When did you start Crossfit?
I believe it was November of this past year…..so I’ve been doing CrossFit for approximately 9 months.

Were you exercising before CrossFit?
I was. I had a membership at GiGi’s like everyone else for about a year. Was fairly good about going as well, at least as much as I come to CrossFit, and saw exactly “0” results….though I did get really good at watching TV while riding a bike. I’ll never forget, after my initial baseline, speaking to John about how I still had a couple months on my contract at GiGi’s and asking him what I should be doing at the gym while I was doubled up on my membership. He said, “I hear they have really nice showers.” No lack of smart asses at CrossFit. (laughing)

Tell us about your typical workout while you were over there.
Honestly, I made it up as I went along, but basically I followed the old routine I learned in high school, which had been the last time I worked out before I started up at GiGi’s. You know the drill….chest and shoulders one day, biceps and back the next, skip legs….chest and shoulders the next day and so on…. mixing in the stationary bike as I stated earlier. My heart wasn’t in it. Although I know you “can” build muscles that way, nothing relevant was happening and it was excruciatingly boring. Wasted money.

What was your first CrossFit workout and can you describe that experience in three words?
My first workout was some sort of evil initiation / hazing including multiple rounds of box jumps, kettle bell swings, burpees and squat jumps……it sucked. I’m sorry, three words…..it really sucked. Seriously, my first workout was an “eye opener”. I left the box that day really mad thinking that I was surely the most out of shape person on the planet.

What is your favorite CrossFit exercise?
I like “cleans”. Not sure why, but I have noticed that I am really enjoying anything with a weighted bar….even thrusters. I think, after nearly a year, I can finally feel my muscles engaging and I’m starting to see my lifted weight inch up ever so slightly. It’s a huge confidence boost.

What is your least favorite?
Anthing I can’t do, such as double-unders, handstands and rings. I really need to practice, but don’t ever seem to make the time. These are things I just need to “do” so I can figure it out. While I’m talking about things I can’t do…..who in the hell invented a “muscle-up”?

What results have you seen since starting your CrossFit journey?
42 pounds and 4 inches. And, I’m slowly finding my muscles. I owe it all to CrossFit and the Paleo diet (which I started because of CrossFit). I’ve never felt better about myself.

What CrossFit accomplishment are you currently most proud of?
Not what you would expect. I’m most proud of the fact that I can run a 5K. I had been trying to “run” for years. It was always a ridiculous struggle. Now I can run three miles without much trouble at all. Event though it is still slow, I’m working on it. I would never have thought I could get better at running by doing things like burpees and kettlebells. It’s really unbelievable.

What CrossFit goal are you working towards?
Well, I'm not much for "goals" per se. When I step into the box, I'm really just trying to push myself. I think, that once I get closer to being able to do "prescribed" weights, I'll be more likely to set goals. Right now, I'm just surviving. So... I suppose you could say my goal is to get to a point that I can set some goals.....let's say a sub three minute Fran. (wink)

What do you like most about CrossFit Lake Charles?
At the risk of appearing to have a brown nose, I have to say "Ashley & John". You know what you're doing, you have a plan, and it shows. Thanks.

Favorite Color - Navy Blue

Favorite Food - It's stupid, but I love fried cheese and a beer.

Favorite Quote - Cant say there is any one quote that comes to mind. However, a phrase thats been going through my head just about every day is one that I read on CrossFit Lake Charles website when I first started. "Commitment OVER Circumstance". Just simple enough to work every time. Thinking of getting it tattooed on my arm.

One more thing...
Here's a great (in my opinion) at home WOD I came up with. Give it a try. You will need a pair of kettlebells.

"WENDY"
50 KB Swings
25 sit-ups
50 KB (one in each hand) Ground to Overhead
25 sit-ups.
50 KB (one in each hand) Thrusters

A word from the CFLC Coaches on Stephen...
"The following is a real live conversation between Stephen and I on the day the picture below was taken.....Him- 'Hey?' Me- 'What's up Stephen?' Him- 'Ima Bad Ass' No Joke. It was awesome! It doesn't get much better, as a Coach, than watching someone become their best self. The transformations this man has gone through are irreplaceable. Sure, he's lost a lot of weight. But that is only a side effect. He's changed his eating habits, his self-esteem, his drive, his Life. And he is bringing his family with him. Welcome to the Badassery Club Stephen!" -Ashley

"Stephen Hotard...professional, father, husband, Dad, CrossFitter and now you are even writing your own wods! I just want to say I love these recognitions because they are an individuals journey from when they first contacted us- maybe a phone conversation, maybe a baseline- to taking on WODS that they could have never done when they first came in. Stephen is one of those stories. I remember that call too. I remember what he looked like after his baseline. I bet you remember that feeling too huh? That is why he keeps consistent and, because of his consistency, he has changed his physical life forever...Stephen you deserve every victory you pull out of the Box. You inspire me...I am proud to say you CrossFit with us and love that Wendy and the kids CrossFit with us too, Oh btw, now I know why you came in to begin with...Wendy is a closet fire-breather and you wanted to keep up...lol! I look forward to seeing even more PR's too!" -John




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