Athlete Profile

Jeff Nesheim

Hometown: Born in Mc Henry Illinois ,but grew up in Stillwater Oklahoma

Age : 41

Occupation: Scientific Affairs Manager for Veridex LLC (have a Doctor of Pharmacy )

When did you start Cross Fit: October 1, 2010

Favorite WOD: Blake or the Filthy Fifty

Least favorite WOD: Burpee Helen (both times…)

Tell us about your sports and fitness background? Played baseball and soccer growing up, intramural softball until my 30’s. Avid road cyclist, mountain biker and skier

How did you first get exposed to Cross Fit? One of my roommates from college talked about it on our annual lake/golf trip last summer. He and his wife had been doing it for about a year. I got back to Littleton and looked up Cross Fit affiliates and went and met Ian the next day.

What was the first WOD that sticks in your mind and how did it feel? The first one that sticks in my mind is the one we did for Troy’s birthday last fall, the 44 magnum. That was one of the first ones I did after getting out of skills class. It didn’t kill me (close) but it was fun working that hard, and then hanging out with everyone afterwards. That is when I saw what a great community this gym is.

What sorts of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting Cross Fit (before/after)? I am much stronger. I have lost 17 pounds since staring. I had to take all my suits to the tailor to have the waists taken in 2-3 inches. Very gratifying experience. I really try to plan my day around getting a workout in. I started the paleo diet (with much skepticism) on January 1 2011. It has really changed the way I think about eating for myself and my family. I feel healthier, and I really look at eating in a very different way now.

What sort of life changes have you experienced as a result of your training that may have been unexpected? Have truly prioritized fitness and healthy eating for myself and my family. I also have a lot of new friends. I have also become a MMA fan because of our connection with factory X. Watching Mark and Chappy train has given me a true appreciation of the sport.

Please share with us any favorite Cross Fit/Cross Fit Littleton moments: Any workout with Wade. Listening to Kyle and Ian complain about Kyle’s thrash metal workout music. The Cross Fit Combine was a lot of fun. The vertical max box jumps in strength class was a good one as well. I have also had the opportunity to work out at about 10 different Cross Fit gyms across the country while traveling for work. It is a worldwide community. Everyone has been very nice, I have learned a lot from the different trainers. I would Recommend trying out another gym while travelling if you have the chance. It is a great experience, and it also reinforces how great our gym is. I also enjoy the fact that there is a kids program. I enjoy watching the kids and hope to have all three of mine in it soon. I many times have to bring Aidan to class due to scheduling with Connor and Hannah’s sports practices. Everyone is so nice to him and makes sure he is having fun. He really enjoys coming to “exercise class” as well.

Advice for people just getting started? Be patient. The skills take a while to master. Don’t be afraid to ask anyone questions. If you have to mod something during a workout, it is not a big deal. Make a goal that the next time you have that skill to do during a WOD, you will try not to Mod it. There is no shame in being the last person to finish a WOD. Your goal should be to improve your fitness, so don’t shortchange form for a faster time.

What are your hobbies, interests or talents outside of the gym? Like to spend time with my wife and kids, watch my kids in their athletic and extracurricular endeavors. Love live music, love to dance with my wife, like to cook. College football is a passion (Oklahoma State Cowboys!). Avid reader, and love a good glass of wine.