“Salomon Ehinon is the personification of the Humble Beast. He doesn’t talk much, but he smiles at everyone when he walks in, and then he gets to work. He leads by example putting in 100% at all times. He trains responsibly, always realizing where his body is that day and does what’s right to make sure he’s safe and better than yesterday,” said Coach Matt when asked to describe our first Athlete of the Month for 2021.
This attention to detail lead him to set up personal training with Coach Chris to refine his Olympic lifts.
“Salomon is coachable, strong, and just a really fun guy to spend a personal training session with. it was no surprise when his efforts to dial in his form resulted in almost immediate PRs.” –Coach Chris
Post-quarantine Salomon has come out of his shell a bit more, bonding with his 5:30am crew and inspiring the early birds around him to work hard. It’s been great to see him not only enjoy his training, but his fitness community as a whole. A true family man, Salomon has been a positive influence on his family’s fitness as well. His wife Devi recently joined Blackbird and his two oldest daughters are regulars in the CrossFit KIDS classes. The women in his life are just as fantastic and work just as hard! Simply put…Salomon is a BEAST and cool dude. Check out his story below!
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF.
Salomon Ehinon, 44 years old, married and proud father of 3 girls.
WHAT MADE YOU START CROSSFIT? WHAT HAS KEPT YOU DOING IT? HAS YOUR MOTIVATION CHANGED SINCE YOU FIRST STARTED?
I liked working out but grew tired of the routine at the regular gym and was looking for something else, less boring. I saw a re-run of the CrossFit games one day and was impressed. The more I started looking into it, the more impressed I was. In December 2013, I signed up at my local box (Extreme CrossFit Martinsburg, WV) and never looked back.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED SINCE JOINING BLACKBIRD?
BBCF has amazing members and dedicated staff. I have been able to improve my technique on clean, snatch, and jerk. THANKS Chris!
WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST CROSSFIT MOMENT?
Competing in the Festivus games back in 2016 (first competition).
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT CROSSFIT?
CrossFit helps me push myself and get out of my comfort zone.
WHAT IMPACT HAS CROSSFIT HAD ON YOU IN AND OUT OF THE GYM?
CrossFit has made me stronger. I have more energy throughout the day and have less joint pain.
WHAT CROSSFIT GOALS ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING TOWARDS?
I think being able to back squat 400lbs would be pretty cool. I’m 25lbs away.
FAVORITE LIFT, MOVEMENT, OR WOD? LEAST FAVORITE?
I like bodyweight movements (push ups), cleans, and front squat. Not a big fan of AMRAP workouts. I prefer longer workouts with lots of different movements.
Burpees… are definitely my least favorite.
WHEN YOU’RE NOT CROSSFITTING WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO?
Spending time with my girls.
WHAT IS ONE FUN THING ABOUT YOU THAT WE MAY NOT KNOW YET?
I like snowboarding.
WHAT IS THE ONE TIP YOU’D GIVE SOMEONE CONSIDERING CROSSFIT OR WHO IS NEW TO CROSSFIT?
Success is not just measured in pounds and PRs. Don’t get discouraged!
IS THERE ANYTHING YOU DO OUTSIDE OF THE GYM THAT IS NOW EASIER BECAUSE OF YOUR INCREASED STRENGTH & FITNESS?
My overall energy level is better and I can handle stress much better.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN MAKING FITNESS A PRIORITY IN YOUR LIFE AND HOW DO YOU OVERCOME IT?
I like going to the gym in the early AM. It helps set the tone for the day. I have to make sure I go to bed early so I could get enough rest. I usually skip the gym (or take it easy) if I can’t get more than 5 hours of sleep. In days I can’t make it to the gym, I still try be active for at least 30 minutes.
WHAT IS YOUR DIET LIKE? HAS IT CHANGED SINCE STARTING CROSSFIT?
I don’t follow a specific diet. I try to avoid starchy food in the evening.
RESULTS! TELL US ABOUT YOUR RESULTS!!
Improved Fran time (hopefully sub 4-minutes next time). Improved overall technique.
FREEWRITE:
Big thank you to all the BBCF coaches and staff. Shout out to 5:30AM athletes ☺!