Member Of The Month – May 2024
Our May MOTM award goes to the wonderful Rich Budzynski!
Rich has been coming for a few years now and has always been the lovely person he is, smiley, gets on with everyone, polite and takes on board the coaching. But recently we have noticed a difference in his approach to training. He was struggling with a back injury for a while but has trained smart and adjusted what he can to still attend classes and not only has he avoided making his injury worse, it has improved at the same time as him getting fitter, stronger and happier! He has admitted to us that in the last 6 months he has managed to lose 3 stone with consistent training and generally a better lifestyle and although we are not about weight loss (nor did we think he had 3 stone to even lose!), it’s clear to see his confidence and happiness has grown and that’s what we love to see! His gymnastics and weightlifting technique is also mega and a pleasure to see.
Have a read on to find out more about him and his CrossFit journey so far…
M – How long have you been doing CrossFit?
RB – On & off for about 6 years. I’ve always played sports and been a keen gym go-er, but originally started CrossFit because I lost all motivation attending a traditional gym after a long day at work and ended up just going for the sake of it, without getting a sweat on. CrossFit changed all that!
I took a break from CrossFit after my daughter (now 5) was born, then followed a few close friends (you know who you are 😉) from another CrossFit gym, once I’d settled into family life. I joined MSQD during the Covid era – back when we had to train in those individual boxes!
M– What class time do you usually attend and why does that work for you?
RB – I generally attend the 9:30 or 12 classes during the week. This allows me to get a workout done during the day and means I can maximise time with my family in the afternoon/evenings. I have mad respect for any of you crazy people who train at 6 or 7:15 AM – but that’ll never be me!…and I’m lucky to be able to plan any of my new work ventures around this routine. I also try my best (family plans dependent) to make as many weekend classes as I can as I like the format of the sessions and it’s always great to catch up with friends I generally don’t see at the weekday sessions.
M– What is your why? Why do you put yourself through it each day? Do you have goals you want to achieve?
RB – It’s simple really… because it makes me feel better. I’ve always been a very analytical over-thinker, and for the last 9 years I had an extremely demanding job that was a daily emotional rollercoaster, and very stressful at times.
An hour in the gym has therefore always been my ‘me time’, and (although it’s always loud in there 😉) I find the classes drown out the daily ‘noise’, and you can be totally present.
Aside from this, other than the post-workout endorphin-hit that comes with ending yourself during the session, I’m now past 35 and as a ‘Masters Athlete’ 😊, I just want to be as fit as possible for my age – both physically and mentally. I have no ambitions to compete – just want to be a healthy, active Dad for my kids [whilst ensuring I always win the Dad’s races at their Sports Days].
M – 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?
RB – To not be embarrassed about feeling a little uneasy, and to be open with the coaches when you first arrive if you’re feeling nervous – it’s completely natural and they’ll look after you. I remember coming from a gym-background before I started CrossFit and I was still nervous.
Also, think of CrossFit as a sport. When starting any new sport, you won’t necessarily know the rules or the techniques – so will have to learn these. Literally everyone who’s ever done CrossFit started from a similar place. I can pretty much guarantee that by the end of your first session, you’ll have forgotten those nervous feelings and you’ll probably be high-fiving / fist-bumping other members who’ll undoubtedly turn into great friends.
M – What is your biggest achievement so far in CrossFit and what are you most proud of?
RB – I think it’s removing my ego from the picture. Coming from a sports & business/entrepreneurial background, I am (by nature) an extremely competitive person. Having this mentality, along with an old back-pain / disc issue meant that I’ve often overdone it in the gym and never allowed myself to fully recover.
Making the decision to take a step back from training so intensely, lowering the weights, and investing in a comprehensive physiotherapy process was a tough adjustment to make.
The irony is that my technique, training & overall love of CrossFit has dramatically improved as a result – who would have thought hey?! It is, however, easier said than done hence why I’m proud that I’ve got to where I am with it now.
M – Such a lovely humble human! Thanks for a brilliant blog Rich! Looking forward to your MOTM workout!
