When Coach Kyle texted me that he has the next athlete of the month, Vlad Sidoren was his pick with zero hesitation. It’s been easy to witness the progress, growth and consistency in Vlad over the last year but more so over the last few months. When I first met Vlad, he came in and wanted to join right away. His former coach (a former athlete of mine) highly recommended Vlad to come to Island Park Fitness when he moved to Long Island. I was very grateful for that referral and wanted to be sure that we lived up to it and provided Vlad with the best training facility possible. Vlad came in excited to train but was not the most consistent. It wasn’t until the core 5:45pm group really came together that he started really making getting to the gym a high priority and everything in the gym followed in consistency. That afternoon group is a key group in our community. The level of camaraderie, effort, energy and laughs throughout the hour is unmatched. It’s a fun group to coach so it’s got to be a fun group to train with. In the Q&A, Vlad talks about being proud of his performance with “Murph” or “Body Armour” this past memorial day. His performance was a topic of conversation with the coaches. He did very well and I want to make sure he is in the best position to advance that goal of vested in under 60 minutes. He keeps surrounding himself with others who stay within themselves and encourage each other to work hard and take on challenges. This is the drive we love to see as coaches. The last thing I want to touch on is that I admire and completely respect Vlad’s view on life in which he mentions in the Q&A. He does have a few years of life experience on me, different career paths and we have different backgrounds but we it’s nice to see we have similar life philosophy. Work hard, do what you can, encourage others and trust the process. Keep doing your thing Vlad. I speak for the whole staff when I say we are proud to coach you!
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Q&A
Why did you start functional fitness cross-training?
Back in June of 2015, when I was working out at NYSC three times a week (on a good week), a friend of mine told me about checking out a CrossFit Gym in Coney Island. One of his close friends joined had a few weeks prior and he loved it. It sounded interesting to go see what it’s all about, a gym with no locker rooms, no air conditioning, no mirrors, no dumbbells (back then) and very few machines, with a program that everyone follows regardless of whether they like it or not. On the last day of the month, my friend and I went in for an orientation and I signed up right there and then. Where else do you get your ass kicked in an hour or less while “enjoying” the suffering and looking forward to tomorrow’s program.
What’s your background? (Athletic)
I played soccer in high school in Rockaway Park. I did not really do much while in college. Prior to starting CrossFit I was working out 3-4 times a week in NYSC.
How long have you been a member and how long have you been doing functional fitness?
I moved to Hewlett last summer and joined IP Fitness in September. It was pretty much an obvious choice for me considering how highly Rob was recommended by my Brooklyn coaches. I did five years of CrossFit in Coney Island and now it’s my second year in Island Park.
What is your favorite thing about the gym?
My favorite thing is coming in for the 5:45pm class and seeing all the familiar faces day in and day out, it reassures me that the program is well written and most of us are in the box 5, 6 or even 7 times a week (Vinny before his 2nd AOM selection ;). I like the concept that everything is being measured and the results orientated idea behind it!
In life, and in my opinion, it is very important to see personal growth. It doesn’t matter if it is measured in dollars, pounds, calories, minutes, or even repetitions, if you “compete against yourself”, you can only stay motivated if you see progress and better results. You need to know where you were last year and a year before, where you are right now, and what you are hoping to achieve tomorrow. I am turning 45 this month and there are some PRs that are most likely behind me, but there are things that I am improving on and trying to get much better at. A lot of the time the journey becomes the fulfillment, even if you don’t always reach the absolute end goal.
What is the biggest challenge you have overcome since joining the gym?
Committing to 5 to 6 times per week. I used to run a spreadsheet on my CrossFit activity and the goal for years was to be in the box 180 times a year. Now, in Island Park, I know I should be way over 200 WODs in 2021 and going forward.
What is your favorite moment at the gym so far?
Finishing “Body Armor” in 37:14. The weather was perfect last Memorial Day and I improved my time from 2019 by more than 7 minutes.
What’s your favorite “cheat” food?
I like sweets. Donuts are the worst, I am constantly fighting the urge to have one.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about starting?
I would say give it a real shot and commit for 3 months. It has to become a routine thing where you follow the program regardless of whether you like what’s on it or not. It has to become a part of your life that you can’t do without. It will be hard and intimidating at first, mainly because people around you are more advanced and already conditioned to withstand these types of workouts. It’s good if you join with a friend or have a friend who is already a member who can “show you around”.
What drives you?
I have a good understanding that life is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. I believe its the same philosophy here when it comes to fitness. I embrace the grind, put in the work, and similar to being in business, the results will follow!
What is your biggest fitness goal right now?
Murph in a 20lb vest (completed in 60 minutes or less).