Clifton Ennis joined 3 Peaks earlier this year and has been so committed to his fitness journey! He has been attending class regularly and worked on dialing in his nutrition right off the bat with the Gold OnRamp. In his first eight weeks he already had huge results! Clifton continues to push towards his goals and is such a pleasure to have in class!
How were you introduced to CrossFit?
How I began CrossFit is rather interesting. I have struggled with emotional eating and weight control since my twenties. Into my thirties … then forties and the struggles seemed to only get tougher. My wife tossed “let’s get healthy” ideas out on occasion. Her last suggestion was CrossFit.
I did something I have rarely done before…jumped all in without researching the decision first. I am glad I hadn’t because I probably never would have done CrossFit knowingly. =)
If you never had to do this one exercise ever again it would be …
The least favorite movement has been a moving target. During the OnRamp I didn’t like the squats because my thighs/knees had a hard time supporting my weight. I had a hate/hate relationship with burpees for a long time … until I realized the fact that the movements, I disliked were exactly what my body needed.
Squats have helped me do everyday movement without pain … I love that! Burpees have helped me build my cardio (still have a long way to go) … also I really appreciate the increased cardio capacity. I am learning to love the struggle …
That being said, I could go my whole lifetime without ever doing the Hokey Pokey warm up and be a happy CrossFitter.
If you had to make up your own WOD it would be…
Warm Up (2x rounds)
10 Push Ups
10 Air Squats
10 Strict Pull Ups
10 cal row
Strength – (3x rounds, increasing weight, 50%/65%/75% One Rep Max)
5 Bench Press
5 Back Squats
WOD (30 min Cardio Endurance Challenge)
15 Wall Balls
20 cal row
15 Burpees
20 cal row
Tell us a little about yourself, families, hobbies, job etc.
I am 43 years old, very happily married to my best friend Melissa E. I am grateful our four kiddos have made room in their heart for me … I love them very much. Life with four kids seems to move too fast to have a “hobby” …
CrossFit would be my hobby I suppose. I have worked in technology since my teen years. I have currently been employed by the State of Oregon maintaining information systems. Its been great … nerds and geeks are now celebrated (which means so much to me)! *sarcastic smirk*
Turns out at school it’s a hot topic … whether nerds or geeks are cooler. *shrug*
Your proudest accomplishment?
I enjoy the current moment’s accomplishments. A day where I have controlled my tongue, actions and put God and others first. An evening of stories and prayers with the kiddos; young faces filled with smiles, contentment and security. To rest your head knowing this was a good day.
This isn’t every day … but when it happens, I am content living in that moment … then working towards the next.
Your favorite cheat meal/food?
There are way too many favorite foods to list. What I do love is when I find a creative way to eat the flavors, I love in a much lower calorie way. I really like Dairy Queen’s Turtle Sundae (820 cal).
Turns out a light drizzle of chocolate syrup, caramel syrup, and small portion of low-fat whip cream on a small piece of graham cracker have the same taste for FAR less calories. WIN.
What do you love about 3 Peaks CrossFit?
From day one I could careless about the competitive element. My goals have been two things: consistency and long-term health. I have been open with the coaches about these goals. I have loved that they encourage me to progress in weight and reps but keep as a priority wanting to see me uninjured.
Their guidance and correction has helped me learn how to do movements I had never attempted before. I am grateful to be educated on how to exercise and care for myself post workout.
What is something we might not know about you?
Since my twenties I would make the announcement, “The fat days are over!” This would be the proclamation just prior to starting a new fad diet … or new exercise routine … or just empty words prior to an emotional eating setback. The proclamation was empty as are so many resolutions.
I am done with resolutions … replacing it with commitment. It’s best for me to not know the WOD … not ask if I should go … just go … just keep moving.
