Chaz Thomas
Name: Charles (Chaz) Thomas
Age: 44
Hometown: Bristol, England
How long have you been CrossFitting? Just over 18 months, which is about 18 months longer than most of my fundamentals classmates, except Brenda !
What is your favorite WOD/Exercise? 10 Seconds of Rest ! Also, anything with Thrusters, not the most popular exercise I know but I don’t mind them, having short arms and legs helps I think
What is your least favorite WOD/Exercise? 20 Seconds of Work ! Also, WALL BALLS, I still have nightmares about the day when we had to rattle off 150 of them in one go !
What is your previous workout/athletic background? I played most sports while growing up and in my later years I played a lot of football and cricket but I gave them up a while ago and my fitness suffered massively, I have never been a big fan of running or swimming (i.e. individual exercise). I also golf a lot, does that count ?
What was your first experience at CrossFit Cayman like? A whole lot better than I thought it might be. I had put it off for so long as I wasn’t sure what to expect - but from the very first time I went I was made to feel so welcome. I think that is probably the case with most CrossFit gyms but I can’t imagine many that are as friendly with coaches who are so invested in each and every member.
What results have you seen since CrossFitting? My core is a lot stronger and I have started to enjoy running. I am also carrying a lot less flab, people have been asking if I have lost weight - which I always interpret as “you used to be a lot fatter didn’t you ?”
What do you do to get yourself through a tough workout (mental thoughts, tips and tricks, etc.)? I just think about how good I will feel after I finish and how disappointed with myself I will be if I quit. I also used to think, “it could be worse, I could still be in the office” – nb/. I don’t think like that these days !!!
What's your favorite aspect about working out at CrossFit Cayman? The team environment for sure. The coaches and the members are so easy to get along with. Going to the gym has become one of my favorite parts of the day – I never thought I would say that…
What advice do you have for someone thinking about joining CrossFit Cayman? Don’t procrastinate any longer, just do it. My friends pestered me for ages to join and I’m so glad I finally listened to them (and am forever grateful). I have heard many people say they don’t think it would suit them but it really does cater to so many and has had such a positive impact on my life. Aside from the fitness aspect it has provided a vital source of balance to my daily life. Stopping at the gym on my way home helps me unload any stress I may have built up at work that day and it means that I walk through the door at home every evening with nothing but positive feelings and I reckon that’s an ideal way for a Dad to greet his kids.