Congratulations to our August Member of the Month, Anthony Raimondi!
In the little bit over a year that Anthony has been a part of the Loco fam, he has been such a blessing. We know the early morning 5AM warriors would agree that he is an amazing human with the most positive attitude, something that is hard to maintain when getting up so early for a workout! It’s also no secret amongst the Loco staff that Anthony has made an impact on the coaches, and personifies what we are all about here – dedication, the willingness to learn, and the eagerness to become a better version ourselves. He is always asking the right questions, checking in with himself and the coaches, and finds ways to hold himself accountable to what needs to be done to move himself forward.
We are proud of your efforts here, Anthony, and we know that translates outside of the gym for you as well! Thank you for being such an important part of our community!
- What is your favorite thing about being a Loco athlete?
The encouragement & support of everyone in the community and coaches.
- How long have you been a member at Loco?
I am pretty sure I joined Loco last July.
- What group fitness offerings do you typically participate in at Loco? Do you have a favorite? Discuss.
Crossfit and Yoga when I can work it in. Crossfit is definitely my main activity. But I also really enjoy practicing yoga. With the unlimited monthly plan I am able to add yoga back into my routine.
- How would you describe the community at Loco?
Encouraging. The culture here is why I have stayed a member. It exists within the members and the coaches. Really neat to have a group of people interested in others becoming better.
- What advice do you have for someone who is intimidated by group fitness?
Confession. I always made fun of Crossfit when I was younger. It seemed like a cult. When I joined Loco I was definitely intimidated to jump into Crossfit. I figured I would probably just do personal training. Through Foundations and listening to encouragement I jumped into Crossfit and have never looked back.
- Favorite music to sweat to?
I love all music, but EDM is really what gets my energy levels to the max.
- Favorite movement/workout?
Any of the more complex movements where you are throwing weight around. Maybe snatches, or cleans. There is something really cool when the mechanics are right, feeling the weight move around more easily.
- Is there a member of the LocoFam that inspires and motivates you to be better? Feel free to give them a shoutout!
It’s gotta be the 5am crew! We are a special group of people and coaches that show up at this time and I love seeing new people give this early morning a shot. I am only here by training since I am a night owl. Thanks to all the members and coaches that have been here to keep me coming back! Feel free to stop by and visit us, it’s great!
- Favorite post-workout meal?
Super boring. My go to is just a simple vanilla protein shake.
- What fitness-related goals do you have for 2023 and beyond?
I have recently decided to work on my squat form a bit to help improve. I chose to do an individual session to help accelerate the progress. The goal being to improve my mobility and strength with all squat movements.
- Describe your athletic abilities in five words or less.
Committed to make progress.
- Give us your background story (you can talk about anything from education to career, to pets, to family, to hobbies, etc).
I am 37 years old and have been in Park Circle for 5 years with my wife. My son was born just after we moved here and turns 4 in August. By the way, he always points out “my gym” when we pass by Loco. For work, Volvo is what brought us here to Charleston, and I have been with Volvo since 2004. Outside work, I enjoy building things and if I am able to find time these days it would probably be some type of woodworking in the garage. I also love music so any type of live music happening locally is also a fun way to spend my time. My faith is important to me as well and is something that keeps me grounded through the days, weeks and years. I like to be ‘healthy’ and I have learned of three areas for me that require separate attention (mind, body, and spiritual health). I am grateful for the coaches and members of Loco to always offer encouragement and support. We do hard things every day and it’s a rare thing to find a community so quick to encourage & support one another day after day.
