Meet Joe: The Relentless Pursuit of 1% Better
While our Member of the Month is usually awarded to one of our incredible athletes, this month we are shining the spotlight on someone who leads from the front: Coach Joe. We chose to honor a coach this month because true leadership isn’t just about guiding a class; it’s about walking the walk and inspiring everyone around you to push past their own limits. Joe’s personal journey is a masterclass in resilience and grit, from getting crushed by his very first CrossFit workout after an Army deployment and immediately asking, “What time tomorrow?”, to grinding through a two-year hiatus only to return with a renewed, fiery passion for changing lives, to enduring a chaotic recovery through knee surgery. He embodies the very heart of the CrossFit Virilis community, constantly reminding us that true success has nothing to do with comparing yourself to the person next to you. It’s simply about having the relentless dedication to show up for yourself every single day and put in the effort to be 1% better.
1. How long have you been doing CrossFit?
Since 2012, my (Army) unit PA told me I should try it after I came back from deployment, absolutely jacked, but almost failed my run. I was skeptical, but I went with him to the gym and did “Filthy Fifty”. At the end, I puked my guts up and asked “What time tomorrow?”.
2. What’s your favorite workout?
Toss up between Helen or Annie.
3. What’s your favorite movement?
Power Cleans!
4. Why do you do CrossFit?
There are countless ways to train strength and conditioning, and with the right dedication, just about any of them will get you results. But I have seen the best results of my life, for myself, and other people through CrossFit. It doesn’t require any sort of extreme discipline or restrictive living, just showing up for yourself with the right attitude consistently will make you better than yesterday.
5. What meal could you eat every day for the rest of your life?
Steak! (preferably a Ribeye)
6. What has CFV helped you do, achieve, overcome, etc?
CrossFit Virilis helped me find my love for training and coaching again. I took about a two-year break after Haley and I closed our gym and never really considered finding a new one. But working out alone in my garage got old and eventually the stars aligned. I decided CrossFit was the best way to train my strength and conditioning for my newfound interest in Jiu-Jitsu. Coming back has been one of the most fulfilling decisions of my life and I am happy to have a place to pour my energy into that not only makes my life more positive, but also able to do the same for others.
7. If you could have dinner with anyone dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Maybe Allan Watts, because I find his philosophy and outlook on life admirable and enlightening in ways that others have never really made sense to me. However, I’m rarely a fan of meeting famous people I like. So most likley I’d choose Haley (she’s my fave for dinner dates).
8. Top three favorite movies.
1. Karate Kid
2. Rocky
3. Die Hard (Favorite Christmas Movie)
9. What makes you the happiest?
My family, being active, and helping people make decisions that lead to life-changing results!
10. Anything else you want to add about CFV, CrossFit, or yourself?
Show up for yourself everyday and don’t compare your progress to others. Success looks different to us all and the real prize is getting to put in the effort to be 1% better everyday.
Are you interested in trying out a class or learning more about our CrossFit community? Schedule a No Sweat Intro HERE
