Name: Blake Hollingsworth

Age: 30

Occupation: Tulsa Firefighter/EMT

When did you first start crossfitting?: I guess I started some form of crossfit around a year ago at my fire station. We started doing crossfit based workouts. We would set up some circuit workouts with some Olympic lifting incorporated in it. I really enjoyed them some I started dropping into boxes around Tulsa, Jenks and Claremore to see what real crossfit was all about! I’ve been a member at Crossfit Eclipse for about 5 months now.

Tell us about your sports and fitness background: I was always involved in sports growing up. I really focused on fitness after my playing days were over to channel my competitiveness and to stay in shape for my job. It was mainly just weightlifting 5 day a week with cardio mixed in.

How did you first get into crossfit? How did it go? A fellow fireman and avid crossfitter introduced me into crossfit along with my older brother Nick.  They kept asking me to join them and finally I did! I loved it!! Other than it I thought I was going to die!

What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health, and fitness since starting crossfit?: I feel like I’m leaner than I’ve ever been since starting crossfit. My cardio is way better and I’m just in overall better conditioning than I’ve ever been.

What kind of impact has crossfit had on your life?: Crossfit has had a huge impact on my life! It has given me another challenge! Previously I had never done a squat clean or snatch or any other Olympic lifting for that matter so it has really intrigued me to learn more and get better. It allows me to compete with other people again and against myself! I love the comradery of everyone at the gym! I have met some awesome people because of crossfit!

What is your advice for people getting started or thinking about starting crossfit?: DO IT!! Don’t be intimidated, just get out of your comfort zone and try it! Stick with it! The workouts suck sometimes and they hurt but the feeling you get after it’s all over or when you PR or beat your previous time is all worth it! It will also change the way you approach the challenges that come up in your life!

What are your hobbies, interests, and other talents outside of crossfit?: I love to hunt and fish! Avid bow hunter, anything outdoors basically, love to be on the lake. I used to be a decent baseball player back in the day but now I stick to slow pitch softball!!