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Client Success Story Questionnaire
Name: Ripul Jain
Age: 46
Occupation: Senior Director of Product at CCC
What is your athletic background?
I played Tennis and Basketball in Highschool - not much since then - I have torn my ACL in both knees so I considered myself retired from most athletic competition.
What was your workout routine prior to CF Spero?
Went to the gym off and on - found it difficult to commit to a workout routine
When did you start at Spero?
I did crossfit from 2012 to 2014 when we lived in Texas and loved it. It became difficult to continue to do with our boys being babies at the time so it just something that I stopped doing one day. I have been back doing Crossfit at Spero since April 2022.
Why did you choose CF Spero?
I looked at myself in the mirror during spring break 2022 and decided it was time :) The planet fitness workouts just weren't working anymore and I needed to commit myself again. My schedule became remote during the pandemic and I ran out of excuses and got back into Crossfit again. I needed a gym close by to make it easy to go day in and day out and Spero was by far the nicest Crossfit box I had worked out in so it was a perfect match!
What keeps you coming back?
At first it was the great workouts but over time its the community as well. Everyone is so supportive - its great seeing the same people in your classes over and over again and going through the journey together.
Why do you live in the Oak Park area?
When we moved back to Chicago in 2016 from Austin, TX, we wanted to be close to the city but still have space and be in a great school district for our boys. Over time I have really grown to love Oak Park for its diverse community and culture. I will say we could use more breweries though...
What do you do for a living?
I am Senior Director of Product Management at CCC - I manage our Consumer facing (carwise.com) and Payments solutions. CCC provides a technology platform for the automotive industry to support auto insurance claims and body shop repairs. Fun fact - 90% of auto insurance claims in the US are created on our platform!
How do you like to spend your free time?
Full time job and boys aged 12 and 10 means I have very little free time - however when I do love to go to the theater to watch movies.
What are one or two improvements you have seen in your life since starting CrossFit?
I had lots of lower back and knee issues before crossfit which have all gone away. Also I look better in the mirror :)
What is the biggest change you have seen since starting CrossFit?
I feel like Crossfit has not only made me physically but mentally tougher as well. I used to never look at the workouts ahead of time and now I do almost every time - I actually get excited to come in anytime there is an extra tough workout!
What are your goals for 2026?
Hit PRs for Cleans, OHS and bench press! Also to improve mobility and form for all the movements.
What's your favorite and least favorite movement?
Favorite - Power and Hang cleans - Least Favorite - its a tie between the bike and burpees!
What's your favorite meal?
Its an indian dish called Chole Bhature - spicy chick pea curry with fluffy deep fried bread served with pickled onions and green chutney - not healthy it all but its perfection!
What would you say to someone thinking about starting CrossFit?
Its a massive mental hurdle to get over to commit to starting crossfit so I commend anyone that does it. I would say to focus on movement, scale everything and come consistently and they will start to enjoy it in no time!
Anything else you would like to share with the Spero family?
Thanks for providing a great environment with great people to work out in! My wife and I have made so many new friends at the gym. My only regret is I wish I could have started Crossfit in my 20s!
What are three hobbies or things you love to do outside of the gym?
I have way too many cameras - both film and digital - photography is definitely my creative outlet. Aside from that I am starting to get more into discovering wine (Anfora is probably my favorite place in Oak Park), along with planning where I want to travel next!
Where is one place you would love to visit but haven't been able to yet?
Vietnam is on my bucket list - hopefully 2026!
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