We love having Sam at OSi. He is a great encourager and he has a gentle competitiveness that inspires everyone to reach a little further -Tim
1) At what point did you start to think about joining a gym, and what brought you to OSi?
About three years ago I realized I needed to do something. Because somebody had shrunk my clothes. I think it was my wife. So, when a friend was going to start with Tim, I asked if I could join him so that I didn’t have to buy a new wardrobe. I think the two of us were the original “small group” class.
2) Were you into fitness when you were younger? Did you play any sports growing up?
I always rode bikes and played neighborhood football growing up. A couple of years of baseball. Then in high school it was soccer and wrestling. During college I transitioned from soccer to rugby.
3) Being Honest…What did you initially think about our form of movement and being on the ground when you first saw it, aka how crazy did you think we really were!?
In my first class, Tim had us baby-crawl on our hands and knees. Then we spent time on the balance beam, walking forward and backward and side-to-side. I liked what he said about the crawling engaging both sides of my brain. It all made sense somehow – but I did feel a little silly. I mean, how can crawling make you strong?
4) When was your ah-ha moment here at OSi?
It sounds funny, but the ah-ha moment came one day when I was putting on socks. I always had weak ankles (I’ve rolled/sprained them both numerous times playing soccer). And weak ankles paired with my little spare-tire meant I had to sit down to pull on socks – or else I’d fall over. But one day I just stood on one leg, balancing and bending over comfortably to pull on my socks. And I thought, “Hmm. I don’t remember being able to do that so easily before.”
5) How long have you been at OSi and soon did you start feeling the benefits of playing here?
This Fall will be 3 years. And I felt the benefits almost immediately – increased energy, lower stress, feeling stronger than I’ve felt in a long time (maybe ever).
6) What is your favorite thing to do at OSi and Why?
Turkish Get-Ups. Because if I can keep getting off the ground holding 80lbs over my head, then I think I’ll be able to get up when I’m 80 years old, too.
7) What is your favorite reset?
Laying propped up on my elbows and doing head-nods (up and down/side to side). It feels like all the stress I carry between my shoulder blades gets flushed out.
8) What has been one of your biggest obstacles when it comes to sticking to your game plan in the past ?
It’s almost always mental. You skip a week. That turns into two. Then three. Then twelve. Because I think, “Well, I missed again. No point in going now.”
9) How has OSi helped redefine that obstacle?
Not once has Tim or Dani ever shamed me (or anyone else) for not showing up. Hospitality that allows you to come and go freely usually has a way of drawing you back.
10) What goals have you achieved at OSi?
I’ve never sat down to define exercise goals in the past. But I do know that I can do so much more than I used to do. I attribute a lot of that to working out in a small group with Cliff (another incredibly hard working member). I basically just see what he can lift/swing/carry and try my best to get close.
11) What is a new goal you’d like to achieve?
I’ve seen video of Tim doing a Turkish Get-Up with 135lbs. I’d like to get close to that.
12) What do you like to do for fun (hobbies, etc)
I love wrestle-time with my boys and nice dinners with my wife. And it’s been a while since I’ve made time for it, but I also enjoy carving tobacco pipes. I’ve made a few commission pieces and enjoyed utilizing skills I don’t often use in my vocation. I’m also engaged in a long-time battle with the moles in my yard.
13) What does your typical diet consist of?
Protein for breakfast (Greek yogurt with granola or eggs with sausage/bacon). Since I have a lot of meetings over meals, lunches vary from a fruit smoothie to something half-way smart at a restaurant (like fajitas. Or rice/beans/platanos from The Meeting Corner). I like dates or trail-mix as a snack. Supper is usually another protein plus veggies. No broccoli. I hate broccoli. I do like beer. And bread with fig preserves. And popcorn. And ice cream. Honestly, I tell Tim that I really just work out with him to support my eating habit.
14) Any words of advice for new members?
All the best things in life are difficult. Physically, Emotionally, and Spiritually – our obsession with comfort and ease robs us of the good.
