Dan Schauder

Favorite WOD:  

Annie

Least Favorite WOD: 

Karen or anything with high volume burpees

Tell us about your sports & fitness background: 

As a kid, exercise was not my thing. I was more of a chicken nugget enthusiast. I used to absolutely dread the Presidential Fitness Test each year, shocked that some of my classmates could bang out pullups and blaze through a 1 mile run, totally leaving me in the dust.

In college, I picked up jogging and bike riding, figuring that cardio was the best way to lose weight. I did cut some pounds that way, but I still thought of exercise as more of a tedious chore than anything else.

It wasn't until after college that I tried P90X and discovered how amazing it can feel to dial up the intensity and push myself through a tough workout. I loved the frequent variation in the routine and the blend of strength and cardio. I got great results through this program, but after a few rounds I started getting bored working out solo and getting curious about barbell training.

How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD... what was it, and how did it feel? 

I started CrossFit in 2013. I'd been curious about it for a long while, but I had the (false!) perception that you already needed to be a highly fit athlete before taking up the sport. A colleague explained that all the workouts can be scaled and urged me to try it, so I finally went to my local box in South Philly to give it a shot.

I don't recall specifically what my first WOD was, but I do remember feeling totally out of my comfort zone. While I had no idea what I was doing with the barbell early on, I was blown away by the level of encouragement and support from the coaches and others in the classes. I was inspired by the shared sense of purpose and community, and I was instantly hooked.

What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)? 

I feel stronger and fitter now than ever. CrossFit has led me to unlock many skills over the years that had previously seemed unattainable (strict pullups, rope climbs, PR’s on Olympic lifts, etc). 

What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? 

Kicking off most mornings with a challenging metcon gives me a feeling of achievement, knowing that no matter what else happens, at least I've already gotten another workout under my belt. Plus, I find the post-workout mental clarity and focus make me much more productive and dramatically improve my mood in general.

Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFKSQ moments: 

Erick Gagne and I teamed up for Suns Out Guns Out last year. We made goofy fake muscle shirts for it. I had an absolute blast and it was a great experience to join with the community as we gritted through the workouts together. I don't think a celebratory beer has ever tasted better.

Any advice for people just getting started? 

Just keep showing up! Don't be discouraged if you can't immediately do all the movements - it takes time to build strength and technique, but everyone you encounter in this community will encourage you in your journey, and if you just keep showing up I guarantee you'll be shocked by how much you can accomplish.

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? 

I love to hike, play music (guitar, piano, cello), and my wife and I are casual pickleball players.