Earlier this month, we announced our efforts to launch a group class for the 55+ age group this fall. Coaching and managing that class will be Coach Michael, and we’re so excited for you to meet him! Michael has been dropping into Loco classes for almost 2 years, and works to collaborate on this project have been in discussion for quite some time. Continue reading to learn about Michael, as he shares a bit about the health and wellness journey that led him to Loco.
Coach Michael Moore – ‘About Me’
I started CrossFit over nine years ago at the age of 63. Prior to starting, I had just had my annual physical. I weighed 208 pounds, took blood pressure medicine, took cholesterol and triglyceride medicine, and was warned that my blood sugar was rising and would soon need medicine to control it since diabetes is familial. Although I did play basketball twice a week, working at Georgia Southern meant a largely sedentary life.
My son was a member of a CrossFit in Atlanta and told me how varied CrossFit was and how all the movements could be scaled. I joined CrossFit Boro in August of 2013. I attended three days a week. At the same time, I started watching my diet. I cut out bread, pasta, and soft drinks. I ate more meat, salads, and vegetables, and snacked on almonds. In the beginning of my CrossFit experience, I could barely do the movements even scaled. It was difficult to run 400 meters without stopping. Although frustrated with my abilities, I also knew that if I didn’t do something that I was in a long slow decline and did not want an existence where I couldn’t play with my grandchildren or travel and do what I wanted.
After a year of CrossFit, my annual physical revealed my weight to be 180 (it is currently 164), I no longer needed blood pressure medicine or cholesterol medication. My A1 blood sugar was perfect. All my other blood tests were normal. I was stronger, faster, and better. Even more importantly, I found a community I respected. We cheered each other on and supported each other. The coaches taught me to move safely. When I left CrossFit Boro each time, I always felt a sense of accomplishment. The work was challenging and I learned to push myself and focus on learning.
Coaching Experience
Seven years ago, I earned my coaching certificate and I also earned a CrossFit Kids certificate. As a teacher/educator, working with different populations allowed me to combine my education background and CrossFit background. CrossFit Boro owner, Ryan Brack, Head Coach Alex Trahan, and I talked about expanding our program to reach a special older group that might want to change the direction of their lives.
Workouts would be scaled individually for participants and would focus on purposeful movements for an hour each session. We wanted to be the place where members could make a difference in their lives. As the oldest member of CrossFit Boro, I have felt especially motivated to serve this new population.
I moved to North Charleston Permanently on August 15, 2022. Locomotion Fitness fits my CrossFit philosophy and I found it to be a professional environment. I hope to continue my work with older athletes and reach as many people as I can to make differences in their lives.
