Meet Rich Barber, our July Member of the Month at CrossFit Virilis! Rich joined us in December 2021 after moving from Alabama, inspired by his wife Samantha, a seasoned CrossFitter, who suggested they continue their fitness journey together at our gym. Despite initially feeling confident in his fitness, CrossFit has humbled and pushed him beyond his comfort zone, leading to immense personal growth. His favorite workout is the Murph, which he admires for its inclusivity and tradition, and he enjoys the challenge of deadlifts and back squats. A lover of Mexican food and a fan of Forrest Gump, Rich cherishes moments with family, quiet accomplishments, and the camaraderie of his CrossFit family, whom he deeply appreciates.
How long have you been doing CrossFit?
I started with CrossFit Virilis in Dec ’21 when we moved from Alabama. Samantha, started CrossFit years prior and she suggested I join her when we got here when she was looking for a new gym.
What's your favorite workout?
I like the Murph workout best, even though it kicks my butt. I love what it stands for and the fact that it’s a tradition that anyone can join in, no matter where they are or their skill level.
What's your favorite movement?
Deadlift or back squat.
Why do you do CrossFit?
I started as a way to keep healthy, spend time with my wife. Since Samantha was already a CrossFitter, I wanted to get the same benefits I saw her getting from it. It’s been a great blessing for me.
What meal could you eat every day for the rest of your life?
I could eat a form of Mexican food every day.
What has CFV helped you do, achieve?
I was always confident with my fitness, at least I thought I was…CrossFit humbled me a bit and I grew from it. I found I was confident in the past because I never pushed myself physically past a certain point and didn’t do uncomfortable movements. “Just do that…” was my sarcastic motto when I first started. It was usually said after Eric would demonstrate or explain something damn near impossible for a workout…;)
If you could have dinner with anyone dead or alive, who would it be and why?
I’d like to have dinner with my Grandaddy, John Farris Barber. He passed away when I was young, and everyone that knew him adored him dearly. I feel I missed out on his presence.
Top three favorite movies.
Forrest Gump for sure #1. Then Tombstone and Goodfellas.
What makes you the happiest?
Seeing my family enjoying themselves, a quiet house, finishing a project, meeting a goal or beating a deadline and making people laugh.
Anything else you want to add?
I’m feel very blessed to have my CrossFit family. They are really the best and I love them all and I would be there if they ever needed anything. Eric is my dude, and my primary coach and he keeps me pushing even the early mornings I DO NOT want to. Also, I am still waiting on breakfast taco day.
To learn more about members like Rich and how you can commit to your own health and fitness, set up a time to talk with us!
