Each month Overland Park CrossFit recognizes a member who exemplifies our values and motivates others in the gym to push themselves with encouraging words. October’s Athlete of the Month is Abe Eller. Abe was chosen because since he joined the gym in April, he has made a ton of progress, which has been really cool to watch! He possesses the willingness to learn and take cues from his coaches which has helped him improve his weightlifting movements. He has patiently worked on developing his gymnastics skills and has greatly improved his toes-to-bar and kipping pull-ups. He also brings a positive attitude to every single class and is very encouraging to the other members he works out with. His hard work is paying off and we love having Abe as a part of our OPCF community! Learn more about Abe below!
How long have you been working out at Overland Park CrossFit? 4 or 5 months.
What were your thoughts after your first CrossFit workout? Do you remember what it was? I know I was extremely nervous going in. It was a Foundations class and Jeremy and Jesse were the coaches. I think ‘relieved’ was my first thought. I felt like, “I can do this.” I remember texting Tony immediately after – I was hooked.
What has been your favorite workout so far? Believe it or not, I loved the 100 burpee workout we did several weeks ago.
What is your favorite cheat meal? Ice cream (if that’s considered a meal)!
What did you want to be when you grew up and where do you work now? I always wanted to be a sports agent until I realized I wasn’t cut out for law school:) I am now the owner and president of ETEK.
What do you like to do outside of work? I love love love playing with and helping coach my kiddos. Driveway drinks are also usually on my list of things to do on weekends 😉
What advice would you give a newbie just starting at OPCF? If you’re new, don’t be intimidated. Literally, the members/coaches at OPCF are the best group of people you will meet.
What is your favorite/least favorite movement? I love me some burpees. My least favorite movement is the snatch.
What’s one CrossFit goal you have set for yourself to accomplish this next year? Currently, my 3-month goal is to do a 25′ handstand walk. After that, I’m really going to focus on muscle-ups, while also trying to get better at the Olympic movements.
What changes have you seen in yourself since starting at OPCF? I am definitely more committed to my workouts than I have been in years. I am setting goals for my fitness, which is something I haven’t done in a really long time.
What is your biggest improvement or proudest accomplishment thus far? Getting kipping pull-ups and double-unders! Also, my back is stronger than it’s been in a long time too; all thanks to Leah making me take off the belt 😉
How do you fit working out into your weekly schedule? It’s really a juggling act. My first choice is the noon class because there seems to be a dead spot in my day. If that doesn’t work, then I usually go to 4:30. If that’s not available, then I do my own variation of something at home or at the track. Regardless, I try to do something 6 days per week.
What is something you have always wanted to do but haven’t yet? I really want to go to Scotland. (I love scotch!)