Name: Dane Vandewater
Where did you grow up? Atkinson, NH
When did you become a member of the Cornerstone community? I joined in November 2018
What do you do when you are not at Cornerstone? (occupation, hobbies, etc.) I work at Duke Energy at the downtown office as a Permitting Specialist for Transmission Projects. Outside of work & working out, I typically work on projects around the house, coach/volunteer at kid’s activities/sports, volunteering for school events/functions, camping, or traveling with my family. In my down time I usually relax at home by catching up on some movies, watching sports or binging on some Netflix series.
What is your favorite workout movement? My favorite movement is deadlifting. I never had done it before joining Cornerstone and I really started to enjoy it.
What is your least favorite movement your trainer makes you do? My least favorite movement is overhead squat. I haven’t mastered that movement yet and still feel a bit awkward.
What is your favorite accomplishment since becoming a part of Cornerstone? I am glad I got out of my comfort zone and jumped into my first competition—the Rookie Rumble last spring. Now I look forward to the next competition because it gives me a reason to push towards learning a new movement, being more efficient, and getting my next PR.
What is something about yourself that we might not know? It’s likely that people who I have spoken to at Cornerstone don’t know that prior to moving to Ohio I had a “wicked” thick New England/Boston Accent. My wife misses it and enjoys it when I start sounding like I did 20 years ago; which usually happens after I visit back home, have a few beverages, or chat with friends and family on the phone.
What advice would you give to someone just getting started in personal training at Cornerstone? Firstly, it will be the best decision they can make for themselves. Cornerstone is a special place, I have worked-out at numerous gyms and was somewhat intimidated to try a CrossFit. However, after a short time I realized that all the coaches and people in your classes will support you, are more than willing to help you and will answer any questions you may have.
What goals do you have for the rest of 2019? In 2019 I would like to be able to string several double unders together and potentially get a single muscle up.
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I’m #allin Cornerstone because… I have worked out for most of my life and have never experienced the support and community that I have found within these walls. It’s truly impressive how everyone rallies around individuals during workouts, comes out to support each other competitions or lend a hand or shoulder to lean on when “stuff” happens.
I’ve been amazed how you can come to any class throughout the day and encounter the same great attitude from each coach and members in class, regardless if I’m dragging myself in at 6 am or rushing to make an afternoon class. Each time I go, I know that I will be entering a motivating environment that will challenge me physically and mentally.
I’m am truly thankful that I had the opportunity to ask Laura a few questions about Cornerstone last fall when I was having shoulder issues and my normal workout was no longer working. That conversation lead to my introduction to Melissa, who kicked my butt during fundamentals and now has me drinking the Cornerstone Kool-Aid. I’m #allin because each day I get my butt kicked at Cornerstone makes me a better person for my family and everyone around me. #betterthanyesterday.