In April 2016, Jay decided to take the leap and try CrossFit. After years of alternating between strength and aerobic training, he was introduced to the concept by his friend Mike Jones.
“Mike Jones got me interested. I had been bouncing between strength training and aerobic training for years, neglecting one while I worked on the other. I thought the workouts Mike told me about, every day and in great detail, solved that problem. I tried the No Sweat Intro with Brandon and I was hooked,” Jay shared.
From Football to Boxing and Beyond
Jay’s fitness journey began early in life, playing football and practicing taekwondo as a kid. However, during his high school and college years, other non-athletic interests took over. As an adult, he rekindled his passion for fitness by training in boxing and kickboxing—though not competitively.
“I have bounced between gyms, strength training on my own,” he added, highlighting his search for consistency before finding CrossFit.
Finding His “Happy Place”
Since joining No Excuses, Jay has noticed significant improvements, particularly in his mental health. CrossFit has become a place where he can reset, no matter what kind of day he’s having.
“No Excuses is my happy place. No matter what kind of day I’m having, I feel better mentally when I’m finished with my workout,” Jay said.
This sense of mental relief, coupled with physical improvements, has made CrossFit a permanent part of Jay’s life. He’s driven by two main motivators: his desire to see consistent progress and his family history of heart disease.
“On a daily basis, it’s the desire to improve. I’m a very data-driven person, and I like to see the numbers in my journal improving from week to week. In the long term, it’s my family history of heart disease that drives me to stay consistent. My dad was a star high school football player and a Marine, but after leaving the service he became pretty sedentary and had his first heart attack in his mid-fifties. Being fit isn’t a destination, it’s a lifelong commitment,” Jay reflected.
A Milestone in Lifting
When asked about his favorite CrossFit moment, Jay pointed to a personal victory in one of his most challenging movements—the clean.
“I have always struggled with cleans. I find the front rack position awkward and have never enjoyed the movement. In the weightlifting class, I became more comfortable with the lift, and at the end of the cycle, increased my PR on the clean and jerk by 20 pounds,” he proudly recalled.
This progress is a testament to his dedication to improving, even in areas that don’t come naturally.
Advice for Newcomers
For those who are new to CrossFit or unsure about starting, Jay has some sound advice:
“Stick with it, be consistent, and most importantly listen to your coaches.”
This emphasis on consistency and coachability has been key to Jay’s success and is something he believes every new athlete should embrace.
Why No Excuses CrossFit?
When asked what he loves most about No Excuses, Jay’s answer was clear: the coaching staff.
“Without a doubt, my favorite thing is the coaching staff. I’ve been coached, I’ve coached youth sports, and these are the best coaches I’ve been around. They are knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely care about the health and fitness of the athletes they’re coaching,” Jay shared.