January 2020 Athlete of the Month - Mike Hyland

It has been a long time coming for Mike Hyland to be name Athlete of the Month. Everyone in the gym knows his name. You can usually find his name in one of the top 3 spots on the leaderboard and he’s always looking to put in the necessary work to improve. Mike was actually the very first person I met at CrossFit Island Park. While I was being offered a job to come coach here in late 2015, Mike and I were put together to compete in a partner competition. We didn’t know each other but we were told that we were similar athletes. It turned out to be a good fit because we finished at the top of the podium. Fast forward to 2019 and we competed on a team together at the Asbury Park Games. Hyland is a great teammate and awesome to have in my classes as well. Many times, the higher skilled and more talented athletes tend to stay aware and “do their own thing.” Mike has never been that kind of guy. He loves to be coached and learn how to be even better than he already is. That is the difference between wanting something and being proactive in making sure you get what you want. I’ve always enjoyed the friendly competition with Mike whether it’s class workouts or the Open. We push each other to be better. Hyland is always up for a challenge, and I don’t just mean the high pull challenge (which he pulled the 80# DB easily.) Mike walked in the gym one Saturday a few years ago and I said “Hey Mike. Do you want to do 500 burpees for time?” His answer was an immediate “yeah okay.” I’m not sure I’ll ever do that workout again but I know who I’m asking to join me if I do. And if Mike asks me to do something like that, I probably wouldn’t turn him down.
Mike has made his fitness a top priority in his life and enjoys seeing others around him succeed as well. You’ll never hear him bad mouth anyone and you’ll usually see him finish a workout before everyone and then cheer the rest of the class on as they finish the workout. Thank you Mike for giving your very best to us.

Written by: Coach Rob Moloney


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Q&A

Why you started Crossfit?
I was bored with the standard globo gym routine and was enjoying myself in the West End a little too much……. I walked in the doors when it was CrossFit King of the Beach and have been hooked ever since.

What’s your background? (Athletic)
I have been an athlete from the time I could stand. Growing up it was soccer, baseball, hockey and lacrosse. High school they cancelled our hockey team after my freshman year, I joined the wrestling team. I went into college intending to wrestle but was asked to join the crew team in my off season and I wound up falling in love with the sport. We would have our first practice around 5:30 am on the East River, then have our second practice at 4pm and row until dark. I’d be rowing and training about 4-5 hours a day during the week and competing every weekend in a regatta. Guess I’ve always loved training and competing with a good group of people.

How long have you been a member and how long have you been doing CrossFit?
I started CrossFit in May of 2012 back when we were KOB so coming up on 8 years.

What is your favorite thing about the gym?
The community! I have made so many great friends over the years through this gym. It’s the people next to me that push me to do my best. In addition the top-notch programming and coaching staff.

What is the biggest challenge you have overcome since joining the gym?
Back in 2015/16 when I was training for the Open and potentially Regionals, I wound up irritating my sciatic nerve and could not lift heavy for almost 6 months. It was a major blow to my ego. I was forced to take a step back work with Dr. Jeremy and address my imbalances.

What is your favorite moment at the gym so far?
Hard to narrow it down to just one after all these years. Every year though Murph is my favorite event/day. We get to honor Michael Murphy and all those who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Then we crush barbecue food and beers.
 

What's your favorite "cheat" food?
It’s not cheating if it fits in your macros right??? I do enjoy ice cream and other sweets.
 

What would you say to someone who is thinking about starting?
Give it a shot! Fitness is for everyone at any level. When I first started, I couldn’t even squat below parallel let alone do half the other movements. Given time and consistency training, amazing results are possible.

What drives you?
This community pushes me to be a better version of myself inside and outside of the gym. There’s nothing like catching a sweat and smashing some workouts with good people around.

What is you biggest fitness goal right now?
I enjoy using my fitness outside of the gym a lot. Whether it be snowboarding, surfing or playing some other sports, so being able to do all those to my maximum potential is my main goal. Currently I am in the weightlifting class and seeking to develop my strength and oly lifts.