Catalyst Athletics: Athlete Spotlight  

Name: Travis

How did you hear about Catalyst Athletics?
I found them on Google and then came in to train one day while I was in the
bay area. I was immediately hooked and joined soon after relocating.

What do you like about Catalyst Athletics?
The coaching is top notch, everyone is super supportive and it's hands down
one of the most amazing facilities I've ever trained in. Quoting TV shows
and random YouTube clips with the team ranks pretty high on the list of
things I enjoy about the facility as well, though.

What is your favorite lift?
Snatch.

What is your least favorite lift?
Power jerk. 

What are your short term and long term goals?
Short term: Eat, eat, eat and eat.
Long term: Snatch 95+ (seems like a lofty goal, I know) and eventually put
another 20kg on my squat.

What are your hobbies or activities outside of Catalyst Athletics?
Drawing, guitar, building computers, eating, gettin' swole. Things of that
nature.

What motivates you?
Home Run Pies, the Night Ranger Pandora station, lifting with the team in
general, not running, caffeine. Those all get me pretty amped.

What is your favorite inspirational quote?
"There is a formula, but it has not been in books. It is really plain old
courage, standing on one's own feet and forever seeking enlightenment;
courage to develop your way, but learning from the other fellow;
experimentation with your own ideas, observing for yourself, a rigid
discipline of doing over that which you can improve." -Andrew Loomis

And this one isn't really inspirational, but it gets me every time... "It's
just science, dude." -Greg

What is your most memorable moment at Catalyst Athletics?
On my first day at the facility I lost a snatch way in front and tumbled
backwards into the benches/chalk. I looked up and Steve looked me dead in
the face and yelled, "WOOOOOO!"

What is your favorite food?
I don't discriminate. It's all my favorite.

How do you stay on track with your diet?
Right now, I treat eating like a second job. Groceries don't last very long
in my household.

Any words of advice for new members?
If you don't believe in yourself, no one else will. Set goals, make them big
and make them happen.

Name: Diane

How did you hear about Catalyst Athletics?
I had been following Catalyst since they announced their move up from San
Diego. It was only a matter of time after they came to the bay area that I
went over to check things out.

What do you like about Catalyst Athletics?
Everything. The coaching and constant feedback I get when lifting there. The
welcoming environment created by the CA staff and athletes. The awesome
community. The great equipment. What's not to like?

What is your favorite lift?
Snatch.

What is your least favorite lift?
Jerk.

What are your short term and long term goals?
Short term goal: becoming more technically consistent.
Long term goal: become as strong as a full grown adult.

Name one fun fact about you or name something that no one knows about you.
English is my second language. I spent a small portion of my youth overseas
in Taiwan and did some studies there. I'm hoping my Chinese heritage will
shine it's way through my lifting. One can always hope.

What are your hobbies or activities outside of Catalyst Athletics?
I lift weights and think about weightlifting all the time. However, during
winter months, I do love the snow. Snowboarding is my next favorite activity
and I'd like to think I'm pretty good at it.

What motivates you?
PRs or at least the possibility of them and recognition helps too.

What is your favorite inspirational quote?
"If it jiggles, it's fat." -- Arnold Schwarzenegger  

But I guess it's not really that inspirational, huh? I guess I just think
it's funny.

What is your most memorable moment at Catalyst Athletics?
The first time I watched Aimee lift. It was amazing. I keep wishing I could
learn how to teleport underneath the barbell. I don't know, maybe I can one
day. After all, I am Chinese.

What is your favorite food?
Grass-fed red meat.

How do you stay on track with your diet?
I like carb cycling. It works well with weightlifting and allows me to keep
control of my weight without putting too many constraints on what I can eat.

Any words of advice for new members?
Lift and try not to over think things. It's easy to get lost in the sauce.
And don't forget, if weightlifting were easy, it wouldn't be nearly as much
fun.