Athlete of the Month - Brian Lawler
Athlete of the Month - Brian Lawler
How long have you been a member at CrossFit Bound? What changes have you noticed in yourself physically, mentally, or emotionally since joining?
I joined Crossfit Bound in May 2024, so it has been one year! The biggest change I’ve noticed over that time has been finding much better life balance, being much more able to set aside work and prioritize family and health. Best result is that my wife says I am hotter and hotter each day. And my shorts don’t fit my thighs any more.
How has your experience at CrossFit Bound impacted your life outside the gym? (Work, personal life, etc.)
As mentioned above, prioritizing crossfit as a routine helps me to set aside work--if nothing else, I have to put things aside to be able to get to the box. I am also encouraged to eat healthier (wow, so much more protein) and drink more water. Crossfit also strengthens the bond with my wife, we are both active and athletic, and this is a space we get to share together.
Who at the gym inspires you the most, and why?
Of course my wife Fernanda is the person who inspires me the most. Mainly I need to keep working so I can keep lifting more than she can (she has me on some barbell work still!). She encourages me during workouts but more than anything her compliments keep me going.
I also have to say all the crossfit members inspire me as well. I know everyone who is there has given up a lot to get to the gym for some exercise, working out schedules with children or even bringing them to the gym! I am always motivated to see our community all pushing themselves and enjoying the work.
What does being a part of the CrossFit Bound community mean to you?
I appreciate the diversity of people and athletes that are part of the Crossfit Bound community. I enjoy seeing people challenge themselves and find success, finishing a WOD or setting a PR. Or even just making it to the box on that day.
Describe your first class at CrossFit Bound. How did you feel during and after it?
I only vaguely remember my first class. One thing I am sure about, because it is true 24 hours after every class--I had new pains in new muscles. I’ve been a Crossfit member in Athens and Brazil, and in neither place do I recall always having sore muscles. I think Crossfit Bound’s programming is exceptional, intentionally targeting muscles central to both the weightlifting and gymnastics elements of the programming.
What’s something surprising about you that people at the gym might not know?
I was a competitive swimmer until age 18, and afterwards have swam and played water polo with master’s teams. No, I did not play football!
What are your top three most memorable moments or proudest achievements since starting CrossFit?
These are pretty easy to recall. First was hitting 300 on my deadlift. That sounded like so much weight before!! Second was learning the rope climb. That was one of the skills that seemed really tough early on, especially after my pathetic early attempts. Finally was completing all rounds of the Crossfit Open this year at the Rx level.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their CrossFit journey at CrossFit Bound?
More than anything, don’t compare yourself to the other athletes in the gym. Let them inspire you, but be patient with yourself. There is a lot to learn about mechanics and techniques—and we are all still learning and improving. With consistency, your skills and lifts and speed will improve. One of the great things about Crossfit is that there is so much to keep learning and improving that it’s exciting to watch benchmarks improve.
From where do you draw your inspiration and motivation to push through tough moments in workouts?
I grew up a swimmer, so I think that experience conditioned me to press through grueling workouts. But the real answer to this question is, I keep telling myself, eventually this will end.
