Member Spotlight - David Wilkey

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

In the seventh installment of our "Member Spotlight", we're featuring a guy who will single-handedly put my kid through college with his Trutein addiction! All kidding aside, this guy deserves a ton of credit for his commitment, work ethic, and coachability. He came to us with a history of shoulder injuries, so naturally he was a little hesitant to go all in. As we do with everyone, we emphasized mobility and technique first, then consistency with good technique, and finally we layer in the intensity. He stuck to the plan and it has truly paid off. Now he is pain-free and kicking ass on a daily basis! Introducing...

Dave Wilkey

What got you started and how long have you been at the SHOP?

Stephanie (my wife) had been going to a CrossFit box for a couple years in Virginia and was always urging me to try it out.  Mainly it was the fear of re-injuring my shoulders that kept me from trying CrossFit (the shoulders that I injured repeatedly doing random workouts at a regular gym). We moved to Oregon in September of 2015 and started at The Shop about a week or two later (it was seeing all  the kettlebells that finally convinced me - love me some kettlebells!) and I've been coming 4 times per week ever since.

With what movement(s) have you seen the most progress?

When I started, I really couldn't do the basics (burpees, wallballs, pushups) without feeling some pain in my shoulders - that pain is gone and my shoulders have never felt better or been stronger than they are now. I love doing kettlebell and barbell snatches and making steady progress with them has been pretty awesome.

What do you like to do outside the gym?

We were pretty preoccupied with the new house, the chickens and the puppy in 2016, but getting a garden in and getting the camping gear out is high on our list for 2017.  I'm going to get around to brewing some beer again too, but having so many great local beers to choose from can make a person lazy...

What movement(s) would you like to improve on in the next few months?

Handstands are my nemesis, and I'd really like to get up into one within the next 3 months. Of course after that comes handstand pushups.

Favorite place to eat in/near Corvallis?

I could probably eat at Laughing Planet 4 or 5 days a week and never get tired of it.  Nearly Normal's and Gathering Together Farm are up there too.

What advice would you give members just starting out at the SHOP?

I think the variation of workouts from day to day plays a big part in enabling injury-free progress and the sense of accomplishment that comes with it.  All you really have to do is show up consistently and get working (and there are modifications for everyone).