Michael Artone Jr.

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

I'm from Front Royal, VA.  I grew up with two brothers and two sisters who are all much older than me, so they were all practically out of the house as far as I remember.  My entire family enjoys the outdoors, so I've always loved hunting, fishing, hiking, and just watching nature.

I look up to my brothers and my father, who served in the military and in the police force.  That's what sparked my interest in public safety, although I took a slightly different path and went to the fire department.  It makes me feel like I'm doing my family proud, and it's something I just enjoy being a part of.  It is a very gratifying job when you can help someone, no matter if it is a big deal or not.

Before joining CrossFit, I just did conventional weightlifting workouts.  I focused on the primary compound lifts and body weight movements, and simple cardio workouts like jumping rope or rowing. 

What are your current goals and why do you CrossFit?

When I joined Anazao I was introduced to a lot of movements I'd never really touched before.  Movements like the power clean, hang snatch, and even kip swings were completely foreign to me.  Now I feel like I'm just getting my feet under me with the more technical movements, and I'd like to keep improving my technique.

CrossFit is very applicable to my job.  Many of the movements help directly with a task I'd have to do on a call, but even not considering that the conditioning, mobility, and strength that the workouts build are a massive help.

What are your favorite movements? How about your least favorite? Why?

Favorite movements - I've always loved staple movements like push ups, pull ups, squats, and lunges.  They are movements I feel very comfortable with, and I love chipper style workouts where you're just grinding through a lot of reps.  It's very satisfying for me when I complete those ones within the time cap.

My least favorite movements -  Luckily I don't have any movements I dread doing.  I'm still uncomfortable with most of the Olympic lifts, but I still have a lot of fun doing them.  It feels great getting the technique down and getting some quality reps in.

What do you think is special about CrossFit Anazao?

Definitely the people.  Because of my schedule I bounce around from class to class, and I've been able to workout with all of the coaches and meet most of the members.  I've never once had a bad experience with either a coach, or another member.  All of the coaches are super accommodating of your goals, needs, and ability levels, and all of the members are positive and supportive.  Before I joined I was getting pretty bored of my normal workouts, and sometimes going to the gym felt like a chore.  That has never been the case at Anazao.  Even on days where I don't feel 100%, going to class is something I "get" to do, not "have" to do.

Anything else you wish to add?

I was definitely a CrossFit doubter before I joined, and I'll admit I was a little hesitant when John invited me to check out the gym.  But after my first class I was hooked, and I'm very glad he invited me to Bring a Friend Week.  

A note from one of our coaches…

Mikey is always the last one to leave after class and the first one to volunteer to help clean up. He always listens to and respects the coaches as well as the other athletes. Mikey gives his all every time he works out and even with his busy schedule, he is able to make it in to be consistent.