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From Coach Pete: When I think of Jen and her CrossFit journey so far, words like committed and dedicated come to mind. Day in and day out, Jen has put the work in to improve her skills and technique. Her ability to be coachable has earned her much success so far and I couldn’t be happier that Jen has found her home with us at Roaster Barbell. You deserve all the success that you have been enjoying! I cant wait to see whats next for you!

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1) What is your why? What gets you out of bed in the morning?

The idea of becoming the best “me” that I can be and setting a good example for my son is what gets me out of bed in the morning. I use to be someone that was always focused on others and making sure everyone else was alright before I worried about myself. Over the last year, I have learned that I need to make myself a priority because I will not be able to continue to help others if I am on empty. 

2) What brought you to Roaster Barbell?

At the beginning of 2020, I was in a rough place mentally and physically and I decided that I needed to figure out how to make myself happy and healthy again. I started making better choices with nutrition and got back into running. After a few months of running, I got bored and wanted to try something new. I knew Nancy and Amanda both worked out at Roaster so I thought I would give it a try and I am glad that I did. It has been one of the best decisions I have made for both my physical and mental health. 

3) What is your favorite movement in the gym?

When I first started at Roaster, I would have said anything that had to do with running because that is my comfort zone. However, now I would say any of the gymnastics skills. I’m not great at them yet but every time that I make even the slightest improvement, it gets me excited to come back the next day and try again. 

4) What is your least favorite movements in the gym?

I would say that wallballs are probably my least favorite movement because I have a hard time catching the ball due to pain in my shoulder. I’m also not a big fan of the skierg but it’s growing on me. 

5) What is your biggest obstacle so far?

My biggest obstacle is getting out of my own head. I have always been a perfectionist and have high expectations for myself. I tend to get frustrated when I am not able to learn things as quickly as I want to, or do things as well as others, and then I want to give up. I am quickly learning that I need to stop comparing myself to others and focus on continuing to just get better each day. There is always going to be someone who is faster and stronger. My goal when I joined Roaster was to become healthier and as long as I continue to show up each day and push myself as hard as I can, than I am accomplishing that goal. 

6) What is your greatest accomplishment so far?

My greatest accomplishment at Roaster so far has actually just been stepping into the gym for the first time. I have always been incredibly shy and have severe anxiety when I am outside of my comfort zone. A year ago I would never have stepped foot into the gym out of fear but over the last year, I decided that the only way I can get better and be the best “me” I can be, is to step out of my comfort zone. So a few months ago, I pushed myself to walk through the door and I haven’t looked back since. 

7) If you could have lunch with anyone in history, who would you choose?

Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger. Rudy has been one of my favorite movies ever since the first time I saw it. I even wrote my college entrance essay about it. I would love to just ask him how he was able to keep pushing through all the obstacles he went through in order to accomplish his goal even when everyone else told him he couldn’t do it.  

8) How has the gym affected your life outside of the gym?

The gym has helped me to feel comfortable in my own skin and has given me a lot more confidence. Over the last few months, I have had so many people tell me that they have seen changes in me and that I seem so much happier and the gym has played a big part in me making those changes.

9) What is the most important part of your day?

The most important part of my day is the time that I get to spend connecting with my son. He is an incredibly sweet and intelligent kid and getting to watch him get excited about things is what makes me happy. 

10) In your opinion, what is the most important aspect of life?

In my opinion, the most important aspect of life is relationships and connections with people. I have recently learned just how important my relationships with friends and family are. I have had some pretty rough times over the last year and a half and I don’t know where I would be without the support of these people in my life. 

11) If you had the choice, would you have infinite strength or infinite cardiovascular endurance?

I guess infinite cardiovascular endurance because running is my escape. When I am running, my mind wanders and I can forget about things that have been stressing me out and I usually feel better after.

12) Who is someone that you look up to and why?

Someone that I look up to is my dad. When I was younger, my dad was overweight and smoked. He lived by his motto, “I’d rather die fat and happy than skinny and miserable”. When my nephew was born, my dad finally decided to quit smoking so that he could be around for his grandkids, and that was 16 years ago. Then 5 years ago, when he retired, he decided he needed to take his health seriously and make some changes. He changed his diet, took up pickle ball (sometimes playing twice a day), and lost a lot of weight. He has worked really hard and become a much healthier version of himself, for himself and his family. The changes that I saw in him are what helped me to see that I could work toward making my own changes and become a much healthier person mentally and physically for myself and my own family. I hope to make him as proud of me as I am of him. 

