Name: Parag Shah

Age: 47

Occupation: Tax Manager

Hometown: New Hyde Park, NY

Which class time do you usually attend? Started 6AM class for first 6 months. Recently attending 6:30PM class.

Favorite WOD: DT WOD (Named after Staff sergeant Tim Davis, who was killed in action in 2009)

Favorite CF Movement: The Power Clean

Least Favorite CF Movement: Burpees!

1RM Back Squat: 95LBS

1RM Deadlift: 175LBS

Favorite Food: Pizza

Favorite Movie: Office Space

Favorite Athlete: Michael Jordan

Dream Job: Entrepeneur! Too many to decide…lol

Dream Vacation Destination: Bora Bora

If you could have any super power… The power to control time, which is something that is scarce and taken for granted.

Favorite Motivational Quote: “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out” – Robert Collier

How long have you been doing CrossFit? (Since Month, Year): 9 months

How did you first discover CrossFit and what made you decide to start?

“I’ve been a big fan of CrossFit for long time and always wanted to try it out. I was scared to join at the risk of getting injured, but I mustered up the courage and did the foundations classes. Once I started, I didn’t have any doubt and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made to make me a better version of myself.”

Tell us about your fitness/sports background:

“Loved all types of sports growing up. Played basketball, stickball, handball, & football. Being ambidextrous helped! :-)”

What sorts of positive changes (mental, physical, emotional) have you noticed in your life since getting involved at No Excuses?

“I have more energy and feel stronger. More importantly, my backpain and knee pain are gone!”

Who or what keeps you coming back and motivated?

“Feeling better both emotionally and physically make me keep coming back. With respect to motivation, I meet with a No Excuses Coach quarterly to review my scale measurements and discuss goal setting. Seeing the weight loss number go down and muscle mass number go up are examples of what keeps me motivated.”

In what other ways do you use your fitness?

“Having better fitness allows me to tackle a 4-mile hike every Saturday at Lake Lanier with the hope of increasing the distance in the future.”

Please share with us a favorite CrossFit or No Excuses moment.

“My first CrossFit Open this year was fun and memorable. I also take great pride when other athlete tells me when my form looks good on certain complex movements.”

Name one goal you would like to achieve in the next year (doesn’t have to be CrossFit related, but it can be)

“To be able to do pull-ups.”

Tell us about your hobbies and interests outside of the gym:

“I love collecting books and of course reading them. Other hobbies include restoration projects. Estate sales are fun…you never know what you may find.”

What advice do you have for someone just starting CrossFit or is on the fence about starting?

“Don’t be afraid. Don’t overthink. Just start! There are different levels for everyone.”

What do you love most about No Excuses?

“What I love about No Excuses is the sense of community and support. The coaches pay attention and help me scale workouts so I can keep progressing. I really enjoy the camaraderie and shared struggles. It’s like being on a team and there is great pride among the group when we complete a WOD.”