Here at 619 we are continuously striving every day to bring success to our members/athletes. We want to start something new to keep pushing to new heights. We feel it is important to recognize our members. Athlete of the month is someone who is a positive leader here at 619, someone who has great skill and motivates others.

Ruben is a great asset and team member to 619. He is dedicated and always on point with his form. He looks out for others in the gym helping them achieve PR’s and keeping their form inline as well. He is one of our strongest here at 619 and we are thankful to have him part of the box. His positive attitude sets a good example for morale in always striving for the top. He has exceeded his own goals and continues to succeed at whatever he puts his mind too. The biggest exercise to overcome was the ever so challenging muscle ups, and with dedication and continuous reinforcement, the challenge was met and now he successfully has overcome them. Ruben continues to add an average of 20lbs to the workouts every 5 to 6 months. We are privileged to have Ruben as a member here at 619 and we congratulate him on his well-deserved ATHLETE OF THE MONTH!

How did you get involved in 619 San Diego Personal Training?
I was looking to get on a meal plan and was referred to Chris Keith. Chris is very well known in the San Diego community and after meeting with him to start a meal plan he also encouraged me to try 619 San Diego Personal Training. Here I am 16 months later and am totally hooked with CF 619.

What was your first WOD/experience?
I can’t remember specifics but one thing I can say is that I was humbled during the first few weeks of 619 San Diego Personal Training and timed WODs. I had been doing weight/strength training on my own and doing Bootcamps at other various locations but 619 San Diego Personal Training was on an entirely different level. Most of the men and women were kicking my ass with or without muscles!

How long have you been 619 San Diego Personal Training for?
16 months now.

When did you realize that 619 San Diego Personal Training was right for you?
As soon as I saw my triathlon performance take a great leap! I stopped triathon specific training and increased my strength training and stil saw faster results. Not to mention my clothes fit much better!!

What is your biggest accomplishment?
It is a tie! The day I was able to do a 370lb deadlift as well as when I was able to do muscle ups. I had never done a dead lift let alone a muscle up in my life before showing up to 619.

What is your favorite / least favorite WOD/movement?
My favorite move is the snatch as it is by far the most complex and coordinated move.
My least favorite are burpees (I know I am not alone on this one)

What do you do for a profession outside of 619 San Diego Personal Training?
I am an engineer; I work for CareFusion, a medical device company and am responsible for the manufacturing site for intravenous therapy pumps.

What are your hobbies outside of 619 San Diego Personal Training?
I enjoy participating in Sprint Triathlons, cooking new recipes and perfecting my “go-to” dishes, I find myself quite creative behind the bar and always coming up with creative cocktails.

Fun fact?
I won a local recipe contest in 2009 sponsored by San Diego Magazine. The contest was to come up with my own dish using Seafood and Plantains as the main ingredients. I was privileged to compete in a live throw down against two other contestants at Indigo Grill in Little Italy, a la Bobby Flay in the Food Network.

See Ruben attacking The 2012 619 San Diego Personal Training Open WOD 12.3 below.