Client Success Story Questionnaire
Name: Jack Wolf
Age: 33
Occupation: Attorney
What is your athletic background?
I was a competitive swimmer from a very young age through high school. I still swim recreationally for exercise (seasonally, since I currently only have convenient access to an outdoor pool).
What was your workout routine prior to CF Spero?
Starting in college, I was admittedly on-and-off with consistent exercise. During my last year of law school, I started going to the gym more frequently and eventually got hooked on spin classes and other group exercise classes. During the pandemic, we got a Peloton and I was almost exclusively using Peloton programming (cycle, strength, occasionally running, etc.) for a couple years.
When did you start at Spero?
I joined CF Spero in January of 2024. I had never done CrossFit before.
Why did you choose CF Spero?
As great as Peloton was, I eventually started to miss the in-person aspect of group classes. But I also wanted something more challenging (i.e., heavier lifts and more advanced movements) than the standard group fitness classes at a typical big box gym offer. CF Spero seemed to check that box while also being a welcoming place for all fitness levels. Plus, it's conveniently located within 10 minutes or so of my house.
What keeps you coming back?
I really enjoy the sense of accomplishment when I'm able to improve a lift or PR a WOD. It's the best way to start my morning, and I feel less energetic and more stressed when I don't. And, of course, the coaches and fellow athletes are always very encouraging!
Why do you live in the Oak Park area?
My husband and I got a little tired of living in a high rise apartment in a busy area in the city (Lakeview) and wanted some more space, especially after getting a dog (an energetic hound, no less). But we still wanted to live in a diverse community with easy access to the city via public transit. So far, we're very happy with our decision!
What do you do for a living?
I work as a Director and Managing Counsel for Government & Regulatory Litigation at Walgreens. Earlier this year, I made the switch from practicing at a large law firm to the in-house environment and, while it's been an adjustment, I've really been enjoying my new role.
How do you like to spend your free time?
Watching reality TV with my husband and dogs! We also have a place up in Wisconsin by a lake, so we enjoy escaping up there for weekends and holidays during the nicer months to swim, kayak, paddleboard, and just hang out.
What are one or two improvements you have seen in your life since starting CrossFit?
I think I handle stress a lot better and overall feel more confident trying new things.
What is the biggest change you have seen since starting CrossFit?
I can definitely tell that I'm a lot stronger since starting CF. Not that I was fully neglecting strength training before, but I was definitely more cardio heavy, and there's only so much I could do with a dumbbell set from Costco in my attic.
What are your goals for 2025?
We are already more than halfway through 2025 (hard to believe!) but my goal after hitting the one-year mark was to start doing most workouts Rx and scaling less frequently. I've definitely made significant progress on that goal so far.
What's your favorite and least favorite movement?
My favorite might be a classic back squat. I don't like running -- never have and probably never will. But also, an ordinary box jump sent me to the ER to get five stitches less than a month after joining, so there's no love lost there, either.
What's your favorite meal?
Brunch!
What would you say to someone thinking about starting CrossFit?
If you wait for a convenient time, a sign, or a reason to start, it's never going to happen. Just show up and get started! If it ends up not being your thing, at least you can say you gave it a shot. What's the downside?
Anything else you would like to share with the Spero family?
Just happy to be part of the community!
What are three hobbies or things you love to do outside of the gym?
Swimming, walking the dogs, and spending time at the lake up north.
Where is one place you would love to visit but haven't been able to yet?
We canceled a multi-week trip throughout Southeast Asia in 2020 thanks to the pandemic, so I'd love to get a second chance to do that sometime.
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