Nick Wienhold
Please tell us a little bit about yourself?
I grew up loving sports and played football and wrestled in high school. I have been married to my wonderful wife MaKayla for 5 ½ years and we have a 7 month old son, Isaac. We live in Waconia, MN and I am an Electrical Design Engineer at Rosemount Inc.
When and why did you start doing CrossFit?
I started when the Excelsior location opened (January 6th, 2014). I started CrossFit because I needed motivation. I was sick of working out alone at home just grinding away at lifting weights. I needed someone/something to challenge me and push me out of my comfort zone to make me better.
What made you decide to come to CrossFit SISU?
My wife got a flyer at her work and it was pretty close to our home and my work
What were you doing before and what apprehensions did you have before starting CrossFit?
Before CrossFit I was lifting weights at home. You know the typical squat one day, bench the next, deadlift after that, then rest and repeat.
I didn’t really have any apprehensions. I researched CrossFit a lot before starting and really wanted to do it. I guess the cost was kind of holding me back considering I was working out at home for free. After starting CrossFit I realized that the cost is totally worth it. The coaching you are able to get along with the programming, community, and atmosphere are unbelievable.
What were your thoughts after your first CrossFit SISU Intro class?
Could barely breath, light headed, man my conditioning sucks, but I absolutely loved it.
What’s the greatest benefits you see so far since starting at CrossFit SISU?
Becoming well rounded; before CrossFit I was strong, but could not apply that strength in anything very well or very long. With CrossFit I can do a lot of things that I previously could not. Go climb the rope, do a muscle up, snatch that weight, etc. Oh and do it 20 times for 5 rounds. It is more than just pure strength. It is endurance, strength, olympic lifting, gymnastics, coordination, running, jumping, pulling, etc.
How has being at CrossFit SISU enriched your life outside of the box?
Well my wife likes that way I look J seriously though it has helped my body feel better, more mobile, and prepared for anything. I am also much more motivated to maintain a healthy lifestyle (food, activity, etc.).
Please share any special memories or achievements during your time at CrossFit SISU?
A great achievement was getting my first muscle up on the rings.
I also remember first starting out and watching everyone finish before I could. Now I feel like I have caught up and sometimes even lead that way!
What advice would you give to a person thinking about joining our SISU Community?
Give it some time. Don’t expect to join CrossFit and immediately start doing muscle ups, double unders, snatching perfectly, and transform into the perfect body. Your body will get beat up a bit, but as you keep going you will get better and better and start doing things you never thought you could do.
Favorite WOD?
Any WOD with a heavy Olympic lift
Secret Ninja exercise is?
Olympic lifting and rowing
My not so secret sucky is?
Double unders…
My favorite cheat meal is?
Anything chocolate