CrossFit Epping

We first started chatting with Shane back at the tail end of 2021. He had legitimate concerns regarding old injuries and whether or not they’d hold him back from being able to do CrossFit.  We actually hear that all the time. So we reiterated that most everyone has ‘something’ to varying degrees and our coaches pride themselves on being able to keep everyone active by modifying our workouts to each individual. He circled the wagon for a bit and then in July of this past year he took a leap of faith and we’re so glad he did! 

A dad of two, dog-dad of two more and soon to be husband, Shane is a perfect example of all the positive outcomes that reveal themselves when you step just beyond your fear. He’s driven to improve physically and professionally, but more important than all that is his family.  When we polled our coaches for this month’s spotlight athlete, Shane’s name was the first suggested which was then followed with an immediate round of “dittos”. There’s nothing better to get you to your goals than to put yourself around good people doing hard things. Which is why we’re so happy to have Shane as part of the CFE Community to better himself AND support those around him. 

Read on to learn more from Shane himself:

What do you do outside of CrossFit?
I have worked at Coca Cola for 21 years, right out of highschool. I completed my bachelor’s degree while working there in 2020 at SNHU. I also have my own Network Markting Business in Health and Wellness with Vasayo. I’m currently studying for my Mortgage Loan Originator license and am looking forward to transferring into the real estate market this year.

What did you do for fitness before CFE?
I have always been active my entire life. Playing baseball, basketball, soccer and hockey. I played hockey year round all through highschool. I was the starting goalie for Trinity High School for 3 years. I’ve always loved to get a sweat on. I have always been in the gym throughout my life, some times more serious than others.

What made you chose CFE?
I had always heard about CrossFit but never thought I would be able to do it due to a prior injury. I completely dislocated my right knee in 2010, tearing my ACL, PCL, LCL, meniscus and perineal nerve. Leaving me with nuts and bolts in my knee and causing drop foot in my right foot. My Doctor always told me it would never be the same as what God gave me and that I shouldn’t run. Earlier last year, I started to workout my legs more and more and just decided, I’m going to give it a shot. I wanted something new. The same old routine at the gym was weighing on me.

Advice to someone who is hesitant to try CrossFit?
F*CK your fear. It’s in your head. Mine was. It’s really amazing how you can push your body once your mind is out of the way. There are so many great coaches here who know what they are talking about and will meet you where you’re at and you will grow at your own pace. I’ve had to modify quite a few workouts and that’s ok, I just keep showing up. Check your fear at the door.

Proudest achievement?
There’s two. Being a Dad and my sobriety. My two kids, Griffin and Addison, are my world. They are the best any Dad could ask for and they have taught me so much about life and myself over the years. My life had gotten so low in 2012, I had been not wanting to live anymore. I felt lower than whale sh*t on the inside. Again that fear was right in front of my face. However, with the help of God, my Dad and a few friends, I was able to get the help I needed. I started my recovery journey on 10-29-2012. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been a life second to none since that day. I just celebrated a decade this past October.

Greatest challenge?
Not settling for less. It is something that I do from time to time. I find myself settling for something that I know deep down, isn’t the best for me. It’s a little bit easier to recognize these days, than in the past. Probably has something to do with age haha.

Goals moving forward in life, at the gym?
I want to continue to build on what I have learned so far and remain teachable. Being better myself than I was yesterday. I want to let others know that may have a disability or injury that you can do this too, if I can.

If you could design a workout what would it be?
Rowing, Burpees, Bench Press/Push-ups, Sit-ups, back squats and Shoulder Press. I would trust the coaches to come up with the WOD for that one.

If you could eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it be?
Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

Favorite quote?
“The only thing that will stop you from fulfilling your dreams is you”- Tom Bradley

Favorite Movie?
Tommy Boy or Gladiator

You’re stuck in a Karaoke Bar and can’t leave till you sing a song, what song is it?
I’ve never done Karaoke before, but I feel like something from Linkin Park or the 90’s

What’s a fun fact about you that we should know about you?
I am getting married this coming October to my beautiful fiance, Phoebe. I love dogs, I have 2 of my own, Frank and Luna. They are both doodles. Fishing is also a huge part of my life. I live on the Lamprey River and find a great sense of peace and serenity whenever I get a chance to get on the water. You can also go to my TikTok page for some positivity, fun, dancing and laughs.