June 2026 Athlete of the Month
June 2026 Athlete of the Month
Andrew Brown
Coach’s Thoughts: I started CrossFit in January of 2025, so it's been about 1.5 years for me. I joined CCF in September. One of my close friends had been trying to get me to start CrossFit for years, but I was skeptical from what I'd heard online. Eventually, I got tired of hurting my back while lifting in a conventional gym. Something needed to change, so I decided I'd do a free drop-in session & I joined immediately after the first session!
How long have you been doing CrossFit?
I started CrossFit in January of 2025, so it's been about 1.5 years for me. I joined CCF in September. One of my close friends had been trying to get me to start CrossFit for years, but I was skeptical from what I'd heard online. Eventually, I got tired of hurting my back while lifting in a conventional gym. Something needed to change, so I decided I'd do a free drop-in session & I joined immediately after the first session!
Favorite Movement?
Favorite exercise that I'm not good at - Power Cleans. Favorite exercise that I'm good at - Deadlifts. And rowing of course.
What advice would you give to someone who is hesitant to start CrossFit?
I would say to forget what you see online or think you know about CrossFit and give it a try. CF taught me a lot (about weightlifting, mobility, and fitness in general) and the intensity and community is nearly impossible to match at a traditional gym. I continue to learn and improve both skill based and weightlifting movements while enjoying the process and variety of movements. Overall my body feels much better and I am stronger than I've been in a long time.
Favorite thing about CCF?
My favorite aspect about CF are the people and coaches; the group here is very welcoming and the classes are small enough where the coaches can give some great feedback to everyone in the class.
What do you do when you’re not at CCF (job, hobbies, other fitness, etc)?
I work at Ford, splitting time between downtown Detroit and Dearborn. Right now I have 2 young kids, including a 5-month old, so my hobbies get less attention than they used to. l enjoy hiking, hunting, and fishing - anything that gets me outdoors somewhere cool, preferably off the grid.
What is your next big fitness goal?
Overhead squatting. I need to improve overhead range of motion... doing a proper overhead squat would be fantastic. Or even a handstand push-up.
