Monday, February 8th, 2010

Spotlight On: Rex Oliver

Fit by 50!

When approaching a fitness program, the first question that pops into the head of the average person is “Does it work?” Inevitably, that same
question comes to mind when any individual approaches CrossFit. Most
any fitness professional that has explored the mountains of empirical
data that CrossFit can provide, or better yet, has actually tried it,
can attest that, yes, it does work. That question, however, can’t tell
the whole story. Perhaps the better question is a follow-up: “Yes,
CrossFit works. Do you?”

CrossFit, to put it simply, can change your life. The real question is will you do what is necessary to make it so? One man who can definitely answer
“yes” is Rex Oliver. Four months ago Rex walked through the doors at
Field House Gym on the advice of a friend, admittedly tentative and
unsure of himself and what he was getting into. Field House embraced
Rex, and he took the ball and ran with it. Four months later, the proof
is most definitely within the results. Rex is a tremendous example of
what CrossFit, combined with the determination and hard work of a
strong human being, can do. Here’s a little Q&A we did with Rex to
highlight his incredible transformation:

· Give a little detail of the health issues you were experiencing before beginning CF.

“Between 1989 and 2006 diagnosed and treated for Hypertension, border line diabetes
2009 diagnosed with diabetes. Before going on medication I asked the doctor to allow me to try to control it with diet and exercise. She agreed and
gave me until January of 2010. Blood was drawn in September 2009 and
again in January 2010 one of the biggest challenges with my health
issue is genetics as with a lot of people in our country. “

· What changes has CF made in your life?

“Just walking through the door was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I guess fear of the unknown. Can I do this, will they stare, what
they will say. After meeting the CrossFit family, each and every
person, those fears were totally gone. I have never been fit; I can
truly say that I am on the road to total fitness. I guess the biggest
change is, I believe in myself deep down. With the support of the
CrossFit family it’s not very hard to believe you can lift that weight
or do those pushups, or even run a 5k or 1/2 marathon.”

· What specific things were integral in those changes?

“It wasn’t really any thing. It truly is the leaders and the members of Field House Gym. I can't say enough about each one of the coaches, Tom,
Nick, Matt, Brad, Woody, Jeff. And all of the people in the FHG family.
It’s simply the best environment I have ever worked out in.”

· And what do you look forward to in the future?

“I mostly look forward to being fit, I have a birthday coming up in July my goal is to be fit at fifty. Inspiring someone that maybe in my same
situation. I look forward to being somewhere in the middle of the board
not on the bottom. I look forward to being able to help someone that is
new who may not know what a Spiderman is (thanks for the help Ashley)”

· Can you give us an update of where your health stands today both medical and fitness related?

“We will start on the outside and work to the inside, (This is after four months of CrossFit)
bf CF weight 261lbs today 232lbs 29lb (net loss)
bf CF waist 42" today 38"
bf CF neck 19" today 17.5"
on the inside
bf CF Triglycerides 479 today 171
bf CF glucose 135 today 115 not perfect but getting much better
bf CF hem A1C 6.9 today 5.9
bf CF avg BP 140/89 today avg BP 115/77
Fitness Levels
110 lb increase-Dead lift
50lb increase overhead squat
30lb increase press
40lb increase back squat
Dropped 15.9 off of 500 m row
120 lb increase CrossFit Total

On Monday January 18th, the blood work results were in. The numbers were strong enough to stay off diabetes medication. The doctor is watching
this very close and said if the numbers continue to decline for the
next six months, we will begin an exit strategy to get off the blood
pressure medications also. The difference in these numbers after being
a cross fitter for four months is unreal. The doctors thought it was
simply fantastic to have this type of a change, in this time period.”

· Any advice for those considering or tentative about giving CF a try?

“Anyone that is serious about making a lifestyle change should consider CrossFit. From the beginining it was said to me stick with this program
it will make a difference in your life. It truly has, I feel better
than I ever have(although I am crossfit sore most everyday) Simply
speaking Crossfit is the medicine that was needed to get me in the best
physical and mental shape possible. I have tried everything and Nothing
has made a difference in my life like CrossFit, Field House Gym and its
members. Thank you to all.”

Kudos to Rex for all his accomplishments, and to the Field House family for providing a welcome place for all of us to find the strength, both
within and without, to do the same.

WOD:

"CrossFit Total!"

*Three attempts for one rep max of each of the following:
Back Squat
Shoulder Press
Deadlift

Read the attached link for an introduction to or refresher on the CrossFit Total and it's purpose and technique:

http://library.crossfit.com/free/pdf/52-2006_CFTotal.pdf