Member Spotlight - Josh Armentano

Josh Armentano is a very talented web developer. In fact, he built this website for us just a few months ago! He's also a very friendly and genuine person who listens well and can extract valuable lessons from practically any situation. It's always a refreshing conversation when I spend time with him, whether inside or outside of the SHOP!Did you know that he has traveled the globe extensively? North America - obviously. South America - check. Europe - check. Asia - check. Africa - check. Australia - check. Antarctica - NOPE! But why not Antarctica Josh?? The people need answers…

First, give us a little background on yourself.

I am a dad who loves my family and wants to stay healthy so I can engage with them to the best of my abilities as long as possible. I work at a computer for a good chunk of the day and don't do much in the way or exercise in the great outdoors, so if I don't have something engaging me to get my blood pumping I would likely be in trouble.

What got you started and how long have you been at the SHOP?

I actually had no intention of ever stepping foot in a CrossFit gym! I bought into all those stereotypes and whatnot, and in general was scared that it would be WAY too hardcore for a guy like me. All that being said, I was invited by a client of mine to come workout with him and me trying to be a good service provider who wants to connect with his clients, I said yes. I show up and its some run of the mill workout (what I now consider after 5 years), and it kicked my butt like nothing I had ever experienced before. I come home that day and my wife asks me how it went, I said horrible, exactly how I thought it would go, and she says, you should become a member...lol. So with some gentle pushing from my wonderful wife, I ended up signing up for a class pack. At that time, I would look at the workout ahead of time and only show up for classes that didn't look like they were going to kill me. Slowly, after a few months, my body started to toughen up, and eventually I pulled the trigger and became a full-time member. That was over 5 years ago! I haven't looked back and honestly I can't even imagine a scenario in which I wouldn't be a member of the SHOP. I am a lifer.

With what movement(s) have you seen the most progress?

Honestly everything. I am stronger now by far than I was at my peak in college.

What do you like to do outside the gym?

I try to tell compelling stories, learn from amazing people, and labor to make my family, my people, and my city a better place. My life is almost exclusively centered around stories and shared experiences. I do life with a group of people at The Branch who are some of the most amazing individuals I have ever known. I have the privilege to have family walking distance away and experience the joys and benefits of raising my kids with a tribe of people who share my passion and vision for life. Life is hard, at times tenuous, heart-breaking, and filled with all manner of unexpected and sometimes brought upon trials, so I have come to the conclusion that for the sake of my own heart, and the hearts of those I care about, I must endeavor to give my life away for the sake of others, and that in doing this I might experience the wonderful blessing of having a group of people to live life with who love me, know me, and hold me up. We are better together!

What movement(s) would you like to improve on in the next few months?

I would love to learn how to handstand walk, get a ring muscle up on a consistent basis, and squat again (I will have to have surgery first to make that happen - very sad)

Favorite place to eat in/near Corvallis?

American Dream, any place with sushi, McMenamins, Cafe Yum, Laughing Plant, Market of Choice

What advice would you give members just starting out at the SHOP?

I think starting out with the notion that you are just here to check off the box, give whatever you have in the tank to give, and not overdo it will set you up for enduring success. The culture at the SHOP will get you over the hump 9 times out of 10. You will show up with nothing to give, and next thing you know you are getting pumped up by another member or one of the amazing coaches, and you are pushing it harder than you thought you could. It is all about slow, consistent, growth over a long period of time. Of course, this is a truth about all things worth having. There is nothing quick or trivial or superficial here. Toss the bones you have about CrossFit, or group classes, or the cost, or this or that, and instead eat the meat that this is what your body needs to get yourself in the door. Let the process do the rest.

What is something others might be surprised to learn about you?

I love English bulldogs! I have traveled to every continent except Antarctica.

RAPID-FIRE QUESTIONS

Favorite Book

The Great Divorce, Malazan Book of the Fallen, Philippians/Colossians/John/Psalms

Favorite Movie

I am much more of a TV guy.

Favorite Food

Sushi

Favorite Cheat Meal

Pizza

Favorite Exercise/Movement

Muscle-Up, Weighted Pullup, Assault Bike Peak RPM, Row Peak cals/hr, pretty much anything explosive

Least Favorite Exercise/Movement

Long Assault Bike or Rows