Lover of power cleans, muscle-ups, Chipotle and Kayla, get to know this month’s Featured Athlete!
Jake has a strong work ethic, is hungry to improve and consistently brings his A game to the gym. Be sure to give him a high five and share some encouragement with him on the whiteboard.
1. What’s your athletic background?
Soccer, basketball and cross country into and through high school. Then played collegiate soccer at the Div II and Div III levels.
2. What was your first experience with CF?
CrossFit Omaha, and may have puked after my first intro workout of box jumps, prowler pushes and sit-ups. Started from a friend’s recommendation and seeing the 2012 Games on TV.
3. When did you start CF?
Jan 2013 (CrossFit Omaha).
4. Why did you choose CrossFit Memorial Hill?
When I moved to KC, I visited a few gyms before deciding. Chose Memorial Hill because of the space, equipment, amenities, flexible options with open gym and of course, the welcoming members and coaches.
5. What keeps you coming back?
Friends I’ve made over the past 2.5 years, challenging workouts and the owners’ dedication to make continual improvements and make it the best gym in the KC area.
6. Why do you live in KC and how do you like to spend your free time?
Moved to KC in June 2014 for work. Work at Burns & McDonnell as a mechanical engineer. Spend quite a bit of my free time at the gym but other than that with my fiance Kayla (currently planning our wedding) and hanging out with friends.
7. What do you like about KC?
KC is my favorite city I’ve lived in so far (out of Omaha, Rolla, Cleveland). I like the small big city atmosphere, where I am still only 20 min from all activities and that it has lots to offer in terms of sporting events and things constantly going on but don’t have to deal with bad traffic etc.
8. What are one or two improvements you have seen in your life since starting CF?
Physical improvements have been nice. I’ve gained almost 20 lbs of muscle since starting and love the feeling of lifting heavy weights and going for PR’s. Had always strayed away from lifting anything heavy after having back surgery in high school, but CrossFit has taught me it can still be done safely. It has also helped provide balance in my life and is a great way to get my mind off work and other stresses.
9. What are your goals for 2017?
Finally learn how to handstand walk and to enjoy it more and not take it too seriously all of the time.
10. What would you say to someone thinking about starting CF?
To just jump in and try it, not to worry about what other people are doing because everyone started with the basics. It’s been the best workout program I’ve ever done.
11. What’s your favorite & least favorite CF movement?
Favorite: Power cleans & muscle-ups
Least favorite: burpees & hspu
12. What’s your favorite cheat meal?
More so favorite meal in general: Chipotle
13. Anything else you would like to share with The Hill family?
Kayla and I will be adding the newest gym dog next week: Oakley the golden retriever. Also, a thank you to the owners and coaches for always striving to have the best gym in KC and make improvements, add equipment etc.