Now let’s learn a little more about Larry….
“We want to give special recognition to Larry Compton. Larry is not able to attend quite as regularly as Grubb is because Larry is serving his country in the Army. Despite his constant travel, Larry has always maintained his relationship with Crossfit RX and calls our gym his home for fitness. We are happy he does and have immense gratitude for his service.” Coach Kelly Levens
About me: I am currently serving in the United States Air Force Reserve as an Cyberspace Operations Officer /Intelligence Analyst, and I am an Afghanistan veteran. I live in Candler Park with my wife Vanessa and 10thgrade daughter Audrey. In my civilian job, I work at the Georgia Tech Research Institute.
1. How long have you been doing Crossfit?
I have been doing Crossfit since 2012 – I had just come home from an overseas deployment and was looking for a way to get in better shape. My wife bought me 1 month at Crossfit RX as a Christmas present, and I have been a member at CFRX for all of those 5 years. For the last several years, I have traveled on various military and civilian missions for about 180 days out of the year, so I don’t attend CFRX as much as I would like. However, most military gyms now have functional fitness rooms that give me options while on the road.
2. Why Crossfit?
After the introductory workout with Kelly, I knew Crossfit was much harder than my previous routine. I immediately saw an opportunity to increase my fitness level. The biggest benefit I get from Crossfit is actually mental fortitude and resiliency. The mindset and discipline to push through without giving up carries forward to everything in life, not just physically demanding tasks.
3. What are some of your hobbies outside of the gym?
I have very little free time, but I do enjoy hiking, stand-up paddle boarding, and target shooting. We like to attend sporting events as a family, especially Atlanta Braves baseball games.
4. Favorite and least favorite movements?
Anything involving bodyweight is my favorite (or easiest). This includes pushups, pullups, etc. Heavy squats and double-unders are my least favorite. The Olympic lifts like clean and jerk/squat clean/snatches are terrifying and exhilarating all at once. I enjoy trying to focus on form with the Olympic lifts.
5. Name one thing you’ve accomplished in Crossfit, and name one goal you are currently chasing.
A few years ago, I participated in the CFRX clean eating challenge. I had a terrible diet soda habit that I was able to kick entirely and replace with black coffee. I am required to take a fitness test twice a year for the Air Force, and my goal is to always score “Excellent”. That’s what I’m working on right now since I have a test coming up in October.
6. Favorite food or meal?
My wife makes amazing lamb chops, Greek potatoes and Greek salad. I love having that with a side of homemade mint sauce and a pint of stout or porter.
7. What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I was born in Singapore and traveled all over Southeast Asia as a young person.
8. Favorite piece of advice you’ve gotten in Crossfit?
Attend the skills classes, and re-attend for a refresher. These aren’t just for new members!