Tell us about yourself, hobbies, interests, family, job, etc.
My name is Chad Gustwiller….I am a husband to Gretchen over 7 years and awesome father of daughter Millie (7) and son Zeke (5). I love watching them play recreation sports, and enjoy playing with them at outside. Six years ago we moved back to my wife’s hometown in Ida, from where I grew up in Archbold, OH. I work as Cost Accountant at Martinrea in Manchester, MI. It is an automotive supplier, fluids as fuel line, brake line, filler hose, and capless.
I love playing all sports, men’s softball, flag football, golf, bowling, disc golf and hunting. Unfortunately life is busy and I have given most of them up. I still play Men’s softball for Frickers on Sunday and some weekends with my deaf team. We go to Nationals Softball for the Deaf tournament every year. It is a great way to see old friends and keep the competition alive from our college days.
When my family isn’t running around we enjoy camping and going on fun adventures. I am a member of knights of Columbus and recent joined Ottawa Lake Sportsmen Club.
How long have you been doing CrossFit?
LTF was my first experience at Crossfit in February of 2020.
What do you remember about your first CrossFit experience?
I remembered that one of my friends tagged me on FB for a free 5 day workout raffle, and I jumped right in. I was excited to come and found that it was tough and that I struggled and ran out of gas. I thought I would start with RX wods. Man, I was wrong, I ran out of time. I then went back down to basic level.
What do you most enjoy about CrossFit?
I love working out at LTF CrossFit, the staff and members are very motivating. Before I joined LTF I worked out at home and was not very motivated. I would skip my morning workout thinking oh I will do it later, later would come and go. CrossFit is the best workout I have ever done. I will never look back now.
What do you most enjoy about being part of Light the Fire CrossFit family?
I enjoy working out with a motivational group and all the kudos, well dones, thumbs up, high fives, etc. Great coaches and community.
What motivates you to come to the box?
Getting to a better level and improve time records.
What is you most recent PR/biggest accomplishment?
I pushed myself to go for the RX Wods in January, about time! I was not able to do the strict pull-ups and a few others, however I was able to accomplish some of the workouts. I am happy that I was able to hit over 200 lbs on weightlifting for a power clean, clean and jerk and press push. Very close to hang power clean at 195lbs
What is your favorite wod, lift, movement, or skill?
I love all of weightlifts… Power Clean, Power Snatch, Clean & Jerk and Push Press…
What is your least favorite wod, lift, movement, or skill?
Burpree and wall-ball.
What is your current CrossFit goal?
My goal is to get in better shape and that I’d speed up and even unbroken reps. Strict Pull-Up….My legs, I need to get better at deep down and low…
What would you tell a newbie or someone that has never done CrossFit?
Yes, absolutely!! Anyone can do it… I tell my friends and families about CrossFit. You can do it. There are a lot of different levels that depends on you, coaches will asset you where to start and at what level methods.
Have you had a life changing experience since starting CrossFit?
I joined there since Feb 2020, my weight were 265lbs and now I am 235 to 240lbs.
How has CrossFit affected your life outside of the box?
It has made me a better athlete, less tired and more motivated.
