Phil Raeihle
Phil Raeihle
Hometown: Ozone Park, NY
Age: 45
Occupation: IT Team Manager
When did you first start Strength & Conditioningting?:
January 2014
What is your favorite movement? Favorite workout?
Favorite movement – Bench Press Favorite workout – Any Partner WOD
What is your least favorite movement? Least favorite workout?
Least favorite – Overhead Squats Least favorite workout – anything with overhead squats
Tell us about your sports & fitness background:
I was a 2 way football player in HS, playing Tight End and Defensive End and enjoyed just about every extracurricular sport except soccer. In Junior College, at Sussex County Community College, I was a backup guard on the inaugural basketball team. I also played Division III football at William Patterson College as a Defensive Back until a knee injury put an end to my playing days. Throughout my 20’s and early 30’s I would stay active by working out at traditional gyms and playing Jaycee softball and Senior League baseball in Clearwater, Fl.
How did you first get exposed to Strength & Conditioning? Do you remember your first WOD? How did it go?
By the end of 2013, I was getting fed up with my weight, body compostion and general lack of interest in the gym. Leah and I would go to the traditional gym for 3-6 months, then slack off and not go. Any gains would be lost. A friend of mine that worked at Velocity Gym had started working out at CFD and was telling me stories about the WODs. I didn’t think much of it at the time except I was intrigued but thought it would be beyond my physical ability in my 40’s. In January, I told Leah I wanted a change. I started looking at Strength & Conditioning and saw the Bootcamps. I signed up for an 8 week session, figuring that would be a good start and then I could go back to the traditional gym. I haven’t been back to Velocity Gym since.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting Strength & Conditioning? (before/after)
I have lost about 20-22 lbs since January 2014. Most of the weight loss came from the Bootcamps and since starting the WODs in June, 2014, I have held the weight steady but my pants size has dropped from a 38 to about 35-36. My core has gotten significantly stronger and overall I can see more muscular definition along with harder muscles. Knee issues held me back for a while and I have been going to Dr. Stew Peters at Active Life Concepts for some physical therapy, which has helped turn around some of my knee issues and has allowed me to start working on my squats, which I would expect to lead to more gains in the near future. I feel healthier overall, more energy, increased stamina and just overall good feeling.
What impact has Strength & Conditioning had on your life?
It’s made me more self aware of my diet and overall fitness. My confidence is growing by the workout. Being 45, I am considered a ‘silver back’ and I never considered myself ‘old’ but I have begun to embrace being an older man in a gym of many younger ones and being able to stay competitive with them.
What is your favorite Strength & Conditioning/CFD moment?
I love the 6:15am ‘Funky Shorts Fridays’ (real men wear pink tutus) and I think one of my favorite moments was when we did tire flipping in Bootcamp in the front parking lot. I couldn’t believe, at that time, I could actually flip those big tires!
What is your advice for people just getting started or thinking about starting Strength & Conditioning?
Start with Bootcamp. Unless you are a competitive athlete at the moment, Bootcamps are a great way to get acclimated to the Strength & Conditioning way with movements and killer workouts. Even if you go to a traditional gym, you will be surprised by the difference of a WOD or metcon. Start slow, work on the movements, and worry about the weight later (I am still working on this!).
What are your hobbies, interests, and/or talents outside of Strength & Conditioning?
Leah and I collect Tequila and other Agave Spirits. I know, not the best crossover from Strength & Conditioning but like Strength & Conditioning, the hobby builds friendships all over the world. We are actually friends with a woman in Japan who also collects Tequila. I also like camping, boating and traveling to Mexico, and other countries, when the opportunity presents itself. My wife and my daughter are first in my life and I enjoy doing just about anything with them.