The CrossFit St Charles Athlete of the Month for May is Bryan Schell! Read on to discover what makes Bryan stand out in our community.
Tell us a little about yourself
I’m a typical Gen X guy. I grew up pre social media and spent a lot of time playing sports, video games (OG Nintendo Entertainment System) and listening to music with my friends while driving aimlessly around Colorado Springs. I went to college at Colorado State, and after 6 years working in Denver, I moved to St Louis (19 years ago!) for my job and haven’t looked back. I have 6 kids total now including my step children, and they age from 23 to 10. So basically we are always busy!
I am a weekend BBQer, with both a charcoal and pellet smoker (if you know you know), as well as an aspiring pizza artist. I guess I like to eat so I have learned to make good foods!
what made you start crossfit and what has kept you doing it?
I first started Crossfit about 10 years ago. I wanted to lose a few pounds and my brother was a CrossFit coach in a gym in LA so he talked me into trying it. It was a great recommendation from him. As far as what has kept me doing it? Well, I had a lot of success when I first started. I lost weight and saw immediate results. However, I ended up stopping for a while (life threw some curves at me). I started again, then stopped again. Then moved to Cottleville and started again and
here I am! LOL. Life happens, but I seem to be drawn to it.
Has your motivation changed since you first started?
My motivation has definitely changed over time. I went from wanting to set new PRs, etc. regularly… to now where I just want to get back to where I was 10 years ago (if possible). But even more importantly I want to be consistent. I think now I have a more long term view of fitness.
What have you learned since joining the CrossFit St. Charles family?
I have learned a lot! I am learning from the coaches all the time. Little things they notice help me with techniques/form/etc. It really makes a big difference to have people who want to help you. Old habits are hard to break, but having people coach you up is great for improving skills. I have also learned that just showing up even on the days when you want to throw the alarm across the room is important. Just show up!
What is your favorite movement?
My favorite movement… Cleans. I used to be sadistic enough to love thrusters because the ensuing pain and soreness told me what I was doing was working… but I seem to really like Cleans these days.
What impact has CF had on you outside of the gym?
CF impact outside the gym? I am sleeping better! Consistent CrossFit may be an unspoken cure for sleepless nights! I just feel physically better and it is very noticeable.
What is your next CrossFit goal and how close are you to reaching it?
My next CF goal is 5 days a week regularly.. I am pretty close, hitting 3-4 regularly now. But I want to be there 5 days a week very soon.
What’s something we might not know about you?
Something you might not know… I love snowboarding, and don’t get to go enough! I also am deep down the rabbit hole of crypto & sports cards/trading cards… I like to keep my mind occupied.
What advice might you give to someone who is considering joining CFStC or is new to the gym?
Advice: 100% try it! The people at the gym are incredibly friendly and the coaches are excellent. CF can seem intimidating, but everything is 100% customizable to meet you where you are. Just show up and try it. The only thing in your way is you! It is so nice to go to a CrossFit class and have a coach tell you what to do.
What is the Bryan Motto?
The Bryan Motto: “F**k it, let’s do it.” As I get older, I realize how quickly time flies. So might as well do the things you
want now instead of putting them off until “someday” which may never come…
If you could write your own WOD, what would it look like?
My own WOD? Hmmm. I like the long grinders… So probably something with multiple rounds of long rowing, cleans, and dumbbell push presses.
Way to go Bryan! We are so proud of you!