13) What has been the most impactful thing you have learned in the gym about yourself?

I have learned that I am capable of a lot more than I think I am. I just have to have confidence in myself and not give up when things are hard. 

14) Is there anything else that you would like to add?

I am just very grateful for the Roaster community. It has really helped me on my journey to becoming the best version of “me” that I can be. I have met so many amazing people who are supportive and help push me to do things that I sometimes don’t think that I can do. This place has had an immense impact on both my mental and physical health and I am very thankful for that.

Even though over 1 billion people drink coffee everyday all over the world, only a small percent of those select a single origin bean from a respected roaster. Premium coffee is unique, and distinguished. Its virtuosity is immediately recognized. The roaster takes great pride in his craft and takes care of his product. It is sourced, purchased, prepared, and consumed with respect and integrity.

When creating a name for the community now known as Roaster Barbell, it didn’t take long to see the similarities between coffee and fitness. Roaster Barbell embraces the coffee roaster and his methods in delivering a world class product to a select group of individuals that have determined that average will no longer suffice.

#TEAMROASTERBARBELL

Its that time again! Its time to get out and enjoy that cool spring air and starting building some miles into your training. But first, lets take a look at your shoes. Are you using the same shoes as last year? I mean, why not? Right?

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Chances are your running shoes from last year need to be retired. In fact, your shoes have a lifetime that must be respected or else you may suffer the consequences. The miles you put on last years shoes have taken its toll, no doubt. As we accumulate miles on our running shoes, we compress the sole and midsole. Once this compression has created visible squish marks on the sole, your shoes are ready to get retired and replaced. This compression is not unusual, in fact, its on purpose to keep you safe! Knowing when to swap out your old running shoes could save you weeks of uncomfortable training and maybe even save you from having an injury.

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So as the weather continues to improve here in Ohio, lets be aware of our gear and continue to train safely! If you need some guidance with your training, send Coach Pete a message and lets get you on a good path forward! Email: ptaylor@mail.bw.edu

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#TEAMROASTERBARBELL

*** UPDATE: SOLD OUT ***

Thank you! At this time, this set of 10 classes is 100% full.

Parents! Let’s get your little ones moving!

In a world filled with tablets, computer screens, and video games your child’s activity is in need of a jumpstart. Our CrossFit Kids program is just the thing to get your 6-12 year old moving while having fun at the same time. This 60 min class will take place every Sunday at Noon at Roaster Barbell. We are limiting this to the first 16 registered kids in order to maintain proper social distancing. The cost for this program is $130 and will include all 10 classes.

The dates for this set of classes are as follows:

NOON – Sunday, January 17, 2021

NOON – Sunday, January 24, 2021

NOON – Sunday, January 31, 2021

NOON – Sunday, February  7, 2021

NOON – Sunday, February  14, 2021

NOON – Sunday, February  21, 2021

NOON – Sunday, February  28, 2021

NOON – Sunday, March  7, 2021

NOON – Sunday, March  14, 2021

NOON – Sunday, March  21, 2021

Program Expectations: The goal of our CrossFit Kids program is to actively encourage your children to learn about fitness through games, skills, and teamwork. This hour long class is sure to keep your kids engaged and entertained while safely coaching them in a small group atmosphere.

Thank you for your interest in our CrossFit Kids program and we look forward to see you and your family! Please email Coach Pete at ptaylor@mail.bw.edu if you have any questions or concerns.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of athletes from around the world participate in the largest CrossFit event in the world. We call this event The Open. The Open is the first of multiple stages designed to find the fittest on Earth in multiple divisions. What makes The Open unique is that the participants get to complete the workouts from their Affiliate with their own community and coaches. In 2021, The Open will begin Thursday, March 11th and will last for about three weeks. Every week, the director of The CrossFit Games, Dave Castro, will release a workout or two that must be completed and submitted within a small window if it is to be officially counted.

So what does this mean for the average CrossFitter? With the ultimate goal of The CrossFit Games to find the fittest on Earth, where do you fit into this equation? Thats a great question! At Roaster Barbell, we use The Open as an opportunity to get together, have some fun, and compete against ourselves. The Open is a way of being part of something bigger than ourselves.

For some, The Open is their opportunity to do something they’ve never done before. Things are always impossible, until they’re not. Maybe double unders have been your goat. Or maybe, you’re looking for that extra motivation to get that first pull-up. The Open offers those opportunities and much more.

