Nick Parra

Self-proclaimed CrossFit pimp

Nick Parra's weightlifting experience began at age 13, with a pair of dumb bells in his garage. As a high school wrestler, his main goal was getting big. "I worked out for size," Nick admits. "I was strong, but it wasn't a natural strength. I got tired quicker than everybody else."

For Nick, CFLB was where he pieced it all together. "I learned that muscle mass demands more oxygen," he explains. "I strengthened my grip and my cardio, learned about explosive power."

At age 36, Nick is now passing up the younger guys in his Air Force Reserve Unit, where he regularly performs crazy feats that require brute strength - like putting out massive propane fires on a mock airplane. "If I didn't do CrossFit, I'd be so dead, so exhausted," Nick says. "The endurance part really comes in."

Still strong as a horse, now Nick is also fast, powerful and agile. He double-unders with ease, box jumps like a jackrabbit, and has embraced the kipping pull-up (he used to just do the strict variety). He credits CrossFit with giving him more energy and stamina, but also more confidence. "I feel like I can do anything now," he says. "It's that versatility that comes with being a well-rounded athlete."

His proudest achievement is being able to keep up with his CFLB idols. "I used to watch these guys in awe," he recalls. "Now I can compete with them."

While he enjoys the friendly competitive atmosphere, Nick also appreciates the friendships he's formed with his fellow CrossFitters - whom he considers his extended family.

So would he recommend CFLB to others? "I do all the time," Nick says. "I'm a CrossFit pimp."

"Nick came in very strong but he knew he needed to improve his stamina so he hammered his weaknesses and hit the workouts he hated the most. Now he's a force to be reckoned with in any workout. Plus he's just a nice guy," says CFLB Coach Chad.