Chuma Lewis
Demetrich “Chuma” Lewis
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Age: 37
Occupation: Vendor Manager
When did you first start Strength & Conditioningting?:
October 2010
What is your favorite movement? Favorite workout?
Clean has to be my favorite movement, the speed, power and agility it takes to move and drop under heavy weight is impressive. FRAN is favorite WOD, she’s my girlfriend, my wife, and my mistress. I love her, I hate her, I need her.
What is your least favorite movement? Least favorite workout?
SNATCH has to be my least favorite movement. Its a very technical lift and takes the most practice.
Tell us about your sports & fitness background:
I played football and ran track from age 12 through 19. I wasn’t as good as my brother and best friend to get a scholarship, but wanted to remain active in both sports, so I joined the “Air it out” flag football leagues in Los Angeles. They were pretty competitive and keep me in shape and agile. Before I moved to Durham in 2013 I was part of an Orienteering club. We would have meets all over California, some lasted just a day, and others could last the entire weekend. Before I left I was training for the California adventure race, but duty called… (Bucket list item).
How did you first get exposed to Strength & Conditioning? Do you remember your first WOD? How did it go?
During my first deployment I heard about Strength & Conditioning and saw kettlebells for the first time. The guys that were doing the workouts weren’t buff and looked more like gymnast than Soldiers, but they were moving some serious weight. When I returned home I needed to find a program that got me stronger, faster, and flexible without bulking me up. I tried several different programs, from the boxer workouts, to combat yoga. Finally one of my friends invited me to their box for a workout, the WOD was Fight Gone Bad. It went very bad for me, I thought I was for sure going to die that day from sheer exhaustion, not to mention I used muscles that I didn’t even know I had in my butt, under arms, and back. The next time I went to a Strength & Conditioning gym I met FRAN…whole other story!
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting Strength & Conditioning? (before / after)
Before Crossfit I felt I was in good shape, but could always be in better condition. I was never challenged in a workout, and I tended to build bulk versus lean muscle. I definitely did not have the flexibility I have now, nor the muscle endurance. I didn’t eat super healthy either, but I never was a sickly individual or had any freaky allergies. Once I started crossfitting and learning about the glycemic index and how certain foods affect your body and health I became Mr. Paleo/Zone/Gluten Free guy. My flexibility is much better, and my recovery time constantly surprises me. I have a physical every year and the doctor tells me to keep doing whatever it is that I am doing.
What impact has Strength & Conditioning had on your life?
Strength & Conditioning has allowed me to continue to do the things I enjoyed in my youth, 20’s, and early 30’s. I’ve always said Strength & Conditioning allows the average to keep up with the elite. I’m an average guy trying to continue to play with the elite. Strength & Conditioning is my daily dose of networking with like minded individuals who value fitness, health, community and challenges. I have visited many boxes across the US and one thing is a constant everywhere; people welcome you with open arms into the community. I have made some lifelong friends in a garage gym…go figure.
What is your favorite Strength & Conditioning/CFD moment?
My favorite moment had to be back in October 2014, we had a WOD on a Thursday night that once it was over I looked around and looked like we had just been mortared. There were bodies laid out everywhere just moaning and wiggling. I think Dave was taking pictures, and of course no one showed up for the Friday night class. Classic WODZILLA.
What is your advice for people just getting started or thinking about starting Strength & Conditioning?
I would say listen to your body. If you don’t feel like working out that day then just stretch, or take a rest day. Fitness can be addictive, especially when you are seeing gains and changes in your physique. Don’t be intimidated by the people that can do everything RX. Everyone started where you are learning the movements and perfecting their techniques. Strength & Conditioning is for everyone, scale to your level, challenge yourself, and enjoy.
What are your hobbies, interests, and/or talents outside of Strength & Conditioning?
Cooking is the way I release stress. I’m a city boy that loves everything outdoors. I SCUBA dive often and plan on diving as many seas as possible before ascend. I have recently built my first quadcopter and plan on getting into quad racing. I still like to get lost in documentaries and military history. My kryptonite is DONUTS.