1. How long have you been doing CrossFit?
I have been doing CrossFit for about 4 years but started consistently coming the summer of 2015.
2. What, if any, training did you do prior to CrossFit?
I played football in high school and we did weight training with that.
3. What motivates you to keep coming back to 5 Alarm each day?
The people I workout with are the motivation to come to the gym. Without the coaches and my workout partners, I doubt I’d have as much fun as I do working out.
4. What is your favorite WOD?
Murph is one of my favorites as I love chipper workouts & we do it every year to get better at it.
5. What’s one thing you hope to accomplish in the gym in the upcoming year?
I hope to improve on my form with the Olympic lifts but mostly snatches.
6. What one piece of advice would you give to somebody just starting out?
Make friends or bring you friends in ASAP. They are what will motivate you to go to the gym and get better everyday!
What are others in the gym saying about Ryan?
Ryan is one of those people you just love to have in your class. From a coaching standpoint, he’s a very coachable athlete and always gives 100%. He also spends time both before and after class working on different movements and trying to improve weaknesses all the while encouraging those around him. He’s also a great friend! I’ve yet to meet someone in the gym he doesn’t get along with or who doesn’t like him ☺ Keep up the good work, Ryan! You’re doing amazing! – Leah Wheeler
I met Ryan several times before he started CrossFit when he would visit the box with his Dad! He was a shy young man and didn’t say much, but it always struck me as awesome that he would take the time to WOD with his parents. How cool is that? Then, he began showing up by himself and, usually, at the class Mark and I attended. It was fun to watch him integrate into the community and more inspiring to watch him grow with CrossFit as his foundation. For me, he has become a friend, someone I joke with, talk with, and enjoy spending time with outside the gym. He is an incredible young man with unlimited potential and I’m proud to say that he is my WOD buddy and friend. I was there when he got his first muscle-up, recorded it, and sent it to his Dad. He never ceases to amaze me and always encourages me. I’m inspired by his dedication, commitment, and never-ending smile! When I think about the box, it makes my heart happy that you can walk in between 4:45 & 6:30pm and see people coming together, ranging in age from teens to 50’s, and really enjoying the experience of spending time together. Ryan is a big part of making that happen and for that, I’m grateful. – Donna Johnson
As parents, we could not be more pleased with Ryan’s work ethic at the gym and how many friends he has made in the process. We are very proud of how hard he works to improve in just about every area of fitness. He continues to get better every day as he is now consistently beating his dad and has become one of the elite athletes in the gym. One of the highlights of the year was Ryan teaming with his Dad as well as Brett, Erica, Cassie, and Dana at the D-town Throwdown in September. Ryan loves hanging out at the gym and has made a number of lifelong friends. We love that great coaches and friends, who are excellent role models, surround him. We are grateful for the 5 Alarm community. Ryan has become much more confident in himself as a result of his time at the gym and this has transferred to other aspects of his life. We are very proud of Ryan as we think he is an excellent role model for others and are excited to watch him continue his progress as a person and an athlete! – Barry & Lisa Reilly (very, very, very proud parents)
Ryan Reilly (or Ry Ry as I mostly call this youngster) is one of my favorites. He pushes me in the gym—trying to get bigger muscles than each other and the friendly rivalry of beating each other every WOD. All jokes aside, Ryan makes the gym more enjoyable and fun and there aren’t many days when we aren’t in class together. Ryan brings out the best in people and is literally one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. For being only “almost 20,” he brings so much to the table. I’m so excited to compete with Ryan in a few weeks and am glad that our paths crossed and we are official WOD buddies (if that’s even a real thing). – Catie Carlson
