Dan Kelly is a huge personality and awesome cheerleader for everyone at the box. You can tell within moments of meeting him that he’s a coach both outside and inside the gym. Completing workouts with Dan is awesome because even though he is working hard, he’s still making sure everyone else is working hard AND having a good time while they’re doing it. He also is a huge supporter and participant of programs like out Whole30 Challenge and Friday Night Lights. In the past year, we have seen huge progress in his movements and numbers, so it is for this and all these reasons that we are excited to award him CrossFitter of the Month!
How long have you been attending CrossFit Fringe, and what brought you here?
I came in the summer of 2013 and visited for about a week at the Big Bear location during my first visit to Columbia. A couple months later my wife and I moved out here for good and I had to figure out where everyone was at. Turns out it was Fringe. 13.1 was my first WOD ever.
Since starting at CrossFit Fringe, what has changed about your lifestyle or outlook on life?
I think I’m motivated by being a better husband/father and living longer. I started CrossFit a few months before Dylan was born. It feels good going on long walks with him on my back. I want to be fit and active for the rest of my life. At the same time as CrossFit, I started looking at my food a lot more seriously. I’m shocked at how I lived through most of my adult life eating the way I did. When I’m doing CrossFit and eating right at the same time, results come quick. In a way, they are my new doctor and new medicine since losing faith in traditional health care.
What is your favorite movement/skill?
My favorite lift would probably be clean and jerk. I’m great and anything overhead, but my clean needs a ton of technique work. As a result the lift is fun, heavy, and super motivating. Unlike squat. I’m officially retiring from squatting heavy since I’ll never get back to my college PRs.
What has been the most challenging part of your journey with CrossFit?
The most challenging parts of CrossFit are also the most rewarding. Getting that first kipping pull-up, putting a couple double-unders together, finding time to come 4 times a week even if that means a 5:30 a.m. work out here and there. If it was all bench press and squatting I would have gotten bored with CrossFit a long time ago.
What do you enjoy most about CrossFit/CrossFit Fringe?
Two things. First, the people. I am amazed everyday with how friendly everyone is and the support that is given each workout. Also, we are a pretty impressive group when you look collectively at what we do each and every day OUTSIDE the gym. Doctors, Teachers, Professors, Students, Lawyers, Entrepreneurs. The conversations during mobilization can nerd-out real quick. That’s cool!
Second, the coaching. I think we can all agree we appreciate the time and effort that our coaches put in. But as a coach/teacher myself, there is some real “best practice” going on. Like for example, explaining what we are doing at the beginning of class, breaking down movements into smaller parts, individualizing instruction, using positive behavior supports, giving meaning to the mobilization. This is all very thought out and I have seen how Tyler and Co. are making changes constantly to improve. If the coaching was lousy I would not trust them with my body or health.
What do you like to do outside the gym?
I love to spend time with my wife, Beth, and son, Dylan. They sacrifice a lot to make sure I can get to workouts. I love being outside, woodworking, cooking, reading, teaching, coaching.