Each month we highlight a different CFR member using our “Athlete Spotlight,” where we will ask a series of “get to know you” questions. This will help introduce you to the members of our community that you have yet to meet, OR If you have met them, teach you a little more about them! You might just find out something new or something you have in common!
February is a month full of love, so let's all show some love to this month’s “Athlete Spotlight” or as he likes to call himself “ CrossFit Recreate’s Mr. February”...
Cam McKay
Tell us a little about yourself (family, school, job):
"My name is Cameron McKay, most call me Cam. I’m from Monaca/Aliquippa, PA.I played soccer and was a catcher in baseball for most of my life (so when you hear my knees crack from 5 miles away when I squat, I blame that). I went to Penn State University and studied Materials Science and Engineering. I currently work as an Engineer at AK Steel in Butler, PA. I have a lot of tattoos and am a very creative human being. I love art and building/sculpting/drawing/painting a variety of things. I would rather be doing a creative job as my profession, but you all know the whole “starving artist” story. So for now, I craft my talents outside of my day job."
What made you decide to try CrossFit and why CrossFit Recreate?
"When I first moved to Butler, I wasn’t really familiar with the area so I just joined another local gym. I would go there and leave without even sweating some days and then wondered why I didn’t look like Hercules. So, my cousin Zack who had been doing CrossFit for years finally convinced me to give it a shot. CrossFit Recreate was right in my backyard, and although I still don’t look like Hercules (yet), I’ve never left a workout dry."
Go to class time?
"5:15 PM and if I know I can’t make it after work, I suck it up and throw in a 5 AM class on occasion."
What is your favorite Wod/movement and your least favorite Wod/movement?
"I could go on and on about movements that physically hurt my body and I suck at, but overall I struggle most with heavy weight. Me and “Rx’ing” aren’t friends. Overhead barbell movements and DB box step-overs slow me down the most. Movements I do enjoy are the lighter weight/bodyweight/cardio oriented that I can work through quickly."
Words to live by/favorite quote?
"I’m not a big quote guy but I would say this…positive thinking can get you far in life. Like most people, I’ve done things in my life I’m not proud of, and being able to yank yourself out of those situations and learn from your mistakes is key. Much like CrossFit, positive thinking isn’t always easy. There are good days, and horrible days. And on those mentally bad days, I’m grateful to be surrounded by positivity every day I walk into CrossFit Recreate. Life can be tough some days but as long as you keep chasing positivity, eventually, you’ll catch it."
Any advice for “newbies” & those looking to try CrossFit?
"You don’t know until you try. It’s never going to be easy, but what worthwhile in life is? Be proud of what movements you are good at, and keep trying the ones you aren’t. Don’t compare yourself and your capabilities to anyone else because nobody else is you."
Proudest CrossFit accomplishment?
"Doing a bar muscle up 7 months into starting CrossFit. Felt pretty good about myself that day."
If you could pick any famous athlete (CrossFit or Non-CrossFit) to do a WOD with, who would it be?
"Within CrossFit it would definitely be Rich Froning. Not so much because he is the best to ever do it, but more for the fact that I believe in the morals he lives his life by outside of CrossFit as well. Non-CrossFit I think I’d have to say Zac Efron (probably not what you were expecting lol). I know he isn’t a professional athlete but he has a YouTube series that is him and other top athletes working out together. The workouts are very similar to a CrossFit style and he seems like a cool guy who keeps his health a top priority in his everyday life."
What are your fitness goals for this year?
"I want a 6-pack by August…but that would require me to quit eating and drinking everything I see. I’ve done well so far this year but it’s a work-in-progress. I would also like to participate in some more CrossFit challenges/competitions this year if my fitness continues to progress."
We’d like to thank Cam for taking the time to answer our questions and being a continued member of the CrossFit Recreate community! We are excited to see what is in store for him in the future!Eager to learn more about our awesome members? Be on the lookout for next month’s Athlete Spotlight!
