1. Name:
Johnny Martin
2. How long have you been doing CrossFit (and at TBL)? What class(es) do you normally attend?
I’ve been doing CrossFit for around 3 years, and I’ve been at TBL since November. During the school year (I’m a teacher), my hours were really random, but during the summer, I was here every morning at 6! Starting on Wednesday, I’ll be here every morning before the sun rises.
3. What’s your why? Why did you start? Why do you stay?
I have tried everything under the sun after my time in organized sports ended, and this has been the only thing that keeps me coming back every time. The competition, camaraderie, and especially the community is second to none. Plus, this is essentially adult P.E. class, and what’s more fun than that?!?
4. What does a typical day look like for you? In and outside of the gym!
I am coaching at TBL on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Outside of that, I am a high school English teacher and I run the youth writing programs for UCONN, so my days are filled with reading, writing, and especially my students, who are all juniors and seniors getting ready for college or wherever life takes them. In my free time, I love to eat, do some yoga, read, and watch The Office on repeat!
5. What do you enjoy most about Silk City Fit? Favorite/least favorite movement?
TBL is a family, and it’s the best thing about it. When I come in, I’m not coming for a workout, I’m coming to see my best friends. Living here, I am two hours from home, and making friends as an adult is TOUGH, but this gym has been amazing to me. My favorite movement is a sandbag clean, and my least favorite are handstand push-ups, but I have been working on them every single day!
6. After a hard workout, what is your favorite meal?
After a hard workout, I need to make something quick because I am STARVING, so a quick shake, two eggs and a bunch of egg whites, and an English muffin with chunky peanut butter.
7. What is one goal you are currently working on?
Just to be a better, more well-rounded human being. I simply want to be a stronger, faster, and happier version of me!
8. What is one tip you would give to incoming/new members?
Talk to everyone! TBL is obviously an amazing workout, I’ve never worked out harder than in this gym, but the people are incredible. They each have an unbelievable story and are worth getting to know.
9. What accomplishment are you most proud of (inside and outside of the gym)?
I’m really proud to be a part of this amazing community and to have the opportunity to help every member here as a coach, it’s an incredible honor and one that makes me really proud. CrossFit has allowed me to do things physically and mentally that I never thought possible, and I am so excited to share that with others. I’m also super proud of the work I do in the classroom. I am Wethersfield Public School’s Teacher of the Year for 2019-2020 and I just got the word that I am a semi-finalist for Connecticut State Teacher of the Year, which has been truly shocking and humbling. I truly love what I do both in and out of the gym and I’m just super excited to be here!
