Congratulations to Patrick Simmons, our September Member of the Month! Patrick has only been a member of Loco since March 2022, but has already made an impact on our coaches and our Loco community. His coaches say that he brings a positive, but also competitive energy to classes, and he works hard to capitalize from every single workout. We’re proud of the progress you’ve already been able to make and can’t see where you can go from here- Congratulations, Patrick!

Here’s more about Patrick:

1. How long have you been a member at Loco?

I started at Loco on March 14th, 2022 soon after moving to the area.

2. What is your favorite thing about being a Loco athlete?

It’s hard to narrow it down to one single thing but I think my favorite is the convenience. I live really close by and can even walk to the gym if I want. It also makes it easy for me to fit in a workout at lunch on days that I work from home.

3. What group fitness offerings do you typically participate in at Loco? Do you have a favorite? Discuss.

 I typically go to the CrossFit classes and occasionally I mix in a bootcamp class as well. I’ve done CrossFit on and off (mostly on) for about 13 years now. I like the competitiveness aspect of it, and I’m always looking to challenge myself. I think CrossFit is great at keeping you well rounded in strength and cardio conditioning, which I really like too. I first tried the bootcamp class because I couldn’t make it to any of the CrossFit classes that day, and I really enjoyed it as well. There is a bootcamp class I remember doing that is one of the most difficult workouts I’ve ever done!

4. How would you describe the community at Loco?

I would say the community at Loco is very chill and accommodating. If you need some help with something, everyone is more than happy to be there for you. All members are very welcoming and friendly.

5. What advice do you have for someone who is intimidated by group fitness?

I promise you that literally, anyone can do it. Anything can be scaled down to what you can do today. And if you are scared to do it, then that is probably a sign that you really need to. Don’t let fear run your life in any aspect. I recently ran a little 3-mile fun run and I looked ahead and saw a little old man about 100 yards past me moving right along. The gym is full of all levels of fitness and there is only one way to improve everyone…get into the gym!

6. Favorite music to sweat to?

I prefer some good classic rock like Led Zeppelin. But I’m not too picky and the only thing I don’t like is total silence during a workout.

7. Favorite movement/workout?

I would have to say that my favorite movement is the handstand pushup. So the workout I like the most is Diane, which is 21-15-9 of deadlifts and handstand pushups…both movements I do pretty well.

8. Is there a member of the LocoFam that inspires and motivates you to be better? Feel free to give them a shoutout! 

I’m motivated most by anyone working out with me that is ahead of me or lifting more than me. For a specific person, I guess I would have to say, coach Katie. She is good about pushing me and giving me advice on my lifts. Also, she has finished way ahead of me on every workout I have seen her post so far so that motivates me the most!

9. Favorite post-workout meal?

I like a chocolate whey protein shake right after a workout. But I don’t really consider that a full meal, and I like to eat a full meal right after a workout. I don’t often get it, but a good steak and potatoes is a great post-workout meal.

10. What fitness-related goals do you have for 2022?

I would like to lose about 5 or so pounds of body fat. Then I want to focus more on getting my squat numbers back up. I took a long hiatus from doing any squatting due to an injury, so I want to get my leg strength back up while at the same time keep my joints healthy and safe.

11. Describe your athletic abilities in five words or less.

Jack of all trades

12. Give us your background story – Try to be brief (you can talk about anything from education to career, to pets, to family, to hobbies, etc).

I was born and raised in Savannah, GA. In fact, even my parents and grandparents from both sides were born in Savannah. So I have deep roots there. I went to Catholic school growing up and I’m still a member of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee. I’m not sure if you have been to the St. Patrick’s Day parade there, but it is a really great event. If you have any time to visit there for anything hit me up and I can give you some local advice. I graduated college at UGA in Athens, GA…GO DAWGS!! Then I lived in Atlanta for a while before moving back to Savannah and ultimately here (Charleston) in February of 2022 for work. I work at Santee Cooper as a Data Scientist.

I won’t bore you on what the job entails but I enjoy it and my coworkers a lot. I am planning on going to graduate school soon for my masters and hope to keep advancing my career until the eagerly anticipated day that I can retire. I was obsessed with basketball when I was younger and played through high school. After that, I was just a regular gym rat until I was talked into going to CrossFit 13 years ago. I started and was immediately way ahead of everyone else and I ended the class puking on the last 400-meter run as the last of the class passed me.

After that I was obsessed with getting better at it. 13 years later, I am a bit older and just trying to stay in better shape than most people my age without hurting myself. I really love the Park Circle area and everyone I have met here, and I look forward to the many good times to come in and out of the gym.