It’s with great honor that we announce August’s athlete of the month. This man is one of the most dedicated, hard-working, and consistent men we have at the gym. He shows up, puts in the hard work, and is ALWAYS kind to everyone. He’s focused, coachable (even though he has years of experience), humble to his core, and encouraging to those around him. He has a clear vision of what he wants to accomplish with his athleticism and dedicates himself 100%. He is most definitely a role model for us and we feel so lucky to have him in our community! Everyone, please give it up for Nate Blew! From our team, we are so proud of you and thankful to have you! Thank you for being you!
Q: How long have you been going to Victory Gym? What changes have you seen in yourself (physically or mentally) since joining?
A: I’ve been at Victory since about January of 2023, back when the garage doors didn’t open yet. :^)
I started CrossFit in 2011, and until 2016 I trained to compete, logging 7-9 workouts per week, watching my nutrition carefully, and sleeping…a lot. My goal back then was to podium, and the changes I saw in my body and mind were extreme.
A few years ago my priorities shifted, and now I’m focused much more on my work. What I’ve seen over the past couple of years is a deliberate (but frustrating nonetheless) step back in my fitness, but a new level of understanding in what it will take to stay fit (and hopefully get a little bit fitter) over the next 30 years. Mentally Victory Gym has helped me balance my life and accept inexorable change, and it’s been gratifying to experience.
Q: How has your journey at Victory Gym helped you outside the gym?
A: Starting my morning at Victory with a tough physical and mental challenge not only clears out the cobwebs and helps me stay focused throughout the day, but it reminds me that there’s nothing I can’t accomplish.
Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?
A: Oh boy, who doesn’t? Steve is always working on something after the workout, like pull-ups. Afonso never gives up. Ali, Taryn, Jimmy, Trevor, Logan, and a bunch of other people are absolute beasts and I love chasing them during the workouts. Nigel rides his bike across town no matter what time of year and no matter the weather. Jess, Ashley, Tammy, and Kim are always hammering away at the workout no matter how hard it is.
The gym is full of inspiring people; you see them everywhere you look.
Q: How would you describe what it’s like to be a part of Victory Gym?
A: Every day is an ass-kicking that I’m grateful to get.
Seriously, in the seconds before you plunge into yet another intimidating workout, it’s tremendously comforting to be standing side-by-side with people whom you admire and know won’t let you fail.
Q: What is something that we may not know about you?
A: After working as an engineer at a few tech startups, I spent some time as a professional actor in NYC. No, I wasn’t in anything you’ve seen.
Q: What are your top 3 memories or proudest moments in CrossFit?
A: 1) Placing 78th out of 13,000 in the Master’s Qualifier in 2016, missing the Games by 58 spots
2) Opening my own gym, CrossFit Hook’d, in 2013, and cultivating an incredible community there
3) My son throwing his arms around my neck after a competition in 2015 and saying, “Great job, Daddy!”
Q: Moving forward, do you have any short-term or long-term goals in the gym
A: To continue to be strong, fast, and fit for the next 30-40 years.
And maybe to drop a little more body fat and get my DL back up over 450. :^)
Q: Tell us about your first day of class at Victory Gym.
A: I don’t recall the workout, but Vic was coaching, and I recall marveling at how beautiful and clean the facility was. And you guys have done an amazing job keeping it that way!