Allow me to introduce a man who typically needs no introduction, Erik Grant.  Erik has been with the Bomber Crew for over 4 years.  He has dedicated himself to getting better each and every day, little by little, and he’s been able to produce tremendous results.  Erik is a staple in the morning crew, and his patriotic shouts, and freedom attire can be spotted as the sun breaks the horizon.  If you’ve not had the chance to say hello to Erik, I’d invite you to try out class at 6am, especially on a Friday – you’ll be glad you did.

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first experience?

I heard of CrossFit back (and I'm guessing here) in 2010 or so.  I had been doing functional stuff (pushing cars, flipping tires, obstacle courses, etc) for a while in conjunction with weightlifting so it wasn't as drastic a change as it could have been.  Additionally, there weren't a lot of affiliates back then so I had to make due with whatever was available on base or close by.  I didn't jump right into it full-bore – it was more of a gradual adoption.  I'd visit local affiliates for special events or the Open WoDs but didn't start doing it full time at a box until I got to Wright-Patt.

 

When did you first come to Bombers CrossFit?

I was in Europe in 2013/2014 and was friends with Adam R.  We had been involved with CrossFit Wright-Patt and I was looking for a more accepting environment (CrossFit WP did not have leadership buy-in at the end) and Adam told me what a great place it was.  I think I joined as soon as I got back in April of 2014.  Difficult to believe it's been over 4 years.

 

How many days do you CrossFit? 

I try to hit the Box 4 or 5 days a week with some other accessory work on my own at home. Recently, I have learned of firearms competitions that blend typical 2 or 3 gun scenarios with CrossFit type exercises and intensity and am adjusting my training to focus on these types of competitions.

 

What classes do you normally take? 

Of course I'm part of the best class Bomber's offers; the 6 am Freedom Friday crew.  Together with the Sheriff of Thrusterville and his lovely bride, the First Lady of Thrusterville (the Ritchies) and the rest of the posse we bring our dynamic, larger-than-life, love of Freedom, fitness and all things Patriotic to Bomber's!!!  Freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeedoooooooooooooooooooooooommmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to Bombers CrossFit? 

Every day is a challenge, there's always something new.  Sure, we do the baseline WoDs to help track our progress, but most of the time we see some devilish combination that put's us out of our comfort zone.  Bomber's is also the best affiliate I've been to – you can feel the family atmosphere and focus on getting people fit at your very first class.  The coaches really make it happen.  You can tell they care about each individual's progression and needs as an athlete not to mention the friendships that have developed over the years. They make sure to focus on proper fundamentals and making sure new folks feel right at home.  

 

What’s your favorite thing about the Dayton area? 

Bombers Fitness, lack of traffic jams, and easy access to firearms.  We have a lot of Freedom in Ohio – low taxes, personal freedoms some other states encroach on and people who are genuine and down to earth.

 

What accomplishment are you the proudest of (inside and outside of the gym)? 

When I was in Europe I won a regional competition (The Lowlands Throwdown) that was open to European affiliates for my age group.  That was pretty cool.  Also, making the Master's online qualifier for two years was pretty sweet as well. Outside of the gym I'm fortunate to have raised two awesome children, who, by all appearances, have not been irretrievably scarred by my parenting.  My son joined the National Guard and is presently attending training at Ft Sill and doing well and my daughter is in her junior year at Beavercreek High while also taking some CCP classes and doing very well – I couldn't be more proud.

 

 

After a hard workout, what is your favorite meal? 

Anything with bacon. I'm a fan of all-day breakfast – there's no way a large breakfast meal of corned beef hash, bacon, eggs, and sausage can be overrated. 

 

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit? 

I'm a big firearms enthusiast as many know and am currently focused on building up my home-based FFL (Firearms) business.  I try to go shooting once a week and work on some of the other fundamentals at home. Political discourse also piques my interest occasionally, though it depends on the crowd.  I'm employed as a Reverse Engineer/Cyber Security Researcher so, of course, anything computer security related can get me talking. Personal privacy in the digital world and how social media networks track, collect and sell information on us deeply interests me as well.

 

What is one goal within the gym that you’re working on? 

We tend to get less fit and weaker as we get older – I'm trying to stave that off perpetually. Each day I try to get a little better. If I can make small improvements and maintain what I have that's a victory.

 

 

What impact has CrossFit had on your life/lifestyle/level of fitness? 

CrossFit is a lifestyle to some.  I wouldn't say I'm that much of a cool-aid drinker but I love the friendships, camaraderie and sense of family I get from Bombers.  Being active and fit helps us in all walks of life.  CrossFit enables me to do pretty much whatever I want to do physically.  As you get older you have to be a little smarter about it but you should still be able to do whatever you want, and I do.  The friendships are what's most important to me; the fun we have, memories and adventures, all the events with the joking around and the laughter. These are things we'll remember and cherish.  I wouldn't trade the Bomber's family for anything.  Money can't buy what we have.

 

What advice would you give to a newbie? 

Focus on the fundamentals. Maintain a positive attitude. Focus on your personal goals; maybe you just want to lose a few pounds or maybe you want to be able to deadlift 700 lbs. They're both worthy goals but they need to be your goals.   Don't compare yourself to anyone else – do your own workout.  There are always going to be people stronger or faster or better than you at some things.  Focus on making small improvements each day – small improvements add up to huge gains over time.  Don't think there's a shortcut to becoming elite.