August Member of the Month Interview: Brian Hill

What do you do outside of the gym? Career, hobbies, etc. 

Currently, I work for a consulting company, Nordic Global, based out of Madison, Wisconsin. My day is spent assisting hospitals with regulatory reporting requirements, analyzing data, and helping hospitals with various issues around meeting their internal and external requirements. In previous positions, I spent 14 years as an operating room nurse and served four years in the United States Air Force as an Aircraft Loadmaster stationed in Dover Air Force Base. Outside work, Jimmy Ray and I have a house in the mountains of Southwest Virginia, and I am usually out there on the weekends hiking on our property. I love to play pickleball, hit up a Pilates class, and, of course, hanging out with my buddies at Old 97 CrossFit. My sweet girl, Penny, also loves to take walks with me in the mountains and around Danville. Say hi - she loves the belly rubs and has lots of kisses to give! Just ask David and Ms. Jayne!  

How long have you been training with us? 

I started my CrossFit journey September 19, 2022, during the bench press cycle at a noon class in the old Old 97. I was not 100% committed at the time thinking my good friend Joanie Gay was out of her mind (P.S. She is out of her mind but that's the magic - love her! )

What's been your biggest accomplishment since you began training with us?

Continuing my train of thought from the previous question, one of my biggest accomplishments is achieving over 500 classes. Since I was not feeling CrossFit in the beginning, my mindset was NOT what it is today so I could have easily had over 600 classes or more, but the mind was winning at that time. There was no way I could do a burpee, workout at Friday Night Lights, much less participate in the CrossFit Open. But today, none of that is true. I have participated in all of it by showing up, understanding the techniques of the lifts, and working with my coaches to build a better me. The first thing I learned was to show up regardless of what your mind is telling you. Deep breath and just jump in!  

What's your favorite thing about being a member here?

It goes without saying for me that I feel the people are what makes being a member at Old 97 CrossFit special. I could name names but this would go on and on with the special qualities each person brings to the gym. But the first thing that comes to mind for me is a sense of belonging. My grandma used to tell me 'you give what you get' and 'can you empty my spit cup', but that is a whole other story - I digress!  My point is you are surrounded by this energy of encouragement, positivity, and people who genuinely want you to succeed. And when I say that, it is what you deem successful for yourself. I have learned CrossFit is ALL ABOUT YOU! Showing up and giving 100% is all you can ask for in CrossFit and no one will judge you for that. I will always be that person yelling your name and encouraging you on and maybe even throwing a few dance moves along the way to bring the workout home. That sense of belonging motivates me and is what keeps me coming back time after time. 

What would you say to someone who is considering training with us? 

Why are you still thinking about it?! Just sign up and try it. CrossFit is no different then going to sign up at a gym, or join a Pilates class, or take swimming lessons. You never know until you try. Stop overthinking it (trust me, I am the king of overthinking) and see what you can do. Life is too short not to invest in yourself and see what the possibilities are. Every CrossFit movement has a purpose but the beauty of it is that all of those movements come with many ways to perform that movement. The Old 97 CrossFit coaches like a challenge and have the answers to meet your needs. Be kind to yourself and make it happen!