Client Success Story Questionnaire
Name: Jeffery Naour
Age: 54
Occupation: Physician
What is your athletic background?
Multisport in HS (football, wresting, baseball). Had some small college offers but was ready to move on from sports and be anonymous so I went to a large school at University of Illinois in Champaign. I didn’t really lift or workout much apart from running at night during the spring and summer. After graduating I began what would be a lifelong journey in searching for a workout plan that fit.
What was your workout routine prior to CF Spero?
I did everything that was in a regular gym (weights/machines), would often run but my knee eventually kept me out of long distances. I got into the home workout like P90X and insanity, and there were some benefits but working out alone in my basement is not for me, and holding myself accountable was tough on a consistent basis.
What was your first experience with CrossFit?
I would walk by the CrossFit CE on Chicago Ave downtown and watch them and say “man that looks rough…nope”. But I was looking for something more than what I was doing, something I felt was really hard and that didn’t feel obligatory. I Tried Seal Fit online, which was pretty good but the workouts were close to impossible to do in a regular gym as there was not nearly enough space and everyone thought I was nuts flying around the gym. I finally decided to walk into CrossFit CE, was given 4 on-ramp workouts and then they let me loose. Got to know some really great people who pushed me early on to fail often (and yes, I failed often!)
When did you start CF?
August of 2015 at CrossFit CE downtown.
Why did you choose CF Spero?
We moved from downtown in April of 2017 once Mary found out she was pregnant and I went looking for a new box. Spero was the best fit for me.
What keeps you coming back?
I really enjoy doing the WODs with all of the peeps at Spero, we push each other to be better versions of ourselves. Oh, and I’m insane which is well known
What do you do for a living?
Henry says I work in the building with “all of the sick people”
How do you like to spend your free time?
What’s free time??? Mary and I are really kind of boring we are so busy and always tired it seems. With the free time I have I am going to Spero or taking Henry to his activities. We also like to find live music somewhere during the summer and go if we can find a sitter. Otherwise, my favorite pastime is what Mary refers to as “my murder shows” on ID. A bit morbid, but I’m addicted.
What do you like about Oak Park?
I actually live in River Forest. As for both I like the fact that it’s not far from the city but also has a more community feel with neighborhoods and families. Good food too!
What are one or two improvements you have seen in your life since starting CF?
Feel I’m more disciplined on just getting more things done instead of procrastinating
What is the biggest change you have seen since starting CF?
I have more energy, which is huge when you are old and have a pre-school age boy. I am much more attuned to how my body feels and what it needs as it pertains to nutrition, rest, and recovery. Do I always listen? Nope…but I have improved.
What are your goals for 2022?
To further improve my nutrition, really master some of the more difficult skills that I only work on occasionally
What's your favorite and least favorite CF movement?
My favorite is a tie between burpees and pull-ups. There is no movement that is more evil or worthy of its name than: The Devil’s Press.
What's your favorite meal?
Ribeye with sweet corn right out of the husk, fingerling potatoes, and grilled veggies.
What would you say to someone thinking about starting CF?
Get with a coach and make an honest assessment of your starting point regarding skill level, conditioning, nutrition, and self-care. These things are all tied together to improve not only with CrossFit but on a day-day basis. I found out by being honest with myself early on, I was able to start where I should and improve incrementally on a regular basis without getting to far ahead of my game to where I might become frustrated or disillusioned and just quit. There will be times where you are ahead of the game and times where you will feel behind. Embrace both of these, It is how you can stay balanced.
Anything else you would like to share with the Spero family?
CrossFit is a journey, not a destination. Always progress, not perfection.
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