Jake
This is Jake. He moved from Minneapolis to Chicago is 2018 with a job as a Front End Web Developer, a job he has had for about 7 years. Outside of the office and CrossFit, Jake is outdoors snowboarding and camping. Jake is also an inspiring cyclist. He regularly does very long rides and has planned and led MR athletes in a bike ride as well - a group activity we plan to continue. Jake motivates fellow athletes inside and outside the gym. Jake had previous experience with CrossFit and other types of fitness but finally joined Movement Republic in 2019. “When I came to Chicago, and was trying to find something with a strong community to replace the awesome gym I left behind. I came in for an introductory class, and I signed up immediately after, now I can't imagine life without it.”
What is your favorite and least favorite movement/metcon?
“I will always love any metcon that has a jump rope in it, (double or triple unders) and this year I've really started to love our strength days. Nailing a heavy clean, or bumping up my snatch PR by 5 pounds is incredibly satisfying. I think my least favorite movement is wall walks, and I honestly believe that is residual trauma from the 2021 Open.”
What is something that surprised you about CrossFit when you first started?
“I think what surprised me the most about CrossFit was how accessible everything was. If I couldn't do a movement, there was no reason to struggle, just scale it down! Scaling down is super helpful to keep building confidence, and then when I finally nailed the movement, oh how glorious that feels.”
What is your favorite thing about MR?
“I'm sure this is a big reason most people join MR, but I've met so many awesome people in my 3 years here. There is something special about getting to know the people you work out with, and that really helps to keep you accountable and showing up, even when you REALLY don't want to be there. Plus I love a good game of burpee flip cup :)”
What is something you have done in MR that you never thought you’d do?
“I think the most surprising thing that CrossFit and MR has done for me is more about the mental fortitude that I can have rather than any one physical thing. Being able to push through my mental blocks of ‘You can't do any more’ and keep going, has really shown me what I'm physically capable of.”
What would you tell someone who is considering joining CrossFit at MR?
“You should definitely join for the awesome programming, (it's really amazing) but make sure you stick around after class once in a while to hang out and have a beer. I swear we are a lot of fun, (even though I complain a lot).”
We are very lucky to have Jake as a member of our community. He inspires athletes inside the gym, on the bike trails and during burpee flip cup! Come meet Jake, our other amazing athletes, and learn about burpee flip cup!
