Brian McGinty has been a Blackbird since January 2015. He is one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. He’s hard working, dedicated, and a happy-go lucky guy around the gym. He’s smart about his training and aware of what is right for him at this stage in his life, but that doesn’t mean he’s not pushing himself and striving to be better each day. Brian is a beast. He has really focused on his mechanics over the past year and is crushing it on the bar. Overall he has added over 100 pounds to both his back squat and deadlift, 50 pounds to his shoulder press, and 75 pounds to his clean. He has made tremendous strides in mobility and better positions in weightlifting and general movements. His other main focus has been his diet. Since starting CrossFit he has lost nearly 80 pounds. In the past 3 months alone, he has lost 30 pounds on a mainly paleo diet. He looks fantastic! It is always nice to not only feel the benefits of your hard work, but to see them as well. We are incredibly proud of Brian for all of the ways he has worked to improve his fitness, health, and lifestyle. He’s a Blackbird community mainstay and we LOVE him!! MEET BRIAN MCGINTY…
1.TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF.
Brian McGinty, age 47. I have a BS in Information Technology with a concentration in Information Systems Security, as well as several professional certifications (Cisco). I Work as a Systems and Network Engineer for Leidos, LLC in the federal sector. I am father to four of the greatest children in the world (Gavin, 19; Cypress, 14; Amelie, 10; & Winter, 8) and am married to the LOVE of my life, Angela. Together, we all love to kayak, roller skate, play basketball (typically 3 on 3 family games in the driveway), and our summertime favorite pastime would definitely be going to Bengie’s Drive-In for some awesome family fun.
2. HOW WOULD YOUR BEST FRIENDS DESCRIBE YOU?
I think they would say I’m a friendly, outgoing person and that I have a borderline unhealthy attachment to riding my motorcycle.
3. WHAT IS ONE THING THAT PEOPLE MAY BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU?
Fluent in Spanish (having served active duty in the USAF as a linguist for 11 years)
4. WHAT MADE YOU START CROSSFIT?
I started CrossFit after my last trip to Iraq. It was popular in the gym with all the SF security force personnel and I was very intrigued (as they were all in AMAZING shape). They invited me and I joined in workout sessions with them many times and thought it was fun and challenging. I’ve been CrossFitting for almost two years now (I think…Coach Justin can check my math). Now, I’m doing CrossFit to achieve my goal of being the best shape of my life before I turn ½ century old (more math for Justin). My reasons and motivations have changed somewhat recently (within a few months prior to the latest paleo challenge). I wanted to SEE better results so I started tailoring my diet and exercise based on the awesome advice from my Blackbird coaches.
5. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT CROSSFIT?
CrossFit has been the best addition to my life (after my wife and children of course). I enjoy it immensely and feel rewarded with each PR and/or personal goal that I achieve. No doubt about it, CrossFit is a way of life for me now!
6. WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST CROSSFIT MOMENT?
Shaved 1:40 off my 1 mile run (Phase-II Paleo Challenge beginning/end)
7. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVEMENT/LIFT? LEAST FAVORITE?
Favorite movement, overhead squats (and/or squat snatch). Least, Turkish get-ups
8. WHAT IMAPCT HAS BLACKBIRD CROSSFIT HAD ON YOUR LIFE IN AND OUT OF THE GYM?
SO much more confidence in the gym. Still so much to improve on, but the ever-increasing confidence to face the many challenges ahead is what drives me further, harder in every workout. Outside the gym, I feel stronger and physically more capable in all aspects of my life. Playing with my children, working around the house, and at work. The awesome part is that I feel better each day; with every workout.
9. WHAT ARE YOUR CROSSFIT GOALS? HOW CLOSE ARE YOU TO REACHING THEM?
Strict pull-ups and double-unders—both are the banes of my existence!! Strict pull-ups are close, and I recently started stringing multiple double-unders together (a few at a time). Hand stand push-ups are a little farther out of reach—but not too far 😉
10. WHAT MAKES CROSSFIT DIFFERENT FROM OTHER FITNESS PROGRAMS THAT YOU’VE TRIED IN THE PAST?
The excellent instruction and group environment are the main things that set CrossFit apart from other gyms. Encouragement from fellow CrossFitters and coaches is invaluable to me. I also benefit from the thorough instruction on movements each and every session—and repetition is key for me (the more we go over the movements, the better I understand and can improve).
11. WHAT IS YOUR DIET LIKE? HOW HAS IT CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED CROSSFIT?
I have been bouncing between strict paleo and the modified (phase II) version for several months now. ALL the coaches have offered great advice regarding paleo and nutrition in general. My diet has changed drastically since starting and maintaining paleo.
The impact is, I had to buy more clothes!!…none of my old clothes fit me. Shortly thereafter and all the sudden, the new skinny clothes started to get baggy…so MORE new clothes! The sizes I wear now are comparable to the sizes I was wearing after basic military training (long time ago).
FREEWRITE:
So VERY honored to be selected as Blackbird CrossFit Athlete of the month! I can say with certainty that my life has changed for the better thanks to Blackbird! I’ve had so many gym “memberships” in the past—too many to count—but Blackbird is different. Rather than being a member of a gym, I feel like a member of a family. As corny as that sounds, I truly look forward to seeing the coaches each day, eager to push us further than we went last time while constantly helping us with form and overall great advice. I look forward to seeing the “regulars”—fellow CrossFitters I see all the time—as well as the ones I see a little more infrequently…not to mention meeting new CrossFitters as they get started (or continue) with their personal fitness goals at Blackbird. Additionally, I look forward each session and how they challenge me in so many different ways.
Thanks to all the coaches for selecting me as Athlete of the month! I couldn’t have made this kind of progress without you!! I look forward to more progress and achieving my goals with your awesome support and guidance!