June 2023 Member of the Month: Chris

Congratulations to Chris Benyo, our Mischief Member of the Month for June, 2023! Even after doing CrossFit for about 7 years now, Chris continues to be consistent with his training. Through injuries, he will still manage to make it into the gym, modify and give 110% in each workout. He is always asking for tips to improve with his movements and shows his results by hitting new strength PRs all the time. Outside of the gym, he continuously is finding fitness challenges to keep himself motivated, most recently that being Hyrox, a fitness race for the toughest. This year he qualified for the Hyrox championships, but was unable to go due to him retiring from teaching that same weekend. Now retired, he will have the time to repair his body and train even harder to achieve many more great accomplishments!

What motivated you to start CrossFit?

I was in need of something as my wife just passed away from ALS in 2016 after a 5 plus year battle with the disease.

How long have you been doing CrossFit?

I started in 2016, so 7 yrs I think.

How has CrossFit improved your daily life?

I have always considered myself fit, but since CF I now feel strong. A great feeling.

How do you stay consistent with your training?

I am always on the lookout for opportunities to compete against myself. That’s where Hyrox comes in.

What do you like most about CrossFit Mischief?

Absolutely love the 5:30 PM crew and the close knit community.

What is one goal you hope to achieve with joining CrossFit?

I’d love to make it into the Quarterfinals sometime. 2 yrs ago I was at 88%. This year, 70 something, but I never did the last workout. Was sick.

Favorite CrossFit exercise?

I love anything on the rig/rings, but my shoulders won’t allow me to do them anymore. Shoulder surgery scheduled 9/22/23.

Favorite healthy snack?

I like fruit, but I don’t eat healthy at all.

Favorite cheat food?

I like a “row” of Oreos before I work out at 5:30 PM.

One Interesting fact about yourself?

( too many so I will give you 4) I recently qualified for the Hyrox World championships in Manchester, England by winning my age group(55-59) in Anaheim by 11 Min. I have completed 60 marathons, 8 of which I pushed my wife who had ALS the whole race. I am a published author. I wrote the book “All In. Living not Dying with ALS. A Journey of Faith.” This told the story of my wife and I’s struggles and successes with living with ALS. I am retiring from teaching after 35 yrs on May 26th of this year.