Each month the coaching staff at EHP selects a member that is “Better Than Yesterday!” The selected recipient is a great example of EHP’s CREDO– demonstrating compassion, honesty, resilience, perseverance, and tenacity. Jason Carriveau was selected as June’s “Better Than Yesterday” recipient.

Jason was asked a series of questions about his experience at EHP:

Why did you start CrossFit?
I did CrossFit back around 2012-2013 and loved it.  I checked out CrossFit Knights, I think was the name based off a flyer at MSUM.  That gym was on University but it wasn’t a good fit as they just threw you into it.  I then went to CrossFit 701 and found a spot where I could burn energy, get in shape and hang out with great people.  I had a blast with the coaches and was there when Coach Lucas went there crazy enough.  Like all the stories, I used the excuse I don’t have time and left the gym.

I didn’t do any physical training after that really at all.  I ran a few half marathons, but they were flops to say the least.  My wife had started to workout a bunch and was sharpening her looks while I grew to the heaviest I had been which was 217.  I needed to hold up my end of the bargain and get back in shape.  My job as a firefighter also expects it.  I had dropped my expectations physically but allowed it to be ok in my head.  I leaned back on my positive experience from 701 and started checking gyms out.  EHP had a great website and I went from there.  I can’t explain how glad I am I sent the inquiry e-mail.  So long story short I joined to improve my quality of life, being more fit for my job and to burn my energy so I don’t annoy the wife as much lol.

Why do you continue CrossFit?
I continue because the progress is insane and I don’t want to look back.  I want to prove that I can do movements better and better.  I also continue this because my favorite leadership quality is being coachable.  Doing CrossFit and not being the most efficient at the moves, I have to be coachable.  I pick up notes from every coach and try to apply how they explain things differently.  Each extra coaching moment allows me to spin that method into my job and help demonstrate tasks to my crew. If I can show them I am coachable, I am hoping they are willing to let their guard down and listen to others for advice.

What has been your greatest achievement since starting EHP?
I feel the greatest achievement here is being consistent.  It literally messes with my day if I can’t swing in to EHP.  The workouts are great but I really like the people.  I have also not had any Mountain Dew for almost 7 months now.  I quit cold turkey after Dr. Karla and I discussed the amount of Dew I drank 😬.

How has your life changed since joining EHP?
My life has changed by 34 pounds, being able to fit into my clothes again, feeling much more confident on the fire ground, as well as becoming way more flexible and mobile from where I started.  My mood has also gone much higher and I have even more of a spark now.  I owe a lot to the gym for all of it.

Anything else you would like to share about yourself, fitness journey and/or EHP.
EHP far exceeded my expectations for what a “gym” could be.  It feels like a second home to me.  I try to encourage people to check it out but at the minimum just be active now.  I am not afraid to tell them of my story and how I hit the downhill slide.  My hopes will be that people remy how we approach and solve the issues.  This gym is very sound all the way through.  I. Beyond impressed with the process the coaches and athletes have to go through to get to various stages in the gym.  EHP has the best interest in mind for their athletes and it shows.

 

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Jason,

After many years, we are ecstatic that you found your way back to CrossFit—you are a great asset to the EHP community! Your consistency, positivity and encouragement for your fellow athletes is noticeable.  Keep up the hard work, Jason!

– EHP Performance