Charlie has been a powerhouse at 619 San Diego Personal Training619. Since his first day at the bay, he has remained committed to doing his absolute best at all times. He is consistently pushing himself with form and weight, and every WOD presents a new challenge to him. He doesn’t just get through the WOD, he thinks ahead, sets a goal for how long it might take, and gives it his all.
Every morning when he comes into the gym, Charlie greets everyone with zeal and enthusiasm, contributing to the camaraderie with positive energy and style. He is consistently the top achiever in virtually every workout, yet he is unfailingly modest and down-to-earth. He most likely lives by this famous quote from Katy Perry: “I don’t feel like I can act like an entitled bitch yet! I still have so much to prove.”
Charlie has managed to successfully balance a successful career with an amazing family and a commitment to 619 San Diego Personal Training619. He is an inspiration to all of us, and we consider ourselves very lucky to have Charlie as a member of our 619 family.
How did you get involved in 619 San Diego Personal Training?
A few years ago, I was at a point in my life where I really needed to make a healthy lifestyle change, but was not really sure how. I was overweight, had zero motivation to work out, and was eating food that was cooked and served to you in less than 5 minutes. As fate would have it, I attended a charity auction where I met Chris Keith who encouraged me to bid on the 3 month membership to 619 he donated to the auction. I ended up winning the auction and have been at 619 ever since.
What was your first WOD/experience?
My First WOD experience was brutal. It was at 6am down at the bay. I remember having to do bear crawls up and down the boardwalk. I could barely make it a few steps before collapsing. After seeing everyone in the class lap me a few dozen times, It was very clear to me that I was REALLY out of shape and had some work to do.
How long have you been 619 San Diego Personal Training for?
I have been 619 San Diego Personal Training for about a year and a half.
What is your biggest accomplishment?
I have 2 accomplishments that I am proud of. The first is completing 30 workouts in 30 days. Day 1 at 619, Chris challenged me to complete 30 workouts in 30 days. It had been years since I last worked out and saw this as an impossible goal. With lots of encouragement from the other athletes at 619, I accepted the challenge. I went from complete laziness to a Monday-Saturday 6am workout at 619 with a day off on Sunday which consisted of at least a 5 mile run. Halfway through the 30 days, I remember being so incredibly sore that it hurt to do anything. There were mornings that I just wanted to quit. Somehow, I was able to power through and complete the entire 30 days without missing a day.
The second is completing the La Jolla half marathon. Before joining 619, the farthest I have ever run was maybe 4 miles. Being able to complete the half marathon, and completing it under my 2 hour goal was a huge accomplishment.
What is your favorite / least favorite WOD/movement?
My favorite exercise is probably the power clean/squat clean. Although far from perfect, I feel like this is my strongest exercise. My least favorite is overhead squats. The lack of flexibility in my shoulders makes this exercise difficult for me. I am improving each week and will continue to work on perfecting this exercise.
What are your hobbies outside of 619 San Diego Personal Training?
I make wine and lots of it. About 6 years ago, I invested in a start-up winery. We make several different varietals that can be enjoyed at our tasting room in Julian, CA. It’s called the Blue Door Winery, make sure to stop by on your next trip to Julian.
