The CrossFit St Charles Athlete of the Month for June is Matthew Dorton!
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I’m a born and raised St. Louis area native, and have lived in St. Charles for three and a half years now. I have a 3-year old chocolate lab (Coco) who keeps me busy, and has been an absolute joy in my life. I enjoy all things outdoors, including playing sports (golf and pickleball mostly these days), grilling, hiking/biking, float trips, shooting trap/skeet, and more. I am also a big car guy and enjoy getting out for a drive with the windows down and the music up.
What made you start CrossFit and what has kept you doing it?
I got into CrossFit because I was tired of the “Globo Gym” scene that I had been in for 15+ years, and wanted to be more social with my fitness journey. I also realized that prioritizing more functional movements more closely aligns with my fitness goals as I get older.
Has your motivation changed since you first started?
My motivation has definitely changed since I started. When I first joined CrossFit, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, so I was happy with a change of pace from the commercial gym life. Now I’m motivated to learn and be proficient at all of the movements (double unders, muscle ups, etc) so that I can start completing workouts as they’re prescribed.
What have you learned since joining the CrossFit St. Charles family?
It’s been a humbling experience for sure. I used to think I was in excellent shape and could compete with the best, but CrossFit has some incredible athletes, and combining cardio with strength training has challenged me like never before. As far as the CrossFit family goes, I’ve very much enjoyed meeting members and coaches and look forward to showing up to familiar and friendly faces every time I go!
What is your favorite movement?
I’ve come to really enjoy the clean and jerk. I had tried these in years past and thought I was incapable of doing them due to wrist mobility, but through great coaching and my own persistence, I’m happy to see when these are a part of the workout.
What impact has CF had on you outside of the gym?
It has made me consistently sore! But, in a good way of course. A more serious answer would be that I can tell my cardio has improved. I used to breathe heavily on a brisk uphill walk, but now it feels easy.
What is your next CrossFit goal and how close are you to reaching it?
My next CrossFit goal is to obtain double unders. I’ve been working on it here and there, and feel like I’m decently close to having them. Hopefully one day they just click for me like they have for so many others.
What’s something we might not know about you?
I played the violin for 10 years growing up! Unfortunately not so much anymore, but I could still play if a violin was handed to me.
What advice might you give to someone who is considering joining CFStC or is new to the gym?
My advice would be to try it out! Everyone (coaches and members) is friendly and welcoming and happy to answer any questions you may have.
What is the Matt Motto?
Keep showing up! You’ll never regret going to a workout, but you certainly might regret not going! With this in mind, it’s important to listen to your body as well. There is no shame in taking a rest day.
If you could write your own WOD, what would it look like?
Anything but thrusters! My own WOD would include some combination of power cleans, bench press, and pull-ups.
Way to go Matthew! We are so proud of you!
