March Athlete of the Month – Kurt Antonini

We are thrilled to announce that our March Athlete of the Month is Kurt Antonini. Kurt has been with us for 8 out of the 10 years that these doors have been open. He has seen us grow just as much as we have seen him grow. He is the kind of member that we like to call a “lifer”. We know that no matter what he will show up, put his best foot forward, and always prioritize his fitness. Kurt, we thank you for allowing us to be a part of your life! Check out a few things that Kurt had to say about his CrossFit journey.

1) What is your biggest motivation?

My biggest motivation is my health. My wife and I have too many things we want to do and see. Staying active gives us the best opportunity to make the most of our experiences.

2) Your favorite quote or words to live by?

“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” – Confucius

3) What is your current training goals/PRs?

Finish all the 2021 open events in my scaled division.

4) Take us back to your first day of CrossFit… How did you feel? How do you compare it to workouts today?

I joined CFRR in 2012. My start to CrossFit was fairly typical. I was very sore and CrossFit at that point was a hobby and not really significant to me. It took about 9 months before I really turned things around when my wife and I made serious diet and lifestyle changes. At that point, my fitness accelerated massively and the rest is mostly history.

5) What advice do you have for new athletes just starting out in CrossFit?

Two things

Don’t be afraid of the “lifestyle change” that goes along with exercise and eating right. Take the transition one day at a time and you will simply evolve into a better, healthier person.
Don’t expect CrossFit Round Rock to be just another CrossFit gym. CrossFit has this unfortunate stigma involving people overexerting themselves, passing out, being sick, etc. This rarely happens at CFRR (I actually don’t think I have ever seen those things happen). The program at CFRR is smarter. Every class is a stepping stone to the next milestone. Listen to the coaches, listen to your body, mobilize, and you will be thrilled with your progress.

6) Tell us about a moment you felt most proud of yourself during a workout?

I went into Open Workout 17.3 expecting not to come close to finishing. In the first heat, I was the only one who did (albeit, with a bit of a scale on the snatch weight).

7) What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?

My wife and I are foodies and go to concerts all the time. When we aren’t working out, there’s a 99% chance we’re spending time with our three dogs. Additionally, I am a huge tech and music enthusiast.

8) What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Round Rock?

It’s a bit of a cliché, but to me, it’s the community. Even as the people at CFRR change, there is an inherited camaraderie that passes from member to member.

9) If you could create a WOD and name it for yourself, what would it be?

While I enjoy strength, my workout would be a dual-metcon affair.

Metcon 1 (Oly) – EMOM 10

1 Power Clean, 1 Hang Muscle clean

Metcon 2 (Cardio) – Patterned Assault Bike (Kurt’s Ten Minutes of Hell)

Minute 1 – Bike :10, Rest :50

Minute 2 – Bike :20, Rest :40

Minute 3 – Bike :30, Rest :30

Minute 4 – Bike :40, Rest :20

Minute 5 – Bike :50, Rest :10

Minute 6 – Bike :40, Rest :20

Minute 7 – Bike :30, Rest :30

Minute 8 – Bike :20, Rest :40

Minute 9 – Bike :10, Rest :50

Minute 10 – 1 minute cool down

10) How has your diet changed since starting CrossFit (if it has), and what foods do you rely on most?

My diet has changed pretty drastically. I do not drink beer anymore, and I rarely eat wheat or corn. I eat a limited amount of rice and eat a mostly plant-based primal diet. I still have some fun (cheese tastings, wine drinking), but I feel as though I can appreciate those experiences much more because I limit my exposure.