Tell us a little bit about yourself – including something we may not know about you.
A:
Trying to think of something I HAVEN’T told you guys lol! @Lari shhh.
A bit about me, I’ve been doing graphic and web design for over 14 years now, 2 of which includes operating my own agency (win). Grew up in Coffs Harbour which is the banana capital of Australia lol 6hrs each way from any city. Worked at McDonalds for 4 years and lived on chicken burgers and nuggets the entire time. Never really took gym seriously until I moved to Brisbane, I did Les Mills classes – BodyAttack and BodyPump. These are huge in Australia and New Zealand.
Will and I met on Tinder (hahaaaa) and on our first date I was going to bail after the first drink (boy can talk!) and he decided to get a 2nd. I couldn’t be rude so I stayed. He gave me a sip of his beer and it was the best beer I’ve had. He gave me his beer and bought himself another, I didn’t speak to him for 3 weeks (my ears needed to recover haha) and then he messaged me for another date for buffalo wings, couldn’t say no to that. Now we here!
Something you guys probably don’t know is I hate Kristen Stewart’s acting – the huffing, shrugging, side ways mouth – drives me nuts, then Will impersonates her and I hate it even more.
W:
Mmm I do feel like we have overshared so much that there are no secrets…
After finishing school I did two degrees in Exercise and Sport Science and Commerce in Melbourne. I worked as a swim coach for a while before deciding I wanted to do law, so I moved to the Gold Coast and did my law degree there before moving to Brisbane to start work. Loved the Gold Coast because I could surf everyday before class and train every afternoon. That’s when I decided I didn’t want to live in a big city.
When I met Amber, she wouldn’t talk to me for 3 weeks after our first date and then it took 5 dates to get a kiss.
When I was 14 I was in China with my father, he flew to Australia for work and accidentally left me behind in China. Luckily I had just enough cash for a call to my mother to help me organize a flight home.
What made you want to give 7 Mile Strength & Fitness a try?
A:
I wasn’t keen to try after attempting CrossFit 2 times in Australia and they were both snobby and made me feel worse about myself. Will said I would get along with Lari really well and she would help me through the workouts at my level. I was super hesitant but also wanted to make new friends so bam – here I am.
W:
I love this style of training and after lockdown I wanted to get involved in it again (I didn’t want to train in Camana Bay). The Level Method also suited my level of fitness as I could ease back into it.
What was the hardest part when you started out and how did you overcome that?
A:
(Let’s be honest the first class with Lari was the assault bike and I threw up hahaha.) On a serious note, comparing myself to others and running. Everyone was really encouraging, not sure how I ended up just focusing on myself – probably because every session I just wanted to survive and forgot about everyone else hahaha. Still working on the running, but it’s gotten a lot better.
W:
Realizing how far my fitness had fallen since I last did CrossFit. I just reminded myself I enjoy the process and didn’t care if I finished last or threw up (a lot).
What is something you’re really proud of?
A:
The overall progress I’ve made and commitment to keep going. I couldn’t do a push up, ring dip, deadlifts would hurt my back every time. Now I’m deadlifting 155lb for 8 reps, 20 burpees unbroken (I used to struggle with 8), at least two diamond push ups lol people are noticing my body change which is a massive win. Something else I noticed: when we first got here and buying bags of food and kitty litter – I used to struggle carrying them. I went there yesterday and picked up the box and double checked to see if I got the right one because it was so light (totes swole).
W:
Convincing Amber to go on a second date (and several more after that).
When you see ___________ in a workout, you get fired up!
A:
Deadlifts!
W:
Heavy cleans.
When you see ___________ in a workout, you consider doing Coach RX hours instead of class!
A:
Running 400m repeatedly.
W:
Box jumps and burpees.
What are a few of your favourite things to do on island?
A:
Snorkeling, catching up with the coaches outside of the gym (such a teachers pet haha), playing video games at GT’s (previously called Outpost) and attempting to tan lol!!!
W:
In reverse order – kitesurfing, beers on the beach/in the water.. annoying Amber.
Anything about ‘back home’ that you really miss (besides family)?
A:
Online shopping with next day delivery. I’m sure Will doesn’t miss this at all!
W:
Stone & Wood beer (the beer the helped me land Amber) and AFL.
Anything crazy on your bucket list? (bungee jumping, sky diving, hiking?)
A:
Climb/visit Machu Picchu.
W:
Kitesurf in Madagascar
Favorite song?
A:
Danger Zone, Kenny Loggins. I don’t remember how old I was when I first heard it, I broke my dad’s stereo putting it on repeat – never get sick of that bad boy.
W:
Rubberband Man
If you could write your own WOD, what would it look like?
A:
o0o0o0o so, deadlifts building to max just to start (der). Then the pyramid (5, 10, 15, 20, 15, 10, 5) push ups, weighted Bulgarian split squats, skipping x 2, weighted ab mat setups BOOM!
W:
400m run buy in
25 Pull ups
20 push ups
15 front squats
10 power cleans
5 snatch
10 power cleans
15 front squats
20 push ups
25 Pull ups
400m run buy out
Amber, what would you say is Will’s superpower?
Talking…LOL kidding. Being able to flex a 6 pack in the mirror and then it disappears for the rest of the day hahahahaha.
Will, what would you say is Amber’s?
Amber is an amazing self tanner. She has tanned herself at least once a week since she was 15… It was quite a shock, after we had been dating for a while and I found out she was not naturally tanned but in fact whiter than paper!
Would you recommend 7 Mile Strength & Fitness to others and if so, why?
A:
Hell no, this is my gym now – no new people lol. For serious, I have already been telling everyone I know on and off island about 7 Mile. Honestly, you guys aren’t just glorified PT’s, you know your stuff, specialise in different areas, SO welcoming, approachable and encouraging. Wanting to hang out with your coaches outside the gym I think says it all. Super chuffed Will found you guys and we both joined. Best thing we’ve done on island.
W:
Yes. The gym makes everyone feel welcome no matter their level of fitness (unlike lots of other CrossFits) ie – Lari never said a word when I quietly went and threw up in my first PT.
The atmosphere is really fun and supportive, coaches are great and very engaging. Cera has the best analogies when describing how to do something.
Congrats again guys, you’ve been crushing it lately and are both very deserving to be our August 7 Milers.