Athlete of the MonthDecember

Michael Smith

Years at Bayou City CrossFit: 1

They say that Crossfit is a journey, and wow what a journey it’s been.

They say that Crossfit is a journey, and wow what a journey it’s been. From weighing 300 pounds and trying it out while attending Texas A&M (Whoop!), to taking it seriously here at Bayou City at 210 pounds, it has been nothing short of amazing. I can genuinely say that it has changed my life both physically and mentally, and I feel like I’m only getting started.

Enough about me. Let’s talk about how this happened. That how is Bayou City, and I wouldn’t be who or where I am today without it. The coaching staff and the community they have built are second to none. From the moment I hesitantly walked in the door, I was accepted, encouraged, and mentored not only in fitness, but in life. I am forever grateful to be a part of the Bayou City family, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Let me be the first to tell you that I understand how intimidating Crossfit seems. Let me also be the first to tell you that if you are willing to put in the work, it is the best decision you can make for yourself both physically and mentally. Getting to workout with a group of your friends every day that are pushing you to be better is a feeling that is hard to put into words, but I promise you’ll be addicted before you know it. Come find me in the 5:30pm class and I’ll be happy to show you what I mean. Just remember, countdown from 3, take a deep breath, and GO!

How Did You Get Started?
I got started in college wanting to do something different than just going to the gym alone without a plan or coach. The community feeling of Crossfit and the different workouts every day really drew me to join a box. I also really liked the different cardio aspect of it rather than just lifting weights and running, which is all I did when I played sports. I tried a couple different ones over those years and knew that if I ever wanted to take fitness seriously, Crossfit would be the answer. When I moved to Houston, I found BCCF down the street from my house and was sold! Shout out to Coach Lori for convincing me that leg day was a great idea for my first class.
What is your favorite movement?
Squat Cleans! They are a great measure of full body fitness and really help me see my strength progression for a lot of different movements (Deadlifts, Power cleans, front squats). I also enjoy that it is a complex lift instead of just brute strength like bench or squat (but those are fun too!).
What would you say to someone thinking about joining BCCF?
That’s easy, do it! BCCF is full of amazing people that will be your friends before you know it. We genuinely want you to be a part of our family, and want to see you achieve all of your goals (in fitness and in life). I could be having the worst day, and the moment I walk through the door, my day has changed for the better. I always leave with a smile on my face. Everyone is welcoming, helpful, positive, and just the right amount of competitive that makes working out that much more fun. Come try out a class and I promise you’ll see what I’m talking about.
When you were 10 years old what did you want to be when you grew up?
A fighter pilot for the Navy. It’s still my dream but I’m partially color blind so they told me no haha. I’ve watched Top Gun so many times in my life that my dog is named Goose.

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