for Antony.  I hope there people who read this and come away motivated by him. His story is that damn good.

Cheers Anthony, you deserve this bro.

#crossfit #evfperformance #crossfituppereastside #fitness #results