Prototype of the Month: Sabino Lagattolla

Bino!

Bino!

1.) Share you CrossFit Prototype experience and fitness journey

I’ve never been into “fitness”.  I’ve always been in to playing sports, however.  Baseball, hockey, football…  I’ve been playing hockey for my entire adult life 2 – 3 times per week in various leagues throughout Eastern and Central Mass.  I even spent 4 years playing semi-pro football.  I relied on my athleticism to produce results, never thinking of incorporating a real strength and conditioning program.
 
Gyms bored me.  I would always find a reason to not go.  Even when sitting in the gym parking lot.  Maybe it was because I would be there alone, and would do my own “programming”, which was, essentially, the same thing every time I was there.  Not an plan for producing results. 
 
I had seen the CrossFit Games on TV a few times and, like everyone else not familiar with the sport, thought that those people were crazy.  But, I also wanted to see what it was like to try CrossFit.  I would, again, find reasons to not try it.  Family responsibilities and the like.  But, after seeing the results that another CFP member was achieving, I thought about it more and more. Then, I finally decided to give it a shot.  The rest is history.

2.) What is your favorite part about being at CFP?

 
There are many things to list.  The results.  The community.  The coaches.  The programming.  When people ask my why I CrossFit, specifically at CFP, I tell them that I feel like I’m training like a professional athlete.  I tell them that the results are real.  I tell them that the difference between a Prototype and any other gym are the coaches who are happy to take time to explain the movements in lamens terms, making them easier to understand.  
 
In the end, it’s the people that make CFP a joy to come to every day.  The coaches, staff and members.  Their support is unlike anything else at any other fitness facility.

3.) What are you hobbies and activities ?

I have many hobbies that keep me busy.  Maybe too busy.  I’m heavily involved in both of my daughters softball programs.  Music has always been a major part of my life.  I play (hack at) the drums.  I play goalie in 2 men’s hockey leagues.  I run Spartan Races(got my trifecta this year).  Oh, and I CrossFit.  But, that’s not so much a hobby, as it is a part of my life.

4.) How has (if it has) CFP helped you outside the gym (in sports etc)? 

Strength and conditioning.  As far as hockey goes, I’m faster than I can ever remember.  Teammates of mine noticed the difference in speed after only a few months of being a CFP member.  I don’t find myself getting winded as quickly on the ice.  And, I’m still able to keep up with the young bucks on the ice.  Granted, being a CFP member hasn’t sharpened my eye sight, but hopefully, there will be some WOD that will help that.  Being a member has also helped me build the strength needed in my Spartan Races.  Physical obstacles I never thought I’d be able to do are much easier now, thanks to the programming and the coaching.
There have been some non physical improvements, as well.  I find myself accepting difficult challenges better.  Whether it’s a work or play, my mental thinking has changed.  I go into challenges with a more positive outlook than before.  Finally, I have become quite the RockTaper, thanks to Brian Z. 

5.) What are your fitness goals to this point?

I want to continue to get stronger.  I want to address deficiencies in my overall performance at CFP and in competitions.  Specifically, I want to strengthen my overhead activity.  Pull ups, toe to bar, snatch, jerk, HSPU’s.  And, clean up my technique on all movements.  I guess that’s more than I originally thought….

6.) Favorite Quote

“Break the chains of fear” – Russell Allen
“Do or do not.  There is no try” – Yoda