Name: Joel Galarneau Age: 30 From: Kalamazoo, Mi
How long have you been with CrossFit Torrent and what made you decide to start?
I started in August 2019. I have always been interested in CrossFit. I used to watch the competitions before I even started myself. I even went to the 2019 CrossFit games before I started the CrossFit Torrent 6 week challenge. Also, My wife, Kaity, joined a few months earlier. She encouraged me to finally give it a try for real.
What do you do when you’re not at CFT?
I work at National Flavors in Kalamazoo. I love to camp and fly fish, really I just enjoy anything outside. In the summer, I grow a pepper garden so I can make my own unique hot sauces. 
When did you realize that CrossFit is right for you?
I would say pretty much right away. As soon as I was done with a workout I was already antsy to come back for the next. I don’t think I ever felt that way about a sport before.
What were your thoughts after your first WOD?
I thought that the warm-up was the WOD. I was shocked when we moved on to the actual workout. I didn’t think there was any way I would finish but, I did. I don’t think I was able to walk the next day or at least not properly.
What is your favorite or least favorite WOD/movement?
Favorite – Really anything with a barbell especially snatches.
Least – Running!
What is the one thing you have done at CFT that you never thought you would do?
Waking up at 4:15am to catch a 5am class.
What motivates you during a tough workout?
Everyone around me. Knowing I am not the only one in the class working hard and suffering- it makes it easier to push through.
What’s your favorite thing about CrossFit?
I like that it changes every day with a variety of movements. It never gets boring or old.
What are your short term and long term goals?
I want to continue to show up consistently, gain strength and improve gymnastic moves. Next year, I want to do Open at CFT.
How have you seen yourself change- mentally and physically since joining Torrent? What impact has CFT had on you in and out of the gym?
Physically – I am stronger and I have lost weight
Mentally – Accomplishing WODs that seem impossible has given me the confidence to take that mentality into other aspects of my life. I have more confidence, I am happier and I have more discipline in my life now.
Do you have any advice for people just getting started at CFT?
Everyone is new at some point! Don’t be intimidated by the workout or the people around you. Take on every work out your own pace.
Quick Questions
Favorite Cheat Meal: Pizza
Favorite Musician/Band: I pretty much listen to everything.
Favorite Sports Team: Green Bay Packers
Favorite Tv Show/ Movie: Real Crime Documentaries and TV series
Favorite CrossFit Athlete: It is a toss-up between Tia-Clair Toomey and Sara Sigmundsdottir
Coaches’ comments:
There are certain qualities that make an athlete of the month and one of the most prevalent is excitement for the class they’re in. When we see Joel’s name on the whiteboard it gets us excited to coach that class. One of our favorite quotes from Joel is, “I was just sitting at home wishing I was at CrossFit to I increased my membership.” We were so lucky to have Kaity join us and she kept saying that she was really trying to get her husband to join too. Her persistence paid off. He is easy going, excited to learn and implement feedback, he isn’t afraid to push himself and is a quiet leader in class. We are so glad to have Joel as part of the CrossFit Torrent Family.