Prototype of the Month: Abhinav Pujari
1.) Share your CrossFit Prototype experience and fitness journey
Even though I officially joined CFP and started “CrossFitting” only in March this year, my relationship with CFP goes way before that. Our early interactions were limited to eye contact and casual flirting, while I drove by with my Panera bread takeout and/or my dunks iced caramel latte extra extra. CFP had its elite athletes that ran a minute a mile half naked with a 100 lb barbell on their shoulders while having a pleasant conversation with their running partner not breaking out a single drop of sweat. And I walked a minute a meter profusely sweating and had a post workout snack of a few dozen donuts once or twice a month. There were certain boundaries that were never meant to be crossed, until I decided to take control and “give it a shot”! I never thought that I could be part of the CrossFit community. Honestly, I was always great at sports, picking up things fast, weight lifting all that fun stuff. I was a connoisseur of all diets that existed and an inactive member of pretty much every weight loss gym in town. I just didn’t feel confident and worthy enough to try out CrossFit. One fine day after a frustrated work day and a depressing attitude I stepped out of my comfort zone and forced Somesh to come check out CFP with me and boy I made the best decision of my life. My fitness journey this year has been incredible thanks to all the scaled options for WOD’s! I have seen a great improvement in my performance, my physical strength and my mental strength. The hard work and passion that I saw in the Saturday workouts and community events was unbelievable. CFP had a major impact on my life mentally, it gave me confidence to find a new job, explore things outside of my comfort zone and take my personal growth to another level. CFP helped me realize that it was upto me to decide my future, that everyone had problems and issues of their own, some way more serious than mine and it was my responsibility to make sure I was taking control of my life and make sure to support and respect other people in their tough times. I was lucky enough to find a new job that was more exciting and challenging. I took the job and moved to the city taking control of my life, all this while feeling sad I would not be able to be a part of CFP anymore. I went on and tried 4 different CrossFit boxes, few in Boston and a few close to my new workplace in Burlington. I was looking for a new CFP because I loved CrossFit. Cutting the long story short today, I wake up at 4.45am drive to CFP from Boston for my 7 am class and then drive to Burlington for work (Millennial Logic!).
2.) What is your favorite part about being at CFP?
My favorite part about being at CFP is that I have found a home away from home. A place where people know me, recognize me, love me for who I am and hold me accountable for every single day. The community is CFP’s biggest asset. From the second I walked into my first virtuosity class, Ben made me feel comfortable and made sure I knew that I belong at CFP. All the veteran CFP members made sure that they introduced themselves and made me feel at home from the first moment. Some of them actually remembered my name (AB) the next day too which was a pretty big deal to me- I mean these Indian names are tough to remember amiright! From my first scaled workout, to my first Rx workout and to my only Rx+ workout (pun intended), the CFP family has always loved and supported me the same way. There is no way that I could be where I am today without the support, love and respect from the incredible community.
3.) What are your hobbies and activities?
Driving – Boston To CFP To Burlington every morning! Hanging out with my CFP family for a coffee after a killer workout, judging CFP events, crushing the assault bike. Outside of CFP, I love spending time with my friends and their families, watching the Patriots kick ass every week, shotgunning a few cold ones every once in while (don’t tell Jon), camping out, Chilling-Breezing-Sipping-Singing-Beaching!
4.) How has (if it has) CFP helped you outside the gym (in sports etc)?
You are the sum of all your training! Being a part of the strong CFP community has helped me stay motivated and feel loved. The CFP members inspire me to work hard and become a stronger, healthier and a confident individual. Working out at CFP and being a part of such a strong community has helped me become mentally stronger. People who know me, know that my biggest challenge has always been the mental strength. Cathy, Jean and Kim (my support system), Caitlin (my endurance coach) and Jon (my nutrition coach) have faced the brunt of this, and continue to help me become mentally stronger every day.
5.) What are you continuing fitness goals to this point?
Faster, Stronger, Heavier everything! To stay healthy to Live to WOD Another Day! I have spent time discussing my personal fitness goals with the CFP coaches. Setting tangible goals is very important in order to track your progress and appreciate your hard work. Ben (Strength), Jon (Nutrition), Brian and Caitlin (Endurance) have all helped me define achievable goals this past year and for the upcoming year. Be it losing weight, improving your form, stamina or just debunking the myths about nutrition, the coaches have helped me in every possible aspect of my life.
6.) Favorite Quote: Work Hard Stay Humble! Bonus – Never Stop Exploring!