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FEBRUARY ATHLETE OF THE MONTH – DREW HOEFLER

When you walk into the an evening class and see the J hooks above your head and the bike seat as tall as it goes, you know Drew has been to the noon class that day! Drew has been a member of our community for over 5 years and was one of our first nutrition coaching clients. He is humble, strong, and a very fast runner. His consistency in the gym and at home has led to oodles of strength gains and 20+ pounds of muscles over the years. The noon coaches are always excited to see Drew in class and the noon athletes enjoy walking with him after class. More about Drew:

Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from? What do you do for a living/study? Feel free to add more.

I grew up in a small town called Firth about 20 miles south of Lincoln. I’ve lived in Lincoln for 9 years. I work as an Airport Firefighter here in Lincoln.

How did you find out about Lincoln Nutrition & Fitness?

I first learned about the gym from my sister, Sarah Kniep around 10 years ago I think.

What was the biggest obstacle for you to start?

There were a few obstacles that initially kept me from starting. Back then I was a bone thin distance runner who’d hardly touched a weight in my life. I was also very shy and felt nervous at the idea of working out as part of a class. So it was a little intimidating coming into a CrossFit environment.

How did you overcome that obstacle?

After getting hired as a firefighter I figured I should focus more on my personal fitness. So I bit the bullet and joined the gym.

Do you remember your first workout?

I don’t remember my first workout at the gym, but I do have a distinct memory of my first ever CrossFit workout. My sister Sarah made me do Murph with her at our parents house. I had to modify it heavily, but even still, it was BRUTAL! For the next two weeks I remember limping around everywhere I went because my legs were so sore.

 

Who was your coach, how did they help you push through it?

I guess in that scenario, Sarah was kind of my coach. She kept encouraging me throughout the workout. I probably wouldn’t have finished it if she hadn’t kept telling me to keep going.

 

Why do you keep coming back to Lincoln Nutrition & Fitness?

I love the atmosphere. The coaches are great and it’s fun to workout with the other athletes (shoutout to the noon class!). And even though we’re technically doing most of the workouts individually in our own squares it still feels like you’re working together with everyone else in the class to achieve a common goal.

How do you balance health & fitness with a busy schedule?

I have a weird schedule as a firefighter. Between each 24 hour shift I have 2 days off. So if anything, I have trouble structuring and filling my off days with things to do. Working out at the gym definitely helps provide that structure.

How does CrossFit help you with your job?

CrossFit helps me with my job in many ways. First, I generally come to work with a more positive attitude and have better mental clarity. Second, CrossFit focuses a lot on strength, cardiovascular efficiency, and muscle endurance; which are all important in the fire service. It helps me do my job better and could potentially save my life on the fire ground.

What is your favorite thing about Lincoln Nutrition & Fitness?

Going back to one of my previous answers, I just love the atmosphere. The coaches and other athletes are all super encouraging and you never feel like you’re being judged. I feel very lucky to be a part of this great community.

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