When Jon Dorsey came to Blackbird CrossFit he was ready for a change in his life. As a former collegiate football player, Jon had always kept himself in great shape. For Jon, football was always the motivation he needed to take care of his health. After college, the focus was on his career and coaching high school football. Jon realized that putting his health in the backseat was not working for him. He turned to his neighbor, Blackbird Coach, and nutrition guru, Steve Weatherholt, for help. Getting Jon into classes at Blackbird was the easy part, but he was ready for an overall lifestyle change. So, Steve also taught Jon about proper nutrition, meal prep, and how to count macros. Using a diet comprised of mostly whole “real” foods, no sugar, and the right carbohydrates for energy and recovery in the gym, Jon has significantly improved his health. Since beginning his CrossFit journey, he has lost almost 60 lbs, packed on muscle, leaned out, and has seen enormous strength and endurance gains.
“Coachable” is a word that comes to mind when we think of Jon. He is not afraid to be coached and challenged in the gym daily. Banded pull ups have slowly become regular pull ups, knee raises have become toes-to-bar, and burpees…well…suck a little less than before. He now has a 405lb deadlift, a 385lb back squat, a 225lb clean, and the numbers keep rising.
Despite a busy schedule this fall with football season, Jon still finds time to get to the gym and stay on top of his meal prep. He has made his health a priority and even helped his family to do the same. Jon has recruited his mom into the 5:30am class and his sister into Blackbird CrossFit Kids. He even puts his whole family through special workouts on Sundays when BBCF is closed! This Elderburg native and Liberty High School alumni has become a true role model for his family, his football players, as well as, his fellow Blackbird athletes. Instead of just “wanting it”, he was willing to make the sacrifices necessary to “make it” happen! We are so proud of Jon. And we are excited to be a part of his continued journey and see what new challenge he attacks next. MEET JON…
1.TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF.
My name is Jon Dorsey, I am 27 yrs old. I work as an IT Security Analyst and I am the Defensive Coordinator for the Varsity football team at Century High School. I’m a huge sports fan and big time Steeler fan. I won’t wear the purple Blackbird shirt for this reason! ☺
2. WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO START CROSSFIT? WHY DO YOU DO IT NOW?
I’ve always been a very goal oriented person and decided that I needed a lifestyle change. I was the heaviest I’d ever been and had really let life control me instead of vice versa. Fortunately, I am neighbors to the Weatherholt’s and Coach Steve kept telling me I should try it. So I decided to come out!
Since joining, my motivation has completely changed. Before I just wanted to get in shape and now I find I go because physical activity is such a big aspect of my life. Even recruited my family to join!
3. WHAT WERE YOUR THOUGHTS AFTER YOUR 1st WOD?
After my first WOD I thought it was tough but I was already hooked. I loved offseason workouts getting ready for football when I played and this was closest thing to that.
4. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT CROSSFIT?
The community. I can’t say enough good things about the people I’ve met through Blackbird CrossFit. Of course a shoutout to the 5:30am crew!!
5. WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST CROSSFIT MOMENT?
I think my proudest moment is just looking at how far I have come in the process over the past year. I started out not being able to do a pull up, toes to bar, handstand pushups (Thanks Chrissy for forcing me to try them!!), or rope climbs, and a bunch of other movements, and now I am able to do all of those. It is a great feeling.
6. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVEMENT/LIFT? LEAST FAVORITE?
My favorite is Power Cleans. I really don’t hate any movements. I like the challenge each lift/ movement gives.
7. WHAT ARE YOUR CROSSFIT GOALS? HOW CLOSE ARE YOU TO REACHING THEM?
My goal right now is to string together more double unders during a WOD. Getting there, but still have a ways to go.
8. IN YOUR OWN WORDS, WHAT MAKES CROSSFIT DIFFERENT FROM OTHER FITNESS PROGRAMS THAT YOU’VE TRIED IN THE PAST?
The variety in the workouts challenges every aspect of my fitness and has helped me develop into a better all-around athlete.
10. WHAT IS YOUR DIET LIKE? HOW HAS IT CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED CROSSFIT?
Blackbird’s impact on me has been life changing. I go back and look at the before and after pics and still find it hard to believe that it’s me in the pic. Since joining Blackbird in February I have lost 57lbs. I have also seen my energy levels throughout the day drastically improve. Before I joined I never understood how to eat properly and didn’t really know where to start. The staff and other members have been such a great help with teaching me proper eating, as well as living healthy lifestyle. It also, helps when Coach Steve is my neighbor and answers all my questions!!
My diet isn’t as strict now that our Century High School football season has started, but I still aim to hit close to my macros each day. I try to keep my sugar intake to under 12 grams a day and continue to load up on protein and limit amount of processed foods.
12. HAVE YOU FOUND THAT YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH CROSSFIT HAS CHANGED THE WAY YOU APPROACH COACHING YOUR CHS ATHLETES? IF SO, IN WHAT WAYS?
CrossFit has had a huge influence in the way I approach coaching at Century. I’ve learned so much about proper lifting technique and I’ve been able to bring that to the kids during our our offseason lifting sessions. By integrating CrossFit into their training, I have seen an overall growth in players strength and flexibility.
13. IF YOU COULD CREATE A WOD, WHAT WOULD IT LOOK LIKE?
Definitely, the beer mile…. Actually drinking beer while watching Anthony try to do beer mile sounds like a better WOD.
14. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHERS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF?
That it needs to be a priority in life and you truly get what you put into it.
14. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE NEW TO CROSSFIT OR THINKING OF GIVING IT A TRY?
Check your ego at the door and don’t be intimated, all workouts can be modified to fit your fitness level.
FREEWRITE:
I can’t thank Matt and Rebekah and the rest of the trainers enough for all their support and mentoring. Blackbird CrossFit has truly become a big part of my life and has changed me for the better.