There are some members who are well derserving of the Athlete of the Month honor but do not necessarily ‘need’ the recognition. Brian Eidens has definitely landed himself on that list over the last year and he solidified himself this month with the June honor. I always appreciate Brian’s honesty and inclusiveness in and out of the gym. He’s seen this gym go through multiple phases, owners, coaches and philosophies. He has weathered the storms, stayed loyal and we are certainly appreciative of his compliments to the way we operate today. Brian was one of the very first people to welcome me to Long Beach when I came here in 2016. I’m thankful for the invitations to bbq and beers at his house. That is just who he is as a person and a teammate. Brian was a competitve football player through school and for NYPD for a number of years. That teammate and competitive mentality doesn’t leave the body when you stop your sport. Brian carries that over to every relationship he has. If you’ve been in class with him, he’s a great person to partner up with. He works hard to never let you down and encourages you to perform your best. Brian is the reigning Nutrition Challenge Men’s Champ. Hopefully 2 straight years is it for him. His nutrition habits have become his norm 85% of the time and he is staying focused. His goal is to not even want to do the challenge next year because his habits now just continue. I can go on about more positive qualities Brian has but I’ll let you check out his Q&A. He also wins for best tan in the gym.
Keep it up Bri!
Written by: Coach Rob Moloney
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Q&A
Why did you start functional fitness cross-training?
I started cross training to augment my meathead workouts about ten years and ended up loving the intensity so much so that “normal” gym routines became boring.
What’s your background? (Athletic)
My athletic background is varied but I grew up playing Football, Wrestling and Baseball my entire childhood. I continued my football career with the University at Albany and with the NYPD Football team. Since then I have tried my hand at volleyball and triathlons. I’m really down to do anything outdoorsy and physical. I’ll try anything twice.
How long have you been a member and how long have you been doing functional fitness?
I have been a member at the “gym” since it was King of the Beach which was around 10 years ago. I think that makes me an OG and I have seen every coach and their philosophy. I think where the gym is at to date is probably the best combination of community, fitness and programming that we have ever had.
What is your favorite thing about the gym?
I would have to say my favorite thing about the gym is all the different personalities. I laugh every time I come to the gym. If I’m having what I think is a bad day I always leave in a better mood. They really make the community a well rounded gym. You have people from all different backgrounds athletically, physically, educational backgrounds and employment backgrounds. They are just working their asses off to be the best they can be. People exercise for all different reasons but we all come here to get that one hour of “peace”. Kyle’s questions of the day are a close second. Where does he come up with half this shit? Funny thing is I actually look forward to them everyday I’m at the gym.
What is the biggest challenge you have overcome since joining the gym?
I would definitely have to say swallowing my pride and actually listening to the coaches and trusting the process. Knowing when I should be scaling and being ok with it. That took me the better part of the first eight years of my membership at the gym.
What is your favorite moment at the gym so far?
I cant say that I have one favorite moment. I think my favorite moments are just the smile and handshake/fistbump I have gotten after pushing someone to finish a workout and do their best. Those interactions are the most gratifying moments.
What’s your favorite “cheat” food?
Shit. Donuts, Beers, Pizza, Fried Chicken, Cheeseburgers, Sushi, Ice Cream. I could keep going. I feel like if you deprive yourself of stuff you will just want it more and go overboard. Everything in moderation.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about starting?
Run while you can!!! Just kidding though, Its addicting as hell once you see what your capable of and how much support you have around you. The physical and mental changes will make you crave more of it
What drives you?
My mother and fathers side of the family have had serious heart and health issues and I don’t wanna end up being frail in my old age. I want to do everything I want to while I’m here. My physical well-being is not something I will let slow me down because I have control over that. Another thing that drives me is that we only have so much time here. Make the best of it. Do not cheat yourself. Commit to being the best you can be because you set an example for everyone else around you and as a whole that effort makes us all better.
What is your biggest fitness goal right now?
Stay healthy and keep out of Dr. Jeremy’s office. Not that I don’t mind his soft hands every once in awhile but nothing will stop your growth within the gym more then injuries. Staying healthy relatively speaking has been the key to my growth over the last few years. Lifting heavy and taking chances over what you are capable of comes with a risk. Listen to the coaches!!!