Christopher Hughes and his son, Connor Hughes, are staple members of the CrossFit MKT and CrossFit MKT Kids programs.
Chris started CrossFit in October 2017 as part of a 6-week boot camp at MKT.
He had torn his labrum in his right hip while training for his first half marathon and was hoping to strengthen the muscle groups around his hip to allow him to continue with his fitness journey. He had lost over 30 pounds during training and did not want to surrender to an injury if avoidable.
Chris recalls, “during the boot camp, the group was asked why each individual was interested in CrossFit: better fitness? healthier living choices? social interaction? Being naturally introverted, I rolled my eyes at the option of social interaction. I could not understand why anyone would join a fitness ‘center’ for social interaction. Almost four years and hundreds of workouts later and I can honestly say the reason that I have stayed with CrossFit this long is because of the connections that I have made at the gym. I am proud of my accomplishments with different movements and the strength that I have developed. But, it is because of the MKT Community that I wake up almost every morning at 4:15 AM to work out and interact with the 5AM Crew. I have made many new and lasting friendships because of this gym.”
To anyone hesitant to start CrossFit…
Chris would encourage them to try the workouts for a month. Over the course of a month, a new member is able to see the foundation of functional fitness that CrossFit provides: nutrition, conditioning, gymnastics, weightlifting, and sport. Chris also appreciates the way coaches at the gym provide scaling options for each workout to fit members’ individual needs. Investing in one month also allows an individual to become part of the community.
CrossFit becomes a family affair
As Chris’s love for CrossFit and the community has grown, it has also spread to his family. His wife, Tiffany Hughes, has been doing yoga at MKT since 2020 and both of his sons have participated in CrossFit Kids classes. His oldest son, Connor, is part of the CrossFit Kids class. Chris states, “It has been a joy in my life to watch him grow in strength and confidence because of CrossFit and its coaches.” This year, Connor participated in MKT’s annual Memorial Day Murph workout. “As a parent, I was so proud of his effort and determination to not only participate but also FINISH this workout. The grit that Connor displayed during Murph is evident in every member of our MKT community.” It is this perseverance combined with one’s passion for fitness that makes the MKT gym and community amazing.
Connor’s Journey
Connor started CrossFit in 2019 as a 6th grader when to his surprise, his mom and dad signed him up for CrossFit Kids classes. That is when Connor found his love for the sport of fitness. Then COVID happened and the gym operations changed, but luckily, Bobby began doing private lessons with him. Connor says, “CrossFit has affected me by helping my self-confidence, and I have also met some good friends there. That ties into my favorite part of CrossFit, the community. All the coaches are amazing; everybody is so friendly and welcoming.”
What is your favorite CrossFit memory?
“I think that Murph was my favorite CrossFit memory, even though it hurt and I was nervous. The more I watched everybody else, the more nervous I felt because they were all making it look easy. When it was my turn, I didn’t understand why I was so nervous, because it felt like just another WOD. It was the last run that really got me, I was SO tired.” -Connor Hughes
What is your favorite CrossFit movement?
“I can’t decide between deadlifts and box jumps!” -Connor Hughes
