Name: JJ Slye
Age: 38
Joined Rocktown CrossFit: November 2017
Where are you from or where do you live around here?
I grew up in the big town of Elkton, I currently live in Penn Laird.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a local, born and raised. I love it here in the Shenandoah Valley. I have been married to my wife Becca for 13-1/2 years. We have 3 wild, crazy and wonderful children. Hudson (11), Eli (9) and Ivy-Paige (5). I am a Pastor on staff at our church, Grace Covenant. I also work part time for my wife’s family business, Isle Candle Co. Between jobs, kids activities and The Rock, I stay pretty busy!
When or what was your "CrossFit Moment" - the moment that you really felt pushed or felt like you really accomplished something?
My CrossFit moment came in the 2017 Open Workout 17.2. During this workout, I got my first ever Bar Muscle Up. It was a moment that I will never forget. I was so lost in the moment, I forgot that I was in the middle of a workout and just stayed up on the bar, IN SHOCK for several seconds. Then my judge reminded me to continue the workout.
What are your goals for CrossFit? Why do you do CrossFit?
My CrossFit goals are a 200 lb. Snatch and a 300 lb Clean. I continue to do CrossFit because it is a sport that pushes me mentally, physically and it also provides a competitive push for me. Just when you think you’ve “arrived” CrossFit snaps you back into reality. There will ALWAYS be something to improve.
What do you think is special about Rocktown CrossFit?
I love the camaraderie at The Rock. It doesn’t matter what level of the fitness journey that you are on. All of the athletes will be rooting for you. Just when you think you need to put the barbell down, someone will encourage you to keep it in your hands. The workouts that Nate program are just enough to get you close to the edge and ALL of the coaches know just how far to push you!
What are your favorite movements to do in a workout? What are your least favorite? Why?
I love Oly movements or anything that puts the barbell in my hand (except thrusters 🤣). The sound of clanging and banging is music to my ears.
My least favorite movement is obviously thrusters. I am also not a huge fan of long runs. Like anything over 100m!
Free write - whatever you feel like you want to share.
If you are thinking about a journey to health, don’t mark CrossFit off of the list. The preconceived notion is that you have to be “fit” to join a CrossFit gym. This is NOT true by any stretch of the imagination. We are a community of people, all on our own fitness journey, all at different levels.
Thank you Lauren and Nate for providing a space for athletes of all levels to make, chase and achieve their goals! #likearock
JJ Slye is always on team “good vibes” when he steps through the door. With his vintage back pack that probably has enough supplies to last him a few weeks he’ll stroll to an X with a smile on his face ready to work. All jokes aside JJ has done nothing but put in work. Just about every afternoon during the quarantine him and Becca would make it happen be it in the kitchen or in the yard, they made time for their fitness. JJ also does a great job of recognizing his comfort zone and always makes the effort to step out of it whenever possible. It may be heavy some days but if he can go for it he will make that jump. If you’ve been lucky enough to join a class with both JJ and Becca in attendance its always fun to hear the banter back and forth before the workout starts…especially if they are partners. JJ, thanks for making the rock a better place…your presence is always positive and we appreciate you and your family sweating with us!