February is not only a month for Valentine's Day, but it's also American Heart Month. There was one member who stood out to us that knows first hand how important a healthy lifestyle is to having a strong and healthy heart. When he is not educating high school students, you can find him at our gym getting his physical education on! Celebrating his one year in CrossFit with Drop Box last month, he is a member who quietly comes in with his other half Kara, and leaves after a workout stronger and more confident then yesterday!

Introducing ... GIL BANTAY! Drop Box CrossFit's February Member Spotlight of the Month.

"My CrossFit Journey"

Spotlight Athlete? I never considered myself an athlete. My sole experience of competitive sport was during my sophomore and junior year of high school. I was on the wrestling team and started a mere two times because the ONE other person in my weight class was injured! I NEVER lifted a barbell in my life! My passion was music. During the 90’s, I played in a band performing at practically every venue and college in the region. The only form of physical activity I got was from loading heavy equipment into a venue, club, or frat house. After a fairly successful run with 2 CD’s under our belt, we decided to call it quits and I returned to college. As life continued, I lived a sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle and as a result, my weight ballooned.

I began to walk 30 minutes a day, eventually running a whopping mile. I continued to “run” a couple of miles every day and was delighted to lose a few pounds. After about 5 years of running up to 3 miles a day, I was disappointed to see my weight plateau. I continued to run but couldn’t seem to lose the weight.

Several years back, I neglected several opportunities to participate in CrossFit. Kara, who had been doing CrossFit, wanted me to follow her lead. I was impressed and inspired as I saw her become stronger and leaner as a result of CrossFit. For several months, she would invite me to join her at another box, but I felt intimidated and insecure to commit. Again, on several occasions, my sister Leonor recommended me to workout at Gerry’s garage, where he coached WODs for close friends for several years. Still, I never took the opportunity to join.

October 2014 -Wake up call! I went in for a “routine” annual physical. After initial testing, I heard a plethora of bad news. I felt like I was a car that got rejected at an inspection! A multitude of failures ensued! First, my blood pressure read a lethal high 170/100! I was a ticking time bomb! My doctor immediately took a blood sample and had it analyzed. Shortly after, I learned that my HDL (good) cholesterol levels were low and my LDL (bad) cholesterol levels were high. Finally, I was told that I was 30 pounds overweight! My level of anxiety was extremely high, considering my symptoms were synonymous with my father’s, who died of a stroke at a young age of 60 in 2001. His stroke was due to complications of diabetes, high blood pressure, poor diet, and lack of exercise. With my anxiety levels high, Dr. Li thought it would be a great idea to put me on an EKG monitor! Fortunately, my heart seemed to be beating correctly!

Dr. Lo, who is an extremely empathetic. And at times, animated and humorous! She recommended me to: 1) Lose weight -- while pinching on my “love handles. ” 2) Lift weights -- while squeezing my biceps, or lack of. 3) Eat healthy. As I sat in denial and disappointment, I listened to her attentively as she gave me a brief synopsis of causes and strategies to alleviate high blood pressure and poor cholesterol values.

I was immediately put on 2.5 mg of Amlodipine, a calcium blocker, to control my blood pressure. Two weeks later, my doctor checked my blood pressure again. Still high! She put me on 5 mg. I was praying this time it would stabilize my blood pressure. Another 2 weeks later, she checked it again. Still high! She increased to 10mg. Finally, my blood pressure was normal after another 2 weeks on that dosage.

I started thinking about my health and mortality. I did not want to follow my father’s lead. I wanted to live life to it’s fullest.

Enter Drop Box CrossFit. Coach Gerry had a passion for fitness, weightlifting, martial arts, and CrossFit, and with great excitement; the Ocampo’s were opening up a CrossFit Box in January 2015. After twisting my arm and gentle persuasion, Kara actually coaxed me to join Drop Box CrossFit during a holiday party where Gerry was attending. We both joined and decided to make a commitment for health and life.

For years, I found the Ocampo’s demeanor as approachable, humorous, and encouraging.Perfect. As I perused through their website, Drop Box CrossFit made sense and I immediately subscribed to their introduction:

“The single biggest step to improving your health and fitness is consciously making the decision to get fit and STAY fit. CrossFit has been adapted for people wanting to make changes towards a healthier lifestyle.”

January 13, 2015 - First day of CrossFit Fundamentals. The WOD was intimidating! I thought to myself, “Will I survive?” Along with learning the basic movementsfor the exercises and lifts used in CrossFit;running, air squats, sit-ups, and push-ups seemed impossible! Looking back, it was tough! Afterwards, I already felt I was doing something beneficial for myself. Coaches G and Art were patient, enthusiastic, and supportive. Along with 14 beginners, I already felt a sense of camaraderie and family. This was going to be tough. But I was committed and determined to persevere. Plus, it was fun!

As the year progressed and the WODs continued to get tougher, I continued to push myself, hold a positive outlookon the future, and workout at least 4-5 days a week. This meant making sweat angels and always finishing each WOD out-of-breath gasping for air! As I continue my journey, I see my lifting techniques improving and I am making personal gains that I thought that were unimaginable just a few years ago. Considering I never lifted a barbell my whole life, I am amazed that I am able to back squat, clean, and jerk more weight than I thought I was capable of!

I still have many personal goals to accomplish and I believe I will improve on various movements through consistency and commitment. Through a box that I sincerely love, I feel I will accomplish my goals through the support, excitement, and motivation that everyone at Drop Box CrossFit fosters. I have met amazing people who I consider family. Each member of the box has his or her story that is inspirational.These are the stories that keep me determined. I truly believe that my PR’s are attributed as a direct result of the wonderful people that surround me at the Drop Box CrossFit!

It has been a year since I joined Drop Box CrossFit and I’ve realized that not only has my overall healthand strength has improved, but I gained a positive outlook in life: emotionally, mentally, and socially. My heart is stronger and healthier because of you. I thank you!

Milestones of 2015 (Facebook Posts):

"Since January 2015, my dosage has decrease from 10 mg to 2.5 mg! I’m so happy!"

Thank you again for this honor. I am truly flattered and humbled. I will leave you with this:

“It is very important to try and honor your dreams in life. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realize, until they no longer have it.” - Bronnie Ware

Gil and Kara,Gil with younger sister Leonor and Alma Ocampo

DBCF outdoor WODs, Run Race, PR!, Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest 3rd place

February Member Spotlight- Gil Bantay