Client Success Story Questionnaire
Name: John Maschoff
Age: 42
Occupation: Digital Marketing Program Manager
What is your athletic background?
I grew up playing soccer: AYSO, club team, state team, high school and college. But recreationally, I played a bunch of different sports including baseball, basketball, tennis etc. Anything with a ball, basically.
What was your workout routine prior to CF Spero?
A “routine” would be putting it generously. I would occasionally run and do push-ups and sit-ups. I might do some high-interval training movements, but it was sporadic and wasn’t focused in any particular area of development and I didn’t maintain enough consistency to see any real improvements.
What was your first experience with CrossFit?
My first experience was here at Spero. My wife, Katie, started doing classes and told me that she thought it’d be something I’d enjoy. She eventually talked it up enough that I finally booked an introductory meeting with Dave and then some intro sessions with Justin.
When did you start CrossFit?
I think it was June 2022.
Why did you choose CF Spero?
My wife recommended it and it was in Oak Park.
What keeps you coming back?
Lots of reasons! For starters, I feel better both mentally and physically when I workout consistently. And it’s nice to see gains over time in terms of increased strength and improved conditioning. I enjoy the variety of movements and full body focus that the programming provides. And coming from a sports background, there’s a supportive team vibe that develops when you work out consistently with the same folks at certain times of the day. And I want to show my kids, as little aspiring athletes, that taking care of their bodies and eating well will benefit them as they pursue their own athletic goals.
Why do you live in the Oak Park Area?
A combination of a small town/urban community feel. Great public amenities and close proximity to downtown Chicago.
What do you do for a living?
I work for a marketing agency and have the extremely banal title of “Program Manager,” which basically means that I have the responsibility of overseeing our client’s digital marketing program and making sure that the things we develop & deliver as part of that “program” (websites, emails, banner ads, interactive detail aids, design systems, technical consulting etc.) are executed with the right combination strategic insights, quality, efficiency, and innovation. The goal is to provide the client brand teams and the broader organization with the tools they need to promote their products with as little friction as possible.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I enjoy watching my kids' games and being active with them, whether that’s biking, throwing the baseball, going to the pool or shooting baskets. I enjoy traveling with my family and seeing my kids have new experiences. Going out for a nice meal with my wife is always fun albeit too infrequent. I’ve got a vinyl collection that I love to listen to and I play guitar, so it’s fun to get together with friends and jam or to go out and see shows.
What are one or two improvements you have seen in your life since starting CF?
I’m physically stronger and have increased energy and I’m much more aware of how the choices I make regarding physical activity and the food I eat affects how I feel on any given day.
What is the biggest change you have seen since starting CrossFit at Spero?
Besides the obvious increase in overall fitness, I’d say my eagerness to get up early to work hard and sweat has changed considerably.
What are your goals for 2024?
Getting a bar muscle up was on my list for 2024 but now I’d say stringing a few of them together would be a goal. I’d also like to improve my form and mobility around snatches. That’s a tough movement.
What's your favorite and least favorite movement?
Power cleans might be my favorite. And I was going to say snatches as my least favorite, but then I was reminded of how much it hurts to get whipped in the ass by a failed double-under, so I’m going to go with that!
What's your favorite meal?
My wife is a great cook so there’s lots to faves, but I’d say that an Asian bowl with cauliflower rice, sautéed chicken thighs with broccoli and mushrooms in a ginger soy sauce is probably something I could eat every day and not get tired of.
What are three hobbies or things you love to do outside of the gym?
Cooking/Eating! Listening to music. Reading.
Where is one place you would love to visit but haven't been able to yet?
Italy. Great food and wine. Incredible history, art and architecture. It would be amazing.
What would you say to someone thinking about starting CrossFit at Spero?
Go for it! All the movements are scalable so that you can start wherever you’re at.
Anything else you would like to share with the Spero Family?
You all make it a welcoming and fun place to be!
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