Athlete of the Month : June 2024
Craig Hayes
Our June 2024 Athlete of the Month is one of the most chill, down to earth, real guys you will meet. Craig Hayes has been a member for about 3 years. He may be a quiet guy but doesn’t shy away from a challenge. He signed up and took a weightlifting course we held and worked out alongside seasoned athletes in the gym. Craig did well with the Sandbag Challenge bakc in April where we sent about 6 teams to the beach. He’s game to partner with whoever needs one. This was very apparent for Casey’s hero wod this year. He just wanted to come, workout, support and give his best but needed an early time slot. There was no preferred partner. I was happy to see that attitude.
Craig is relatable on so many levels and you will realize that when you read his Q&A. My favorite response has to be about the biggest challenge he has overcome since joining. It is the most raw, real answer that is so true for many of us. The challenges of life never stop but they differ from day to day, month to month and year to year. Whether it’s work, family, personal, social or whatever else… the challenges will be there. Craig’s approach and clarity for that is admirable. It’s honestly always great to have him in my classes. We shoot the shit, he’s very coachable and works hard. I can’t ask for more.
Written by: Coach Rob Moloney
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Q&A
Why did you start functional fitness cross-training?
I needed something that would be challenging and socially oriented. I’ve tried the conventional gym on many different occasions, but only for short stints. I always found myself getting to the gym but not having the motivation or a direction in how I should tackle my workouts. It was difficult going to the gym on my own. When I learned about CrossFit, it definitely sparked my interest. It wasn’t just lifting weights, and it was class oriented. I decided to give it a go and I haven’t looked back since.
What’s your background? (Athletic)
I grew up playing baseball and running track/cross country all the way through high school. In college, I became a certified lifeguard and worked at Jones Beach for multiple years. I’ve been an avid skier for about 15 years and have been playing a healthy amount of volleyball for the last 7 years.
How long have you been a member and how long have you been doing functional fitness?
I joined Island Park Fitness in 2021, so a little over 3 years now.
What is your favorite thing about the gym?
So many things. The programming, the coaches, the people and the overall environment. And it doesn’t matter how bad I might feel walking into the gym, I just know when I walk out I always feel great.
What is the biggest challenge you have overcome since joining the gym?
This is a bit of a loaded question for me. I can go in a few different directions with this. For one, trying to find the time for the gym has been a challenge at times. I have a crazy work schedule that tends to get in the way, amongst everything else life has to offer. I try my best to be consistent in the gym. Secondly, I’ve come a long way since before joining. My diet had not always been the best. I’ve always been skinny but unhealthily underweight. I can proudly say I’ve put on 20+ lbs since joining the gym. Lastly, I enjoy partying as much as the next guy, but I’ve learned fast trying to get results in the gym and drinking does not mix well. Over the last few years I’ve made conscious decisions on when and how I choose to indulge.
What is your favorite moment at the gym so far?
Probably getting my first ring muscle up. That feeling when you finally accomplish something that you put a lot of time and effort in was really rewarding. And it helped to have the whole class cheering me on.
What’s your favorite “cheat” food?
Chicken Parm or a couple cheese slices from Gino’s for sure.
What’s your go to meal to cook?
I love to cook breakfast. My go to is usually sunny side up eggs, sweet potatoes, spinach, English muffin and well done bacon!
What would you say to someone who is thinking about starting?
Starting crossfit can be very overwhelming at first. You’re most likely going to move your body in ways you never thought you could imagine. Don’t expect you’re walking in and keeping up with the more seasoned members. Take your time to learn the movements and listen to your body. If you do that, you’ll get the best experience working out.
What drives you?
I feel like there is a stigma of when you become old, you’re not able to do the things you used to do when you were younger. I do not believe that one bit. I want to continue doing what I love to do and age gracefully. I will be able to do this if I am consistently active in the gym.
And I have to say Gaby, my soon to be wife, is my biggest motivator. She’s my biggest fan and makes me want to be the best version of myself always.
What is your biggest fitness goal right now?Right now I’m enjoying the summer. There’s still a lot of volleyball in the forecast. I want to continue being active in the gym, but have the mindset that will be active outside of the gym. Your body needs time to recover and I’m very aware of that. I will push myself when I feel good and take a backseat when I don’t. My goal will always be to be able to move my body.