The Open is inclusive. In recent years CrossFit HQ has made a concerted effort in making The Open accessible to anyone. 2021 will be no different. Just like any CrossFit class in the world, The Open is infinitely scalable meaning anyone, of any ability can throw down with the rest of the world and have some fun in the process.

For some, The Open is their ultimate proving grounds, their Super Bowl of the fitness world. And for some its just another workout of the day and an opportunity to get better. At the end of the day, lets not forget why all of us are involved with CrossFit and fitness in general; we are pursuing improved health and fitness while improving our quality of life. The Open is just another arena for this to take place!

You can learn more and read the 2021 Official Rulebook HERE!

-Coach Pete

From Coach Pete: Cassie is one of those athletes that is just special. Whether its her ability to learn new things quickly, be supportive of others, or her desire to become the best version of herself, she just gets it done with all of her heart. One of the most important characteristics an athlete can have in order to be successful is their ability to be coachable. Her ability to accept criticism and apply it moving forward has allowed her to overcome many obstacles on her journey. Being a coach herself at the high school varsity level has given her great perspective on how to be coachable and be a great teammate. Besides her high level performance in the gym, her ability to influence and help others is really where she excels. Cassie is truly a great teammate and everything a coach could want in an athlete. This is why her success is far from a surprise. Thank you Cassie for your continued effort and your ability to lift others up around you.

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1 – What is your “why”? What gets you out of bed in the morning?

My goal is to be the best version of myself everyday for Zola, my family, Jillian, my friends and for whoever needs me to help get themselves out of bed in the morning (students, colleagues, the people at the coffee shop, members at the gym, etc.).

2 – If you could accomplish 1 thing in the next 10 years, athletically or professionally, what would that be?

Stop living to work and start working to live.

3 – What brought you to Roaster Barbell?

100% the Community. Around this time 3-Years ago I walked into Roaster 1.0 with a huge list of all the things (I thought) I couldn’t do. I saw the professionalism and the culture of accountability that Pete instilled in the gym and I was all in. You are the average of the people you surround yourself with. There are still things I can’t do, yet, but I know I will get there with the help of the people in this gym.

4 – What is your favorite thing to do in the gym?

Long WODs with some kind of barbell work involved.

(And shooting the shit with everyone before, during and after class! Some of our random conversations make my day!)

5 – What is your least favorite thing in the gym?

Any isometric accessory stuff.

6 – How has your training in the gym impacted your life outside of the gym?

(1) Major anxiety & stress relief! Getting your workout done before the sunrises is the best way to start your day off with a WIN. This rolls into (2) Enjoying life’s little moments more. When you find a routine and discipline your mind feels less cluttered and starts creating space to let the good stuff in. This helps with (3) building relationships. Slowing down and taking the time to get to know people is also part of the “good stuff.” (4) Confidence. Achieving a goal, mentally pushing through a challenge, and physically feeling better is a major confidence boost. You stand a little taller knowing what you can do.

7 – In your opinion, what is the most important aspect of life?

Relationships

8 – If you could be any professional CF Games Athlete, who would you be and why?

Julie Foucher, currently a medical student at the Cleveland Clinic. She just seems like the type of person that does CrossFit because it improves her wellbeing, not for the trophy, which is what most of us are here for! She makes a living helping others who are sick and on her free time she shares her insight on how to live a healthier life. Knowledge is powerful but it is even more powerful when it is shared with others.

9 – What aspects of health and fitness do you find most difficult and why?

Diet and Nutrition. Working out is easy. You make time for it, you go to the gym, and you’re surrounded by people who are there for the same reasons as you. Going out with friends, going to a restaurant, family parties, or living with a person who may not particularly value it as much as you do makes it hard to eat the things you should. Also, life is fast! There’s no denying it can be hard to make time to actually cook for yourself versus stopping somewhere quick for lunch.

10 – If you had the choice, would you rather have infinite strength, or infinite cardiovascular endurance?

Strength. As long as I have an able body I better be able to stand it up tall.

11 – What would you say to someone that asks you about the gym and was looking to get started?

You will always have weaknesses and there will always be someone better than you. Get over it. Comparison is the thief of joy. Set goals for yourself and when you achieve them, no matter how small, celebrate them. You’ll love this place because I guarantee the people you start to workout with on a daily basis will notice and celebrate with you!

13 – Do you have anything else you would like to add?

Go Browns.