Get To Know Nate Borchardt

Nate has an amazing appreciation for Progression and may just remind you of a few things you’ve forgotten about over the past few years.  His account is a great reminder that community is key.  Read on to get to know Nate Borchardt!

What do you do for a living?

I’m a Nurse, right now I work in solid organ transplant.

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of the gym?

Anything outside.  I love to cross-country ski and snowboard in the winter and backpack or camp in the summer.

What made you decide to try Progression?

I visited the other CrossFit gyms in Rochester before I joined and the Coaching staff at Progression was by far the most approachable and welcoming.  I was also impressed at the number of classes offered every day and the variability of each workout is a great way to break the monotony of working out alone.  And Michael had fantastic music choice when I went to try out his morning class!

How long have you been at Progression?

Almost 8 months!

What was your experience with fitness like prior to Progression?

I’ve always been pretty active, but it was mostly generic team workouts or classic weightlifting/powerlifting routines.

What was your biggest fear when you started?

Not knowing any of the movements and looking foolish.  Now I know some of the movements and that nobody else in the gym cares what you look like.

Favorite cheat day meal?

Oh man, it really depends on the day’s craving.  I’d say the go to is a Five Guy’s meal with a malt for the main course.  Then popcorn and beer for dessert.

What goal(s) are you currently chasing?

To be able to do double under’s and to snatch #225.

What’s the hardest part about your fitness journey at the moment?

Sticking to a consistent nutrition plan.  Some days I’m Beth, other days I’m Emily Jasperson.

What’s one thing your fellow CFP’ers would be surprised to learn about you/

My middle name is Stone.

What’s your favorite piece of advice you’ve gotten from a Coach or Member at Progression?

“Start slow if you want to go fast”.  -Nic Scudamore, referring to snatch progressions.

How has your outlook on health/fitness changed since starting at Progression?

Joining Progression has really made me see my health more holistically.  I can tell a difference in my energy level and even my mood based on what I’m eating, when I’m eating, if I’ve drank enough water, or if I’ve slept enough.

What has been your fondest memory during your time at Progression?

All time fave would have to be the Labor Day Nukes workout. I was so exhausted but so happy to have finished.  Runner-ups would be the Turkey Throwdown or any time I complete a 40 minute REV workout.

Why do you think you’ve stuck with Progression?

The Coaching and the variety.  Joining Progression has exposed me to so much fitness knowledge.  It definitely showed me how little I actually knew.  I was also hooked when the staff consistently came up with different workouts I could do when I had my broken finger.

What would be your one piece of advice for someone who’s just joining Progression?

Barbells are not the only or best equipment in the gym!  REV classes continue to destroy me and I have yet to find an exercise where substituting kettle bells or dumbbells is actually easier.