Member Of The Month – April 2023
Our April MOTM award goes to the brilliant Afshin Tavakoli!
Afshin has been a member at M Squared since September 2021 and from the start he just threw himself in completely. He is loved by everyone. Always comes in with a smile on his face, responding “I am alive” when asked how he is and no matter how hard a day (or night!) he’s had at work, he stays cheerful, humble and appreciates everything. He is often seen waving his finger in the air when a tune comes on mid wod and having a mini dance. We could all learn a thing or two from Afshin! Recently his children (who are grown up) came to watch our 6 year anniversary in house competition at the gym and they said they’ve never known him be so happy as he has been since starting at M Squared Fitness. He never had a hobby like this before, but he is a total regular in classes and recently has just been going from strength to strength. He has learned kipping pull ups on a band, he got into a handstand against the wall for the first time ever recently, his lifting is improving week by week, and although he sometimes tries to cut corners on his burpee reps 😉 he always pushes himself and has a cheeky smile for the coaches. He also loves a deadlift, and joked that he wants his Member of the Month workout to be a 60 min EMOM – 1 x Deadlift 😉 He is an absolute pleasure to have around, he won our friendliest member award at Christmas for a reason! By day he is an incredible transplant surgeon – saving and changing people’s lives! Afshin you are one of a kind and M Squared wouldn’t be the same without you!
MÂ – How long have you been doing CrossFit?
ATÂ – I underwent my induction in September 2021 and officially began in October 2021.
M– What class time do you usually attend and why does that work for you?
ATÂ – I joined M Squared because it offered a 6 am start time, hoping to exercise before work. However, since the inductions took place in the evening after work, I enjoyed that timing and realised I could also do CrossFit at the end of the day. As a result, I became a regular at the 4 pm class right after work most of the time. Nowadays, due to increased work load, I fit in any class time that comes after work. I have only done the 6 am class once, which is quite ironic considering I joined specifically for the 6 am gym schedule! However, I frequently attend the 7:15 am class after my on-call shifts or on my day off.
M– What is your why? Why do you put yourself through it each day? Do you have goals you want to achieve?
ATÂ – Life has not been easy so as circumstances, especially during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s doing military service – in the battle front, touching life and death, but I have always had the desire to live and learn how to survive. I strive to be the best in everything I do and have embraced a positive outlook on life, which has helped me work hard and climb to where I am today. I constantly seek possibilities to become a better version of myself and improve as a person. It is now time for me to focus on my physical and mental well-being by engaging in activities I enjoy alongside my work and personal life. I have found an inspiring community within CrossFit. Every time I walk into M Squared, I feel energised by the trainers and fellow trainees who make me feel welcome and motivated. It has become another one of my happy places. As you grow older, you realise that your priorities in life change along with your abilities. My goals are simple: taking steps toward being a better man, maintaining fitness, losing some weight if possible, focusing on my well-being, and ensuring that when I look back, I can see how far I have come.
 
MÂ – What advice would you give anyone wanting to start CrossFit but is either unsure or nervous? We get people all the time saying they need to get fit first or they could never do what we do? Any advice for those people?
AT – Come and see for yourself! Starting CrossFit has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. If you want to switch off and start your day with positive energy, this is it. The hardest part is showing up and looking at the workout board. Once you’re there, it doesn’t matter how challenging it may appear; the motivation from the people around you and the coaches will push you to give your best. When I’m at the gym, I don’t compete with anyone else; instead, I know that I’m working as hard as everyone else within my own ability. Everyone around you supports you in achieving your personal best and helps you push yourself further, all while finishing within the designated time. I am a true example of this. If you had seen me when I started, or even now, you wouldn’t think I’m the typical CrossFit material. I may not look as fit as others, but I am far fitter than when I first began. 
“If I can do it, anyone can.” CrossFit offers everything: fitness, energy, stamina, resilience, teamwork, the determination to finish strong, not giving up, rediscovering self-love, learning to appreciate your achievements, and meeting people who are genuinely happy for your success, among many many others!
MÂ – What is your biggest achievement so far in CrossFit and what are you most proud of?
ATÂ -I have accomplished quite a lot in CrossFit. Firstly, I found a happy place that truly works for me. Despite exhausting workdays, I consistently make it to the gym and complete my workouts. When I started, I couldn’t even do a single skip, but now I can do 100 unbroken skips! Another significant achievement was performing my first handstand with the guidance of Em Gage.
MÂ – What a gorgeous blog – such a positive, kind and all round brilliant human. We love you Afshin! Keep smashing it!
  
