March Athlete of the Month: Johnny Joyce
Congratulations Johnny, you’re our March Athlete of the Month!
Johnny, aka, Dr. J has been a regular presence in our morning classes since the summer of 2015. He is known for being the king of grunt work and no matter what the task at hand, he pours every ounce of effort into his workouts. After a few years of being at NoCoast, we were excited to have Johnny join our latest Nutrition Challenge. His approach to the Challenge was no different than his approach to any workout - he absolutely crushed it! He has said that it totally changed his life and how he views food. In 30 Days, Johnny lost 12 lbs. and dropped 3.25 inches off his belly, 2.5 off his hips, and .25 off his chest. Congrats Dr. J on all of your success thus far through your NoCoast journey!
Quotes from Johnny:
“The best thing about the nutrition challenge is that it created healthier habits and mindfulness of the food I eat. I have much more energy during the day and my workouts are more productive.”
“Before CrossFit I was always getting injured and/or never fully recovering. This had to do with unbalanced workouts, poor mobility, and inadequate nutrition. CrossFit has changed everything. I'm in the best shape of my life and continue to improve.”
Age: 42
Pre Challenge weight: 174 lbs.
Current weight: 162 lbs.
Athletic/Sports history/highlights:
I played football and was a member of the high school rodeo team -- my event was team roping. Before joining CrossFit I ran 5K and 10K races.
How long have you been CrossFitting and how did you get into it?
This is my 5th year doing CrossFit. I was spending a month in Galveston, TX for medical training when I decided to change my usual routine of running and weight lifting. It had become monotonous and counter productive.
What is your favorite WOD/CrossFit movement?
I love burpees and the beep test!
What is your least favorite WOD/CrossFit movement?
Thrusters are my least favorite.
How did the 2019 Nutrition Challenge change how you eat?
The best thing about the nutrition challenge is that it created healthier habits and mindfulness of the food I eat. I have much more energy during the day and my workouts are more productive. I will eat fruit or nuts in the morning before workouts and consume a protein shake soon after. I do not miss the foods I eliminated either which is quite surprising.
How has CrossFit improved your overall wellness?
Before CrossFit I was always getting injured and/or never fully recovering. This had to do with unbalanced workouts, poor mobility, and inadequate nutrition. CrossFit has changed everything. I'm in the best shape of my life and continue to improve.
How has CrossFit changed your family?
The best thing about CrossFit is all the friends that I have made! This has helped my wife and I get out of the house.
Advice to new people:
My advice to new people is to get out of your comfort zone. You have to push yourself to the limit -- like you are trying to run through a brick wall -- on the workouts you excel. Embrace the humility and challenge you feel from the workouts and movements that are a struggle. Every WOD is an opportunity for you to start or end the day on a high note. The WOD's I look forward to are the ones that are the most challenging because this is where I need to improve. Make sure you cheer on and help motivate your fellow CrossFitters. The positive energy is contagious. When they perform better, you perform better and vice-versa.