Meet Ryan! He’s our Member Spotlight! Read on to learn more about Ryan and his CrossFit Journey!
- When did you start at CrossFit Bangor:
I started in early December, 2017. I asked for a membership as a Christmas gift – haven’t looked back since.
- Proudest CrossFit accomplishment:
Maybe when I nailed my first muscle up? I first got it on the bar – I knew had the strength for a while but didn’t quite have the timing. When I tried it on the rings, I got up there, but nearly dislocated my shoulder… I can say that I’ve done it on the rings, but I’ll stick with bar muscle ups from here on out. And a shout out to Scott Robinson for helping me (he showed me a floor exercise that finally made it click)!
- Favorite lift, metcon, or both:
You know me – I love any workout where burpees are involved. But I gotta say, I love the Diane WOD. Maybe because it’s fresh on my mind having just done it. I love deadlifts and anything gymnastic/bodyweight focused, so Diane is in my wheelhouse. And it’s always fun to haul ass through a workout.
- A movement or workout you’re hoping to improve this year:
I think overall, I would like to improve my form. Between COVID and a nagging wrist injury that has affected my front rack positioning, I’m using this time to lighten the bar load a bit and focus on establishing good form. - Biggest surprise since starting at CrossFit Bangor:
I said this to Mel: I think that she and the CFB staff did an exceptional job adapting and rolling with the COVID punches. The fact that we could “check out” the equipment for home use, and that the coaches stayed engaged with us through social media and Zoom classes – it was a job well done.
- Advice for new members or friends who have yet to try CrossFit:
Make sure to stick with it and keep up a consistent attendance. This instills a routine that you’ll eventually crave, but it builds your sense of community with fellow classmates. The community aspect will motivate you to show up and keep going, even when you don’t want to. Also, challenge yourself, but listen to your body and your coach. Scale appropriately. To sum it up: It’s a process that will eventually yield awesome mental and physical results if you show up and challenge yourself.
- Favorite Maine place to recommend to other members or visitors:
I have a special place in my heart for the Moosehead region. If you haven’t hiked it, check out Borestone Mountain. Also, if you’re into adventure, I recommend canoe camping on Lobster Lake – beautiful sand beaches, incredible views and moose!
- Non CrossFit interest(s):
I love many outside things (My wife says too many things). I am a traditional sportsman (hunting and fishing), but I am also a huge snowboarder. I enjoy all of these things even more now that I get to pass them down to my two boys.
- Additional thoughts you’d like to share!
I am grateful for CFB and the coaches. And I am impressed by the community. It is tight, it is supportive and it is welcoming. If there are “cliques”, I am not aware of them. I think it is a unique quality for a gym. 
