Malachi is the definition of a gentle giant. Arguably the friendliest person you’ll find that can back squat 400+ lbs. on the regular. (His 1RM is 455#). Chew on that.
And you can learn a few moves if you observe him in his natural habitat, (on Hip Hop Friday); but whatever you do, don’t take his favorite spot, (directly under the fan). I mean he’ll probably apologize to you because you were in his way and give you his spot, but…
What do you do for a living?
I am a 5th Grade Teacher at Gage Elementary School. This is my 12th year of teaching.
What’s your favorite thing to do outside of the gym?
Spend time with my family, watch football, mostly try and be active with my family… Oh, and naps (which never happens).
Favorite genre of music?
Probably Hip Hop or R&B, but I am cool with everything. You will probably see me jamming out on Hip Hop Friday!
Favorite cheat day meal?
Pizza or chocolate chip cookies… Actually, pizza then chocolate chip cookies.
Chalk, or no chalk?
Definitely chalk.
Do you hate wall balls as much as we do?
I actually really like wall balls, unless I am using the 25# ball, that thing sucks. Then I hate them.
What’s your favorite movement?
Squats, thrusters, and wall balls… I am pretty decent at them.
What’s your least favorite movement?
That is easy… burpees. But, man-makers are making a run at being my least favorite movement.
What goal(s) are you currently chasing?
I would love to clean and jerk 300 lbs. I thought I had it in the open, but I couldn’t stand it up.
Best piece of advice you’ve gotten from a coach?
You have to put in the time if you want to get results. Also, just to get better every day.
How do you make time to get to the gym?
My wife recently joined so we schedule out our week to try to make sure we each get to the gym 3 times a week at minimum.
Why do you make time to get to the gym?
We schedule it out and I make myself get up early in the morning to get in as often as possible, but sometimes our schedules don’t allow us to get in as often as we would like.
How has your outlook on fitness changed since starting CrossFit?
I enjoy it much more. I want to be at the gym, where I used to just go because it seemed like I should. I also have learned a ton about nutrition and overall fitness. I wish I would have known these things in High School and College; I think I would have been much better off.
How has your outlook on yourself changed since starting CrossFit?
I feel more confident. I have done so many things that I haven’t done before and hit a lot of goals that I was nowhere near hitting before.
How would you explain the feeling before you get to the gym each day?
Depending on the workout, I am usually excited but if there are burpees or something I don’t like, then I am nervous.
How would you explain the feeling you get after you leave the gym each day?
Tired… a little confused about what just happened, but in a good way.
How has your life outside of CrossFit changed since joining CFP?
The way that I eat has changed so much. My family eats so much better and we feel really good about the nutrition choices that we make.
What has been your fondest memory during your time at CFP?
I really love seeing people hit PR’s. It is so cool to see people reach goals that they never thought they could!
What brought you to CFP?
My wife signed me up for a free community workout because I was complaining about being out of shape… I signed up right after that.
What keeps you at CFP?
The community! I love that when you workout there are people cheering you on, pushing you to make gains, and encouraging you to do better!
What would be your one piece of advice for someone who’s just joining CFP?
Stick with it. It is an awesome experience and you will get better. Also, remember that everyone has areas to improve and that your goal should be to get better than you were yesterday.
