Name: Matt

Officially The Body Compound's third member, Matt quickly realized he wanted to do more than attend class. He wanted to impact people's lives. Was he worried about the leap from business owner to CrossFit trainer?

"This wasn't a risk for me," said Matt. "When you believe in something the way I believe in CrossFit, you dive in. I never hesitated."

What started out as a typical New Year's resolution to 'get fit' has forever changed Matt's life. He quit smoking, started eating right and shed 20 pounds. If you look at Matt, he resembles a picture of health. That description wasn't always true.

"I've always looked fit," said Matt. "But was I fit? No. That's why I want people to completely buy in like I did. I want people to experience that rush when you start dropping weight and gaining strength. It's addictive. It's irreplaceable."

Matt's belief in CrossFit extends well beyond the gym doors. It's a principle that's grounded in concrete results and rooted in The Body Compound community.

"When you go to other gyms the people around you do not care," said Matt. "They're in their own little world. Walk into The Body Compound and the first thing you'll notice is how friendly everyone is. We cheer for each other. We push one another. We want everyone to succeed. It's amazing."

Make no mistake, not everyone falls in love with CrossFit on their first visit. It even took some time for Matt to convince his wife to join. The workouts are difficult. Muscles will ache. People will want to quit. Matt believes that's all part of the plan.

"You're not going to put yourself through these workouts if you don't believe in it," said Matt. "You can't force someone to do 100 thrusters or 150 wall balls. They have to want to do it. People who do not want to be pushed do not need to come here."

Is that approach heartless? Or, is it just tough love?

"The best part of my job is kicking people's ass," said Matt. "It's not because I'm sadistic, it's because I love to see the satisfaction on their face when they get done with a workout they never thought they could do. We are here to shock people into realizing their own abilities. It happens everyday."

A father of three, Matt sees his work at The Body Compound as a way to promote healthy living in Bloomington/Normal. He also sees it as his way to continue jamming a finger in the eye of the main stream 'cookie cutter gyms' and 'know-it-all' trainers that currently rule the fitness world.

"People are afraid of change, plain and simple," said Matt. "CrossFit goes completely against what everybody has been taught. It's kind of an outlaw program in the fitness world. We are fine with that label because people cannot argue with our results."

Matt knows change will take time. And, in the future, Matt already knows where his contribution will be felt the most.

"I don't have to be at the gym as much as I am", said Matt. "I have a hard time staying away. I just love the environment. I love the people. And, I guess I love the smell of sweaty mats."

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