Meet Padej (pronounced pa-det 😉 ) our February Athlete of the Month!!
We are so excited to feature Padej & share his transformation! Padej first started CrossFit in fall of 2013 after receiving a diagnosis of Type II Diabetes, while only in his 30s. He knew he had some changes to make if he wanted to be around to see his daughters grow up! We are pumped to share that through proper nutrition and CrossFit, Padej has reversed his Diabetes!!!
At first, his weight began to drop and he had to buy all new suits (after just buying a size up before his diagnosis). Then, Padej’s doctors were impressed by his blood work visit after visit. Eventually, they took him off his Diabetes meds, while continuing to monitor him. Then, a month or so ago, they told Padej he is no longer considered a patient with Diabetes!!!
Absolutely amazing, Padej!! We are so, so proud of all your hard work & how far you’ve come! Padej and his wife, Laura, have 2 beautiful girls and live a fun, active life. CrossFit helps Padej enjoy his life even more outside the gym. He can keep up with his girls, loves to play flag football and pick-up basketball with friends, and go up the stairs without getting winded 😉
Sounds silly, but it’s so true and that’s why Padej’s story is so relatable! Padej wants to be fit to enjoy life, not to win competitions. And that’s perfectly fine! CrossFit’s goal is to help you better enjoy your life outside of the gym, whether that means a pick-up game of b-ball or a competition! If you’ve been on the fence about trying CrossFit, don’t wait!! Come to a 6pm class & Padej is likely to greet you at the door 🙂
Read more from Padej in his own words:
- Tell us about yourself in a few sentences. I love people, my family, and friends! Pushing almost 40 years old but a big kid at heart! I like to have fun and love good energy! I’m a hugger and always good for free hugs! LOL!
- What do you hope to achieve through CrossFit? I wanted to beat diabetes and get in better shape! I want my clothes to fit good and look good. I don’t want to have to hold my breath while trying to tie my shoes! Haha!
- What is your favorite CrossFit exercise? Back Squats because I can sandbag, haha!
- What CrossFit exercise do you like least? Burpees
- What would you tell someone considering trying CrossFit/CFP? Just do it! I gave it every excuse known to man to not do it, but it works! I’ve shaved off 3 inches off my waist, beat diabetes, and met a lot of good people! You don’t have to be on the cover of men’s health magazine to join. I worried about being able to do the classes and often intimidated by others who look like world class athletes, but quickly learned that it’s not the case at this CrossFit! Everyone is friendly and made me feel welcome! The coaches do a great job at pushing you but not too much to drive you away! 2 years later, CrossFit has become a routine to me in being a more fit person. Just do it and stop being a scared wuss because you won’t regret that you tried it!
