If you’re a part of the 5:00 AM or have been around for a while, then you probably know who Stephen Savage is! Not only is he our newest Athlete of the Month but he also lives up to his last name! From doing extra work after class to posting impressive times and numbers and even qualifying for the Online Quarterfinals after last year’s Open, he’s truly a hard worker. Make sure to read all about him in our interview below!
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1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m a family man that’s obsessive (typical CrossFit enthusiast). Everything I do is for my family. I like pushing the boundaries of what I can accomplish and obsess over whatever that is. I own and operate three high-volume bar and restaurants in downtown St. Louis and a Charity Pub Crawl. I have been in the bar and restaurant industry for 21 years, it’s my Wheelhouse. I don’t consider my career work however it’s incredibly stressful and the reason my beard is so white (especially after the last 2 years). Outside of my family/friends, work, and CrossFit I enjoy being outdoors preferably on a body of water or mountain and/with bourbon, lots of bourbon.
2. What made you start CrossFit and what has kept you doing it?
After 15 years of various weightlifting, powerlifting, “bodybuilding” and HIT training I was burnt out, plateaued, and bored with my training I finally decided to give CrossFit a try. I’ve been doing CrossFit ever since for 6 years and don’t have any plan of ever stopping which leads me to my next response…
3. Has your motivation changed since you first started?
After realizing years ago that I wouldn’t be a games athlete I took the same mentality with CrossFit that I have with my businesses (and marriage). This is a marathon, not a sprint. While I like to challenge myself physically, I’ve got to be smart. I stretch more, focus on recovery, and listen to my body.
4. What have you learned since joining the CrossFit St. Charles family?
CrossFit is about having fun and enjoying it just as much as it is about trying to improve and become better at CrossFit.
5. What is your favorite movement?
Anything but running.
6. What impact has CF had on you outside of the gym?
Helped me wake up, work out, and start my day all before my family wakes up.
7. What is your next CrossFit goal and how closer are you to reaching it?
Compete in my first individual competition. Pretty close thanks to CFSTC putting on the Mid Rivers Throwdown!
8. What’s something we might not know about you?
I enjoy a good sunset. I also like sunrises but I’m usually in the gym when that is happening. Every now and then I get a glimpse of the sunrise out the back garage door.
9. What advice might you give to someone who is concerning joining CFSTC or is new to the gym?
Concerned about joining- don’t be. What’s the worst that’s gonna happen? You’ll quit and go back to doing what you were before? It’s not for everyone but at least you gave it a try. I also haven’t convinced a single friend to join CrossFit (and I’ve tried on them all) so don’t listen to me.
New members- take it one class at a time. It takes a lot of time and effort but eventually you will be able to do movements, skills, and weights that you never imagined you would be able to.
10. What is the Stephen motto?
Keep improving and pushing the limits
11. If you could write your own WOD, what would it look like?
For time: 100 cal row, 100 thrusters (95#), 100’ handstand walk, 100 wall balls
12. What are two of your favorite songs?
That’s impossible for me to answer. I go through phases but like all the music I have gotten into over my life. I always bounce around. Lynyrd Skynyrd ‘Free Bird’ and ‘Simple Man’ come to mind though. Not sure why.
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Congratulations to Stephen! The entire CFStC team is impressed by you ever since you’ve joined the gym! We know you’ll keep killing it!
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