Jordan’s a Progression veteran and he’s here to keep it real with you! Read on to get to know Jordan Hoekstra.
What do you do for a living?
I am a Sales Representative Ninja at M&M Lawn in Leisure in Pine Island, MN. (ATV and Lawn Care Sales).
What’s your favorite thing to do outside of the gym?
Playing with my dog Lola. She is a two year old Rottweiler. Taking her to the dog park and meeting other dogs and just being outside in general. Eating food.
What made you decide to try Progression?
It was a few years ago. My older brother Joshua, who is currently a member, got me to join. He would always come home and tell me about the “WOD” and how much fun or how difficult it was. I began to get very curious so I decided to join. He definitely encouraged me to join as well.
How long have you been at Progression?
I started originally back in 2014 and was a member for a little over a year. I joined again back in September and I couldn’t be happier to be back.
You recently returned from a little break… what did you miss the most?
I honestly missed being around the coaches and the people. Having an atmosphere like Progression is very hard to find and that made me want to come back. I love it here. I honestly missed the soreness and pushing myself physically. It didn’t take me long to fall out of shape so I knew I needed to come back.
What was your experience with fitness like prior to joining Progression?
I had a gym membership when I first moved to Rochester. Once I moved to Rochester I joined a 24 hour gym as did most of my friends. I wanted to continue to lift weights and run and continue my exercise lifestyle. I visited it about 5 days a week. I would try and stay for at least an hour. I often found myself leaving early or waiting for the equipment I wanted to use. I didn’t enjoy it, walking in with ear buds in and leaving with them in. At times I questioned even if the $15 I was paying was even worth it because I didn’t feel like I was giving anything when I was going there. Not a good experience at all. I knew I needed something different. Progression was the answer!
What was your biggest fear when you started?
I was intimidated at first. People throwing barbells around, lots of crazy noises. But in the end it all made sense. I was honestly afraid of committing and not seeing results as I already had committed to a workout at my previous gym. I felt as though I was devoting lots of time and saw no results. I have never really been truly satisfied with the way I look so I was nervous this would be another failure as far as improving my physical appearance.
Favorite cheat day meal?
Pizza and chocolate chip cookies. Definitely Pepsi in a can, second to beer, my favorite beverage.
What goal(s) are you currently chasing?
I am chasing a few right now. I have a few lifts that I need to improve. I am looking forward to The Open on the 28th! I really want to improve my body weight movements and I hope to do every workout RX in the next 6 months. I am well on my way!
What’s the hardest part about your fitness journey right now?
Originally the hardest part about it was the workouts themselves! I always found them challenging some part of my body where I didn’t know I had muscles. Recently due to a job change I have committed to coming to the 5:30 am class. (Morning Crew Represent!) Getting up at 4:45 am soon proved to be the most difficult part. Convincing myself that I needed to get out of bed and begin sweating within a matter of minutes… that is difficult. Once I got over the initial week or so, my body, like with most things, began to adjust. So now waking up is part of the fun!
What’s one thing your fellow CFP’ers would be surprised to learn about you?
One thing I think may surprise a few people is that I am the one who makes the gym all sparkly and clean on Friday evenings. Can’t imagine too many people know that.
What’s your favorite piece of advice you’ve gotten from a coach at Progression?
Favorite piece of advice I received was from Coach Nic Scudamore. “Do something else healthy today. Whether it’s an extra glass of water or 20 minutes of stretching, make it count. Besides the workout, do something else healthy today”. I really love that. It reminds me that the road to a healthy lifestyle continues outside of the gym. It requires a lifestyle change. That impacted me in many ways, you can apply it to so many other things in life. That’s probably why I like it so much!
How has your outlook on health/fitness changed since starting at Progression?
I have realized that it really is a lifestyle. I originally hated the idea of getting all sweaty and dealing with “dieting” or eating “right”. I feel my best when I’m eating healthy, or doing the Whole Life Challenge. I find myself, surprising myself often! It’s amazing how quickly your body can change when the right things are put into it and you stay active. It helps me realize how I need to continue this lifestyle because it will only benefit me in the long run.
What has been your fondest memory during your time here?
I would have to say my fondest memory would be when I was in the first CrossFit Open in 2015. Watching all my fellow workout buddies do the same workout as the fittest people on earth. It makes you appreciate what hard work and dedication can do and really introduced me to some of the coolest people I still see to this day. I have made friends through the gym and run into a familiar face every now and then. I get just about as excited for the CrossFit Games as I do for the Super Bowl.
Why do you think you’ve stuck with it?
I think I have stuck with Progression because of the Coaches and the Programming. It all makes sense. The programming is solid and designed for people of all abilities. The atmosphere is unmatched. Everyone is cheering you on to finish and helping you count your reps to the end. I would also have to say their community involvement. Raising money for the community is truly inspiring. And a company’s involvement in the community can speak volumes about how they treat their members. I am proud to be a Progression member for that reason!
What would be your one piece of advice for someone who’s just joining Progression?
My one piece of advice for someone just joining Progression would be to stick with it! Fight through the pain and soreness. There is a reason you joined. You want to better your life. It all starts with you. The coaches will help you, your fellow gym members will help you, everyone there will help you. It really is a great place to be a part of and you will soon realize why they have as many members as they do. The coaching… unmatched; the programming… unmatched. You will learn a lot about yourself and your abilities. You will not be disappointed! May the heavy lifting be ever in your favor! 🙂
