Name: Erick Kobres
Age: 45
Occupation: Software Engineering Director at NCR
Which class time do you usually attend? The only time I usually don’t attend is 9:30 – every other time I’m likely to show up!
Favorite WOD: Anything with wallballs, KB swings, and rowing, and without burpees. (Sorry, I know it’s Crossfit heresy to dis burpees.)
Favorite Lift: It’s a tie between deadlifts and cleans.
Deadlift Max: 400 lbs (1 rep)
Back squat Max: 295 lbs (3 rep)
Favorite Food: Salmon & asparagus.
Favorite Movie: I’ve got to go with Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back
Favorite Athlete: I have to say Kyle Maynard – he’s an inspiration.
Dream Job: I think I would really enjoy being a stunt pilot!
Dream Vacation Destination: The ISS. Antarctica is a close second.

How long have you been CrossFitting?
“I started November 2012 at the old location.”

What keeps you coming back/motivated?
“I continue to see progress and enjoy the community.  I really can’t imagine not Crossfitting at this point.”

How did you find CrossFit?
“A friend told me about it, but it wasn’t until I started researching scalable exercise programs that I really got interested.  I wanted something the family could do together – we’re all at different fitness levels.  I found No Excuses online and my wife went in for the free consultation.  She was sold on the fact it could be scaled to any fitness level – I joined a month after she did.”

What is your athletic background (If applicable)?
“I was in the USMC reserves which comes with a fair amount of PT.  I’ve also lifted weights, played a bit of racquetball and done some trail cycling.  Nothing as consistent and intense as Crossfit though.”

How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, level of fitness?
“I am more fit today than I was in my 20s in the Marines.  Since I started Crossfit, I can count the number of weeks that I haven’t worked out on one hand.  I have far more energy than before, am stronger, and have better eating habits than at any time in my life!”

What is the one thing you have done here that you never thought you could do? (muscle up, double unders, heavy deadlift, run a mile, etc.)
“20 unbroken pullups – I was never able to achieve this while I was in the Marines, even though doing it would have gotten me a perfect score on the USMC physical fitness test.”

Who or what motivates/inspires you?
“I am especially motivated by the long-time Crosfitters who are older than me and can still kick my butt on most WODs – they really push me to improve.  I am always inspired when I see new people making big changes over time – people who are starting from fitness level zero and reshaping their lives one day at a time.  Their dedication keeps me coming back.”

What is your proudest CrossFit achievement?
“One thing that comes to mind is that I was able to run a 5K with a respectable time with absolutely no preparation.  Just did it.  And it was an enjoyable, fun experience.  CrossFit has prepared me to be able to jump into just about any kind of physical activity with confidence.”

Name one goal/personal achievement you would like to achieve through CrossFit?
“My next conquest is body composition.  I want to get myself into the 15% body fat range and down to a weight where HSPU and Muscle Ups become a possibility for me.  This means eating very clean, very consistently.”

Hobbies/Interests outside of CrossFit?
“UGA football, beer and wine making, keeping up with the latest technology trends, but mostly spending time with my wife and family.”

Any advice for new members?
“The main advice I would give new members is to keep 3 things at the top of your priority list:
1) Be safe.  Listen to the coaches and be smart.  Rome wasn’t built in a day
2) Only compete and compare against yourself – especially starting out.
3) Make friends and get to know everyone.  It’s a great community!”

Any additional thoughts/comments:
“The coaches at No Excuses are the best – thanks to all of you guys for what you do for us!”

Coach Fischer’s Take:
“For any of you that know Erick, you know that he geeks out on information to get better. That’s great for me as a coach because I love talking with him and giving him that coaching and information in class.  He also does a great job of taking that information and putting it into action. He does so well putting coaching into action and with a great attitude as well.”