CrossFit Midtown is very excited to announce our 2026 February Member of the Month, Hunter! Hunter has been a member since May 2024. He has hit huge PRs, made great friends, and become a staple in the 5:00 pm class! Read on to learn more about Hunter and his CrossFit journey. Thank you for being such an outstanding member of the CFM community!
Name: Hunter Abel
Nickname: Hunt
Age: 31
Hometown: Owensboro, Kentucky
How did you get exposed to CrossFit?
I just signed up one day, didn’t know a single person at the gym
What brought you to CrossFit Midtown?
I wasn’t really keeping a routine when just trying to go to the gym myself, and I wanted to get more comfortable with overall fitness training.
What was your very first day at CrossFit Midtown like?
Scary as hell. Coach Mike was this big, intimidating person that did my first drop-in class (and foundational classes later on). I didn’t even finish the workout on the first day and nearly passed out on the floor. I remember Coach Mike walked away and another coach (Cam) came over to ask if I needed water. So happy I stuck with it though! 🙂
What kind of changes have you you experienced since starting CrossFit that were completely unexpected (ie. new friends, “family”, the community, more self confidence, etc)?
So many positive changes! I’ve noticed a significant change in my body (every day is leg and shoulder day), and I have truly connected with so many people at the gym, becoming some of my closest friends. I truly don’t think there’s a gym with a closer and more tight-knit community.
Tell us some of your recent accomplishments. What goals do you have for 2022!?
I just did my first hand stand push up a couple weeks back! And getting heavier weights on the barbell with every class. For 2026, I want to finally get double unders and muscle ups! (no overhead squats though please)
What does your frequently used emoji tab look like? (screen shot and send it!)
What is your favorite workout and if you could make up your own workout what would it be?
Anything other than overhead squats? I’ve made some significant progress on my rowing speed. Let’s say rowing, bench, pull-ups? Is that too grippy?
What is your favorite dessert or “treat yourself” meal?
Ice cream or doritos (nacho cheese)
Favorite CrossFit Midtown moment (doesn’t have to be during a class, just any favorite moment at CFM)?
The moment “I almost died” when Coach Hailey watched me fail a box jump less than two minutes into the workout
Hobbies, Talents and or Interests Outside of CrossFit:
Biking, hanging with friends (from Crossfit), walkable cities with transit 🙂
Advice for new CrossFitters:
Stick with it! It’s so scary and daunting at first but sticking with it and making new friends creates all the difference in the world!
