Carl is a Baltimore County Native, who has been involved in some form of weightlifting and athletics since high school. He was introduced to CrossFit in 2020 and was hooked immediately.
What led you to try CrossFit?
I was aware of CrossFit and became increasingly curious about it in 2020. My co-worker at the time talked me into trying it out at a local gym that she belonged to. After I was able to process what had happened to me during the initial class, I was hooked and signed up pretty much immediately. After a few breaks due to the covid gym closures and fracturing my foot twice, I am still at it.
Why did you continue to CrossFit?
I think Ben Ben Bergeron said it best.
“If you tell yourself when you’re lying on the floor after the workout and your lungs are trying to like rip through your ribs and your legs are filled with battery acid and your mind is swirling and you’re wondering if you’re going to live, at that moment you can tell yourself, yes, this is the feeling. Yes, this is what I work so hard for. Yes, this is the carrot that I have been chasing. I know that if I keep doing this I will get to be be exactly where I want to be. I pushed into that dark place where I need to be able to go. Thank you for doing that. I LOVE this feeling! And you can tell yourself that story then all of a sudden you don’t fear that in the next workout it becomes the thing you are chasing. Nothing changes you until it gets hard. When you are stretched. That’s when you get better. So we need to put ourselves in those situations where you are uncomfortable.“
-Ben Bergeron
Describe how your attitude towards health and fitness has evolved since you began your journey
When I first started in fitness the plan was to just throw some weights around and get swole. True to a degree however, my attitude changed when I realized that health and fitness isn’t granted. You have to walk towards it while attempting to balance various disciplines. Constant learning at a top-notch gym like Titan CrossFit with its amazing owners, coaches and members makes all the difference.
Share a memorable CrossFit moment that makes you laugh or puts a smile on your face
Anytime I get to around 10 double-unders in a row I involuntarily yell out something like, “OH SH***!”.
What are you proud of and why?
I crashed and burned during my very first open workout. It was bad! The results just didn’t sit well with me, so I had to give it another shot. The second time around I was able to get past my sticking point and perform a lot better. A small victory but one that I am proud of.
What’s your advice for other CrossFitters or people looking to start?
If CrossFit calls to you, answer! You won’t regret it.
Why the coaches chose Carl as Titan of the month
Carl consistently portrays perseverance when it comes to learning and perfecting new movements. When he is frustrated he steps back and then tries harder. He seeks out and takes the advice of coaches and peers. Carl takes criticism to heart and learns from it. The longer he does CrossFit, the more his focus shifts to moving safely and efficiently. He’s truly become part of the Titan community. He greets new people with his kind, attentive and selfless personality.
