Kipping it Real with Eric!

 Each month Overland Park CrossFit recognizes a member who exemplifies our values and motivates others in the gym to push themselves with encouraging words.  February’s Athlete of the Month is Eric Holoch.  Eric was chosen because of his dedication and work ethic! His humbleness in learning new movements, and drive to master them is inspiring to other athletes.   Learn more below about Eric!

 

 

1. What were your thoughts after your first CrossFit workout?

I believe my first experience with CrossFit may be slightly skewed. When Tom T. talked me into trying CrossFit, the first class he took me to was The 12 Days of Christmas.

Running inner monolog went something like this:

“I’m going to die!…..What? No, calm down that’s ridiculous, everyone else seems ok you’re overreacting. Just play it cool and no one will know…..
Ahh crap, Some Cody guy just asked me to ride the exercise bike to cool down so he can keep an eye on me…I am going to die.”

I guess it was trial by fire. But hey, I came back!

  1. What has been your favorite workout?

Not sure I have a favorite workout. Nothing with a name, obviously. I like the longer metcons, they are as much a mental grind as a physical one.

  1. What is your favorite cheat meal?

Wings and cheese curds. And Cosentino’s makes this delicious strawberry cake. If you were around when I was eating one, you would feel ashamed for just being there.

  1. Where do you work?     

I was a Social Worker before moving to KC, but now I work for my three little girls as a stay at home dad.

  1. What do you like to do outside of work?

Anything that involves being outside. I play in an old man neighborhood softball team, and my oldest daughter and I took up skiing last year.

6. What advice would you give a newbie just starting at OPCF?

Don’t be quiet. This isn’t Lifetime or Prairie Life. There really is a community atmosphere at OPCF and having people around you who can support and motivate you really helps. Plus, there are a ton of bad-ass people that are really good at exercise here, the vast majority of whom are open to helping out and giving advice. So if you have a question ask.

Also, don’t be discouraged if you aren’t progressing as fast as you want. There are so many different aspects to crossfit, it takes time to learn and feel comfortable with the movements. To that point, make sure you don’t waste the coaching moments. When I first started I spent a lot of time breaking down and rebuilding bad form and technique which has paid the biggest dividends. As the saying goes, “Never put a second floor on a shaky foundation.”

  1. What is your favorite lift?

Front squats. One of the few lifts I didn’t have to be called out for “lifting like an a**hole” and start from scratch to fix.

  1. What’s your biggest “GOAT”?

Double Unders. It has been surprisingly difficult, and hurtful, to learn. Literally, the amount of time I spend practicing is determined by the amount of pain I’m willing to endure for jumping rope. The harder it is to learn just means its more rewarding in the end, Right? Right!?!

 

  1. What changes have you seen in yourself since starting at OPCF?  

Other than being way less of a fatty, I truly enjoy working out. I liked Lifetime, but I was just going through the general routine: bench, curls, a couple other bro lifts, and then telling myself I’ll get to legs next week. Now, I look forward to coming in and working out with the awesome morning crew and seeing results.

  1. What is your biggest improvement or proudest accomplishment thus far?
This is pretty cool. But, as far as physical accomplishments, it would be my first double under RX, and progressing to the point where I can RX more workouts than I can’t. Always chasing that blue dot.

 

  1. What is something you have always wanted to do but haven’t yet?
 I’ll just stick with the want part. Abs. I’m here for the abs….