November Member of the Month: Daniel Perez
Meet Novembers Epic Member of the month Daniel Perez!
Daniel started at FUELhouse at the beginning of 2018 by completing our foundations series (what used to be called Firestarter) and has pretty much been an unlimited group class member ever since. He crushed a Simple and Sinister camp last year with Coach Brian, and has clearly taken the tools & principals he learned back to group classes. Check out what the FH coaches have to say about Daniel…
“From day one he walked in with an eagerness to learn, improve his skills, and get stronger everyday. It’s been awesome to see his consistency and growth over time. We’re lucky to have him in our FUELhouse fam.” - Coach Tiff
“He comes in and works hard every. single. time. As fun as it is to coach him, it’s just as fun to train next to him!” - Coach Abbey
“Very kind, positive, extremely hard working, and a genuine role model. Dad of the year!” - Coach Vincent
“Daniel’s consistency doesn’t go unnoticed. Watching him progress through Simple and Sinister is so inspiring. And he’s a Perez so he’s definitely one of my favorite members.” - Coach Dre
“Daniel has been such an incredible student of strength and I have loved being on this journey with him! I witnessed him overcome so many barriers (both mental and physical) during Simple & Sinister Camp and he’s continued to excel.“ - Coach Brian
Continue reading below to learn all the things about this dedicated human, Daniel 😃
Name: Daniel Perez
Pronoun(s): he/him
Occupation: Director of Quality Assurance
IG: @danperos
Where can you be found outside of the gym? What do you do for a living?
I am usually with my wife trying to keep my two daughters (Camila and Alessandra) outside; usually around Green Lake. We like to walk to eat out or grab ice cream around our neighborhood in Wallingford. Other than that I am always working on something around our house (there is never a shortage of projects). I have worked my entire career in aerospace. I graduated as an Electrical Engineer in Costa Rica where I am from. I worked in aerospace since I graduated. That's what brought me to the northwest in 2008 to work on the audit system for the Boeing 787. What was supposed to be a 3 month project turned into a whole year. During that time I met my wife Jenny. Eventually I got into quality assurance, then into management. I work for a company called Astronics. We design and manufacture power systems for all kinds of aircrafts from small business jets, to helicopters, drones, and other platforms. We also make most of power supplies and outlets you use when you fly.
What are your hobbies?
Woodworking, camping, snowboarding, hiking, snowshoeing, paddle boarding.
What brought you to FH in the first place?
I wanted a change around fitness and needed some accountability. I friend of mine (Tim Freeman) was coming to FH, so I signed up to force myself to come when he did.
How are we so lucky you picked us (what are your favorite things about FH)?
When I started I really liked the variety of the workouts, I still do. However, now what enjoy the most is working out with kettlebells.
What sports or fitness things did you do before FH?
Mostly soccer.
What programs are you currently involved in at FH and why?
I am currently attending group classes. I am usually on the 5:30 PM class M-Th, and the 12:30 PM class on Friday.
What goals are you working towards and/or what’s on your FH bucket list of things you’d like to accomplish?
I want to do Simple & Sinister with 36KG, I also want to do 100 snatches in 5 minutes with the 24KG.
What makes you commit to training even on days you don't feel like it?
By now is a bit of a habit. I don't even think about whether I am going or not. I just plan on it.
What's your favorite movement/exercise?
KB cleans, get-ups, and snatches.
What have been your “bright spots” (PRs or accomplishments are you most proud of)?
Doing simple & sinister with the 32KG.
How have these accomplishments affected your life?
Greatly. I feel stronger and healthier than ever in my life. I have lost a lot of weight and gotten stronger.
What is on your general bucket list for life?
I would love to live abroad and learn another language
Tell us a little known fact about yourself or what’s something most people don’t know about you?
I like to play drums (congas, bongos).
What's your favorite thing about being a FUELhouse member?
The community of people who come to the gym and the coaches.
What was your first impression of FH? How has that changed?
I thought the staff was fun yet extremely professional and knowledgeable. That hasn't change in my view.
What advice do you have for new (or experienced!) new friends trying out FH?
I would say, stick to a schedule and don't negotiate with yourself about it. Give the gym a couple of months of consistent work and you will see the results.