Mike Hurn
Name: Mike Hurn
Age: 30
Hometown: Potchefstroom, South Africa
How long have you been CrossFitting? 10 months
What is your favorite WOD/Exercise? I like bodyweight exercises, I'd probably say wall walks. Also leg focused WODs are great!
What is your least favorite WOD/Exercise?I am always keen to try all the WODs/exercises but if I had to pick one I would go with sumo deadlift high pull, probably just because of previous shoulder injuries.
What is your previous workout/athletic background? I am generally keen to do any sport, especially ball sports. My main sport was rugby, and I played rugby through to university (age 21) and had to hang up the boots due to shoulder and knee injuries. After rugby I took up endurance sports, started running and cycling and eventually triathlons. A bunch of my friends are doing CrossFit and eventually got me to sign up, and I wished I listened to them earlier!
What was your first experience at CrossFit Cayman like? All the coaches were super helpful to teach me the techniques step by step, scaling movements to allow me to get strong first before attempting the full movement. There is always a positive and healthy competitiveness in the classes among members which I like due to my natural competitive nature.
What results have you seen since CrossFitting? Results in so many different areas! I now have a steady routine that starts with a 6:15am WOD at least 4 days a week, this gives structure to my days and energizes me during my work days as well. During the short time doing CF, I can confidently say my strength has more than doubled, if you would have told me a year ago I would be lifting weights like now, swinging on the bar etc I would have probably laughed at you. It improved my cardio as well to complement cycling and running, and keep me injury free!
What do you do to get yourself through a tough workout (mental thoughts, tips and tricks, etc.)? To be very honest I generally do not think about anything during a workout and basically just focus on the movements. I would generally work out a strategy/plan before the workout starts and then just try to stick to that.
What's your favorite aspect about working out at CrossFit Cayman? The workouts and the balance it has to focus on different muscle groups/fitness areas/skills to improve gradually over time. The coaches are amazing and then the group of people and the community!
What advice do you have for someone thinking about joining CrossFit Cayman? I was hesitant to join CrossFit due to previous injuries and a weak lower back. I can honestly say that CrossFit made me strong in my weak areas which took away those little niggles. It makes you feel confident in your body and you will see results in multiple aspects of your life. CrossFit can meet you where you are and scale with you along the way.