Bright Spot: Jeff Hayes

How long have you been at North Rim? What brought you here?

I have been at North Rim since November 2023. I came to North Rim to get back into CrossFit after a long hiatus. I stopped going to the gym regularly after our 2nd child, but still stayed active. I took to running and weightlifting during COVID with a neighbor who was training for College Baseball. I sprained my ankle in 2021 running, which stopped my running career for a while. Instead of pivoting and focusing on other fitness areas, I picked up a few bad habits and stopped working out altogether.  Once my ankle was to a point where it was manageable to workout free of pain, I started slowly back to a gym, lifting weights and light cardio. BOY, was I out of shape! As great as it was to get me started, I never felt like I gained in overall fitness. I started looking to get back into CrossFit trying to stay in the morning routine, finding the 5AM class at North Rim that would allow me to be consistent. I joined up in November and haven’t looked back since!

How has being at North Rim impacted/improved your life?

I have always been an active person, getting back into shape helps me do the things I want to do. I enjoy playing with my two daughters, hunting, and fishing. Taking care of your body allows you to enjoy so much more.

What are you most proud of accomplishing?

You know, I have found that it’s really easy to be fat and lazy. I am proud that I am taking the steps to break that cycle and snap myself out of it. It isn’t who I am nor who I want to be. That’s my drive to get up and make it to the 5AM class, and I am thankful for the support along the way.

What’s next for you (goal)?

Stay positive, stay motivated, and keep it going. There really is no replacement for putting in the work!  

Tell us a fun fact about yourself?

In the small amounts of spare time I have, I enjoy working on cars. I am currently (slowly) restoring a 1967 Chevrolet Nova SS.

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