March 2022 Athlete of the Month
March 2022 Athlete of the Month
Rory McKeown
Coach’s Thoughts: Rory was one of our first members and we feel so fortunate to have him with his background as an athlete, coach and former gym owner. Lately, he has been working hard to reach some big goals with a focus on his nutrition and weaknesses. Rory’s lifts have always been his biggest strength but we never find him cherry picking WOD’s. If there’s a long cardio or gymnastics focused workout programmed he will make it a point to be there. We also love that he always has some great cues to give his fellow classmates. Congratulations Rory! So well deserved and keep crushing your goals!
How long have you been doing CrossFit?
I got started doing CrossFit in 2012 when an ex-Navy guy at my gym suggested I try it. I was a personal trainer at the time through NASM and held a masters degree in exercise science and health promotion with an emphasis on performance enhancement and injury prevention, but I had little to no familiarity with Olympic lifts and the volume or intensity of CrossFit. The ideology and programming all made sense to me and I loved getting certified and delving into the CrossFit Journal and doing the workouts of the day from the website. (There were only a few places to go at that time with actual coaches.) It was the perfect outlet for me at the time as I was going through a divorce and it gave me a much needed distraction.
Favorite Movement?
My favorite movement is the snatch due to the skill, technique and mobility necessary to do it. Pretty much unequivocally love the barbell though.
What advice would you give to someone who is hesitant to start CrossFit?
When someone asks me about doing CrossFit, I never sugar coat it. I tell them it’s demanding, but it’s also 100% scalable and so rewarding and such a rush when you hit a lift, learn a new skill, or survive a tough sweaty workout with your friends. I tell them I go because of the boost you get from everyone else doing it that you can’t replicate on your own, and how good it feels to be strong, sore and more fit. Mostly, I tell them that all you really need to do is to show up, have the desire to get better, and the coaches will help you get there. You learn a lot about yourself.
Favorite thing about CCF?
My favorite thing about CCF is the owners. I’ve been in a lot of different gyms over the years, and it makes such a difference to have cool and engaged owners that love fitness and helping others. The box (gym) is cleaner, equipment is nicer, coaching is better and the clients are happier.
What do you do when you’re not at CCF (job, hobbies, other fitness, etc)?
I’m a dad of three and a safety supervisor for the Gordie Howe International Bridge project here in Detroit and Windsor. My hobbies include making home improvements, cooking, and playing or watching just about any sport. My favorite though is going to watch my kids play or perform.
What is your next big fitness goal?
My next big goals are to increase my conditioning and gymnastics while maintaining strength and staying injury free. Handstand walks and bar muscle ups are a couple things I need to improve on specifically. I’d love to compete more and I also wouldn’t mind getting back into coaching a little to help others with their fitness or injury issues.
