Joe Harmon
1. When and how did you get started in CrossFit? How long have you CF?
I started CrossFit last October when Brittany wanted to join. At first I only joined to support her, but I enjoyed it from the first day and kept coming back for more. We did a version of CrossFit at the police academy but it wasn’t nearly as challenging.
2. Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up on the west side and currently work as a police officer in the same area. Brittany and I have been together since 2003 and have a cat and dog, but no human kids. We love to travel as much as we’re able and have a few yearly traditions like going to Ann Arbor for a Michigan football game.
3. Favorite movement or workout?
My favorite workouts involve moderate weight and moderate intensity for a long period. Workouts like “Murph” or the tire/sandbag workout we did last month seem to be the most enjoyable for me. I like the challenge of knowing ahead of time that it’s going to be a long workout and that I just have to keep going.
4. Least favorite movement or workout?
My least favorite movement is the overhead squat. My left shoulder has some mobility issues and I have a hard time keeping the bar overhead and in the right position for more than a few reps. It ends up being a pretty awkward movement.
5. What are your long term and short term goals?
My long-term goal is to participate in more competitions. I am still trying to get my strength and technique to where it needs to be, but I’ve enjoyed the few competitions I’ve done so far. In the next 3-5 years I’d like to work up to where I can do all of the workouts RX. Short-term goal is to stick with this nutrition challenge and get rid of the last few pounds I’d like to lose.
6. What is your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest CrossFit accomplishment was participating in “Strength in our Streets.” A year ago I really wouldn’t have imagined that Brittany and I would be out there with our team competing against so many great athletes. I’m really proud of her and being out there together was a great experience.
7. What do you love most about Constant Quest?
What I love about Constant Quest is the people. There isn’t a single person I’ve encountered there who was judgmental, arrogant, or unsupportive in any way. From the coaches to the athletes, everyone involved with CQCF has been welcoming and encouraging. You don’t find that at a “traditional” gym.
8. What is your favorite cheat meal or snack?
My favorite cheat meal is biscuits and gravy. I really love chocolate gravy but since that only seems to exist in East Tennessee, I settle for sausage gravy. Either way, it’s serious business, and basically how I judge the quality of a breakfast spot.
9. Tell us something outside of CF that you like to do.
Outside of CQCF I try to do a lot of reading. I am obsessed with anything related to psychology and read everything I can find about mental disorders or human behavior. One of my jobs at the police department is to serve as a negotiator, so I really enjoy all the training they send me to related to psychology. I also train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu twice a week. It’s a good workout, and there is a lot of emphasis on strategy, technique, and attention to detail.
10. What is your favorite music or band?
I listen to all types of music depending on my mood, but I tend to gravitate toward country and bluegrass. I really love artists like Chris Stapleton and Eric Church. I think the songwriting in their music rings truer for me than songs that about drinking beer and chasing girls.
11. If you were an animal, what would it be and why?
If I could be any animal, I would pick a wolf. What I like about wolves is that they use teamwork and tactics to get the job done. They also take care of their members and the leader is the one most capable of doing the hard work.
