Member Spotlight: Derik Frederiksen!
Meet May’s Epic Member of the month: Derik!
Derik started at FUELhouse in 2019 after finding us through Level4 CrossFit (thanks Level4 for training such amazing humans!). Derik boomeranged back to us at the beginning of this year and we are seriously so stoked to have him back in our space! It is so fun when we highlight a member because we get to know them so much more than just the moments we get to chat before and after classes. Derik is such a cool human, and we hope you like learning about him as much as we did.
Name: Derik Frederiksen
Preferred pronoun(s): He/dude/buddy/man/brother whatever you want to call me is good with me
Occupation: President, Forest Stewardship Council-US
IG: @na_gyeda_halidzox OR @derikfrederiksen
Where can you be found outside of the gym? What do you do for a living?
You can find me outside in general. I live and play outside and have worked my entire career in the environmental sector, first for my tribe for 21 years (I'm Tsm'syen from southeast Alaska/British Columbia) and now with an international NGO working on sustainable forestry management. Look and you'll see the FSC logo on everything from paper from IP, to packaging like all McDonald's food packaging, to solid wood at Home Depot!
What are your hobbies?
Snowboarding, surfing, skateboarding, birding, hunting, fishing, mountain biking, soccer, hiking, backpacking, walking/playing ball with my dog.
What brought you to FH in the first place?
Fitness is a lifelong endeavor and proactive wellness is key to a life worth living.
How are we so lucky you picked us (what are your favorite things about FH)?
Vibes and stuff...one of the best Tribe Called Quest songs and a good way to say why FH is awesome.
What sports or fitness things did you do before FH?
See hobbies..think I got room for a few more..ha! But met Molly at Crossfit Seattle/Level 4 Fitness a long time ago (and too long ago to admit how...young...we are) and when L4 closed, here I am!
What programs are you currently involved in at FH and why?
Group classes and boxing (RIP) but if and when FH starts the Oly lifting class, I'm there.
What goals are you working towards and/or what’s on your FH bucket list of things you’d like to accomplish?
"I always drink to world peace," Rita, Goundhog Day. With FH, it's a mix of fitness and strength training!
What makes you commit to training even on days you don't feel like it?
I always feel like working out. When you work out you feel good. When you feel good you eat good. When you feel good and ear right, you sleep good. When you sleep good you wake and and feel like working out. Repeat.
What's your favorite movement/exercise?
Clean and jerk!
What have been your “bright spots” (PRs or accomplishments are you most proud of)?
Bright spot is 11 straight years and counting of doing high intensity/crossfit/FH type work outs 3-5 days a week.
How have these accomplishments affected your life?
I want to do the things I love for as long as possible. To heli snowboard and big game hunt in Alaska, you have to have the right fitness. Proactive wellness--which I mean to be eating, sleeping, and working out consistently--is key to continue to do the things you love. Plus, you just feel awesome after working out. Get it!
What is on your general bucket list for life?
L-I-V-I-N!
Tell us a little known fact about yourself or what’s something most people don’t know about you?
My Tsm'syen name is Sigwinii'tsn Gayna
What's your favorite thing about being a FUELhouse member?
The other members!
What was your first impression of FH? How has that changed?
First impressions? I wish FH used kettlebells more often....just kidding. What's changed? Nothing, but I still keep trying to get Molly add more Oly weightlifting into all classes!
What advice do you have for new (or experienced!) new friends trying out FH?
You owe it to yourself to live the best life possible. FH can help!