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.
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.