After signing up for CrossFit Winter Park the day it opened its doors, Bradd has found the competitive atmosphere that he’s been missing. As an orthopedic surgeon, Bradd shares his beliefs on why CrossFit itself isn’t dangerous and how he’s using it to accomplish his ultimate goal of longevity. Learn more about Bradd’s journey below:
- Where are you from?
I’m originally from the Northeast, but moved to Orlando for my residency in 2002 and met my wife here. - What is your occupation?
I am an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine. - What was your journey to CFWP?
I’ve been working out since I was a kid, and started out by lifting my dad’s sand weights in the garage. I played basketball in college and missed the competitive aspect that sports provided. Once I started working at my practice, I needed a new challenge and started looking into CrossFit and doing some of the workouts on my own. I ended up joining CFWP the day it opened and never looked back. I love the intensity and the sense of competition that each workout provides. - What motivates you to keep coming back to class every day?
My 5am crew is a big motivator. If you skip a workout, they will certainly call you out — all in good fun, of course. We have a great group of guys in the 5am class, many of which I’ve been working out with since I first started at CFWP. - 5am workouts: How do you do it?
I’ve always gotten up early to work out, so it’s just something your body gets used to. It’s not always easy, especially as I get older, but the early mornings are really the only time I have to work out. I have two kids, and once I come home from work, there’s no leaving again. - Being an orthopedic surgeon, how do you respond to the people who say CrossFit is too dangerous or causes too many injuries?
My belief is that any high-intensity exercise can be dangerous if it’s not done correctly. CrossFit did not invent the snatch or the power clean, but because CrossFit has become so popular, more people are trying out these movements now. While the movements themselves are not dangerous, doing them incorrectly is dangerous. While some of the responsibility must be on the individual to be cognizant of their own abilities and not get caught up in the moment, having great coaches is also very important. Our 5am class has not seen any injuries since I’ve been a member, and I know part of that is due to the great coaching at CFWP. - What progress and results have you seen since becoming a member at CFWP?
I considered myself to be in good shape before starting CrossFit, but now I’ve realized how much I was lacking real functional strength. I enjoy the deadlifts, back squats and hitting new PRs. A big moment was when I got my first muscle up after working with one of the coaches on it for a while. - What are your current CrossFit goals?
My goal at this point is longevity. To get up and get to the gym every day. If I can continue to do that, avoid getting injured and continue progressing rather regressing, then I’m hitting my goal. - Favorite lift/movement?
Deadlift. - Least favorite lift?
Snatches.