Name ( nicknames): Ro; Physio Guy; Magician; Torturer
Occupation: Physiotherapist
How were you introduced to Cross Fit & How long have you been doing CrossFit?
I started doing Crossfit at my friend’s gym (Crossfit Indestri) up in Collingwood. I really enjoyed it and asked her where I should go that was close to home. She’s also a Physio that tries to minimize injury with her members. I told her that I wanted to go to a place that had great coaching and would minimize my chances of getting hurt. She told me that CFM was the place to go — they had experienced coaches and great programming, (and it was less than 10 minutes from my place).
What made you decide to join CFM?
I found a great, supportive community with knowledgeable coaches. They are able to provide alternative movements to members without hesitation – that’s pretty important to see in my line of work. I’ve actually learned a lot about movement and patterning by going to classes and listening to the cues that they give to their members. It’s helped me with active patients and professional athletes in my practice!
Favourite Lifts/ Wods?
Favourite Lift = Bench!!!
Favourite WOD = anything with body weight and no double unders (Angie, Barbara, Cindy)
3 Things you Would Definitely Find in my Fridge…
Limes, Tonic (for the weekend G&T), Dark Chocolate Almond Milk (to add to the Chocolate Protein Shakes)
Favourite Place to Eat?
Local Place: Folco’s on Friday – Love the pasta cooked in the Grand Padano Cheese wheel
Further Out: Vij’s (in Vancouver)
Proudest Accomplishments:
GYM: stringing strict muscle-ups together
Professional: Starting a local clinic within the Markham neighbourhood
Personal: Raising 3 awesome kids that love activity and fitness
Something People Wouldn’t Know About Me:
I was born in Montreal and grew up in the USA for some of my formative years… Go Buckeyes! And I love to snowboard in the winter…
Biggest Struggle in Life?
Balancing life, work, and keeping the wife happy
Do you Have a Mentor, or Someone You Look Up To? If so Who?
Professionally, I’m surrounded by a great group of people that have helped me develop my skills (clinical and teaching).
Who Inspires You?
I honestly love watching athletes and patients achieve and surpass their fitness and rehab goals… It’s crazy watching someone PR a lift, or be able to walk and jump again after surgery. It makes me realize how lucky I am to be (relatively) healthy.
What Music I like Listening to While Working Out:
Lifting: Hip Hop or Rock
Running: Classic House
Anything else you would like to say (Open Comments):
I really enjoy the environment at CFM/CA… Creating a great group of members and staff is hard work — Kudos! And I hate being photographed… I feel super awkward in these photos.