Jim Hoffmann, aka Jimbo, is the obvious choice for this week’s CFStL Athlete of the Week, not because he is my brother-in-law, but because he is an all around awesome guy. When I come in to teach rowing on M, W, F, I can always be sure that he is there early to set up my rowers. Unless he has a deposition or a court date, he is there, without fail, with the room set up and ready to go. And if he’s already done setting up the rowers, he’s no doubt talking to whoever is in the gym in the morning. This guy can talk to a fencepost.
Jim started CrossFit in May of 2012 and has never looked back. Before finding CrossFit, he lifted weights (cough…bicep curls and bench press…cough cough) but found his workout routine boring and unchallenging. He was also nursing a bad shoulder. Upon starting CrossFit, specifically the M, W, F rowing class, he became a diehard regular. What he likes most is the good mix of weights and metabolic conditioning and the fact that you can modify the workout depending on the “specific issue” you are dealing with. “It’s a great way to start the day. My thing is, I always choose the first rower in class and the first chair in black jack. Keeps me lucky.” Jim also loves the group he rows with. “Everybody is so nice and friendly, but hardworking. It’s a good group. We all take care of each other.”
Professionally, Jim is a plantiff’s attorney who represents injuries in Missouri workers’ comp cases. Luckily for him, his office is about 2 minutes from the gym on Hanley so the gym is very convenient for him. He is an ’82 graduate of Chaminade High school, ’86 grad of SLU, and ’91 grad of St. Louis University Law School. He’s lucky enough to have found a beautiful, smart wife in Natalie Hoffmann and they have two sons, Jackson and Remy who both go to Mizzou. He enjoys gardening, playing with his dog Pepper, and taking long walks on the beach while sipping Franzia boxed wine. (OK, I made that last part up.)
As a coach, I’m very proud of the progress he’s made and the good karma he brings to class. If I notice he’s not using the technique on the rower that I know he’s capable of, all I have to do is stand at the end of his erg and look at him. He knows what he needs to do and adjusts, albeit with an impish grin. He’s funny, helpful, kind and he works his butt off when he steps foot in the gym. It just ain’t the same when he’s not there!!