Congratulations to Aaron Bessie – September 2016 Athlete of the Month. Aaron is an extremely hard working individual who does not shy away from his weaknesses. Because of this, Aaron’s performance has improved significantly over the past several months. Aside from his consistency, one thing that stands out with Aaron is his willingness to offer advice or a helping hand to others (see picture below!). These characteristics are what makes Aaron this month’s AOTM!
1. In general, what is your background?
- I grew up in the small town of Riverton, IL where I played football and dabbled in Olympic weightlifting . I graduated Riverton High School in 2010, and then graduated Robert Morris University in 2012 with my Bachelor’s in Computer Networking. I’m the youngest and only boy of three siblings. I currently live with my father in Riverton, but will soon be making another big leap into adulthood this October when I close on my first house!
2.Age, Occupation?
- I am 24 years old and I work at Levi, Ray & Shoup as an IT Systems Analyst in their PensionGold Retirement Solutions department.
3. How did you get to know about CrossFit and why did you start?
- As someone who participated in athletics for a good portion of my life, I had heard whispers about Crossfit and its humble beginnings. It wasn’t until my good ol’ buddy, Jordan Barney, joined C3 and began showing major improvements in athleticism that I began to show interest. At that point, the daily grind of going to the neighborhood gym and coasting through the same old movements and exercises was starting to get bland. So, I pulled the trigger.
4. How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, level of fitness?
- Not to be cliche, but how has it NOT changed my life? Every aspect of my life has been affected in some way, shape, or form. Physically, I’m in the best shape I’ve ever imagined myself being in. Mentally, I’m more confident in who I am, and what I’m capable of mentally and physically. My general well-being has improved exponentially, and I have been introduced to some of the most interesting, kind, and inspirational people I have ever met. It’s hard imagining my life without Crossfit now.
5. Name one goal and/or personal record you would like to accomplish through CrossFit.
- I want to place in the top three in a competition. So far, the closest I have been is fourth place. The competitive drive to win and the overall camaraderie is addictive and it always leaves me wanting more, especially in competitions.
6. Favorite CrossFit moment so far?
- FINALLY getting the score I knew I was capable of on the 16.2 open workout. For me, it was a mental battle with myself that I wanted very badly. I never gave up and I gave it everything I had. For that, I was very proud of myself and what I accomplished.
7. What is your least favorite WOD to date?
- It might be a tie between the last WOD of the 2015 Battle for the Hill competition and the WOD where we did row sprints for the skill prior to the workout, and then had to accumulate 100 wallballs with a 30# ball, a certain number of heavy deadlifts, and maybe one other movement. I don’t remember much about that workout aside from the pain and nausea.
8. What do you like most about Capital City CrossFit?
- This isn’t the first time people have heard this, but I’ll reiterate it nonetheless. The people are what make our gym such a wonderful place. The smiles, the fist bumps, the always present encouraging attitude everyone brings with them when they walk in the door. For people joining, I can understand how it can be intimidating, but once you’ve been through a workout or two with everyone cheering each other on, providing helpful tips, and sharing the overall opinion of how much the WOD kicked everyone’s butt….you’re hooked. There are few other places apart from Crossfit gyms where you can experience such “baptism by fire”.
9. Favorite movement?
- That snatch though
10. Least favorite movement?
- Definitely lunges and abmat sit-ups. Most workouts that have either one of those movements just frustrate the hell out of me.
