Matt Harrell
Hometown: Emporia, VA
Age: 24
Occupation: Hospital Clinical Pharmacist
When did you first start Strength & Conditioningting? May 2016
What is your favorite movement? Favorite workout?
My favorite workout is Bodyweight Day – I always feel like I get a workout that engages my entire body.
What is your least favorite movement? Least favorite workout?
Medicine Ball Cleans – so frustrating!!
Tell us about your sports & fitness background:
Sedentary doesn’t even begin to describe my childhood and teenage years. I somehow managed to stave off the Freshman 15 when I started undergrad, but the stress and insane schedule of pharmacy school really packed on the pounds. Finally, at my heaviest weight of around 285-290 lbs in the spring of 2014, I knew I had to make a change. Through a series of diet and lifestyle changes, as well as circuit training 3-4 times a week, I was able to shed a good bit of weight before I plateaued after a few months. It wasn’t until I found out that I had high cholesterol and was told by my doctor that I was still significantly overweight in January 2016 that I knew I had get back into it…and that’s when I found Strength & Conditioning Bootcamp!
How did you first get exposed to Strength & Conditioning? Do you remember your first WOD? How did it go?
One of my coworkers goes to a Strength & Conditioning Box in Raleigh, and she was kind of my push to give it a try. My first Bootcamp WOD was Endurance Day with Coach Cindy. I don’t remember all the specifics, but I do remember the WOD started with an 800 meter run. I made it about 400 meters and was already exhausted – I only finished one round of the WOD before I had to give up. Even though it didn’t go so well, I felt like I had gotten the best workout of my life and kept coming back.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting Strength & Conditioning? (before/after)
The changes have been some of the coolest parts of Strength & Conditioning Bootcamp! I have gone down a shirt size, a pant size, and have lost ~15 lbs. My body definitely looks more toned – I’m even starting to see my biceps develop! I now have so much more energy and have found that I enjoy being active more than I ever thought I would.
What impact has Strength & Conditioning had on your life?
I now know that I can take my health and fitness into my own hands and make changes that positively impact how I feel and look. I feel more determined to be the best I can be, not just when it comes to Strength & Conditioning. Going to Strength & Conditioning in the mornings gives me a sense of accomplishment and starts my day off on the right foot. I definitely cannot describe my lifestyle as sedentary anymore!
What is your favorite Strength & Conditioning/CFD moment?
The sense of community and support of my fellow Bootcampers and from the Coach that I experience during each WOD seriously gets me through each workout and pushes me to excel.
What is your advice for people just getting started or thinking about starting Strength & Conditioning?
Check your ego at the door! Strength & Conditioning is a community that welcomes all shapes and sizes and supports and encourages you to meet your fitness and health goals. Anyone can do Strength & Conditioning!
What are your hobbies, interests, and/or talents outside of Strength & Conditioning?
During the spring and fall, I am a player on a Stonewall Kickball team in Raleigh. I love to travel! My first international trip is in October and I am so excited! I’m very much a foodie at heart, so trying new restaurants and cooking are things I really enjoy. I love going to concerts, and it is very rare that I don’t have a song stuck in my head.