Dan McCarthy is our male Member of the Month for February. He initially came to the LAB to hear Bobby Maximus speak before enrolling in our 30-day Elements Program. Since then he has become a regular through consistent personal training, group classes and specialty programming. Dan's current goals are to complete the 500 meter row in under 1:30 minutes and bench 10x his bodyweight.
What brought you into enduraLAB? The Bobby Maximus Event. I was familiar with Bobby from reading Men's Health and had ordered his book. I saw that he was speaking at enduraLAB and decided to attend.
What was your first impression? How has that changed? My prior experience with gyms was limited to larger chain gyms and enduraLAB looks nothing like them. My initial impression was that enduraLAB was full of people who are serious about fitness, and that has not changed.
What was your first breakthrough moment? Finishing my first Strength + Conditioning workout.
What are your current goals at the LAB? Complete the 500 meter row under 1:30 minutes. Bench bodyweight 10x.
What’s your favorite enduraLAB memory? Completing Project Pull Up and going from 0 to 4.5 pull ups.
What advice do you have for anyone thinking about starting at enduraLAB? It's a great community. The coaches are extremely knowledgeable and helpful, and other members are welcoming.
What is your favorite movement/lift? Least favorite? Favorite is push up. Least favorite is AirDyne.
Dogs/Cats? We have a dog named Fred who a five-year-old goldendoodle. We treat him like a third child.
Favorite Cheat Meal? Kincaid's cheeseburger and fries.
Emily Elkins is our female Member of the Month for February. She came to the LAB looking for a new challenge and has since completed every specialty program offered. Current goals: increase those 1RM's. Her advice to newbies is to maintain consistency and never be afraid to talk to your coaches. They are here to help!
What brought you to enduraLAB? I had been doing yoga for a long time and was looking for a new challenge. I have a lot of old injuries that I have to be careful with, and I was very impressed with the attention to technique at enduraLAB. I have always felt safe even with heavy lifts.
What was your first impression? How has that changed? I was a little intimidated at first, but now I love my gym family.
What was your first breakthrough moment? My first pull up after Project Pull Up. I have never been able to do a pull up even as a child. I felt like I achieved the impossible.
What are your current goals at the LAB? Strength! I am constantly working to increase those 1RM's.
What’s your favorite enduraLAB memory? The annual holiday party this year was such a great event.
What advice do you have for anyone thinking about starting at enduraLAB? Stick with it, in the beginning I couldn't imagine it would ever take me less than a week to recover from a workout. But now I am able to work out 4x a week and can't wait for more. Also, never be afraid to ask your coach for a modification. Due to a car accident, I have some limitations with my back and knee and I am unable to run. All of the coaches have helped me to modify workouts and make safe adjustments for my limitations.
What is your favorite movement/lift? Least favorite? My favorite lift is deadlift. My least favorite are burpees. I would really be okay with never doing another burpee for the rest of my life.
Dogs/Cats? Cats, I have two.
Favorite Cheat Meal? I'm from San Antonio, so it's always good Mexican food.
