Exciting News: March 2025 Athlete of the Month – Dan Yakicic!
We are thrilled to announce that Dan Yakicic has been named our Athlete of the Month for March 2025! A dedicated member of our 4:30 class, Dan always shows up with a smile and a strong work ethic. His commitment to proper form and continuous improvement is truly inspiring, making him a well-deserved recipient of this recognition.
Dan has led a fascinating life, spending years in Japan, where he met his wife and immersed himself in the culture. After returning to Pittsburgh, he discovered a passion for teaching, specializing in Japanese language and culture. Outside of work and the gym, Dan is a music enthusiast and an avid record collector. He loves sharing his passion for music with his wife and son, filling their home with great tunes and meaningful moments.
Exercise wasn’t always easy for Dan, but his commitment to a healthier life for his family kept him motivated. Wanting to build strength and improve his fitness, he began searching for the right workout routine. That search led him to Industrial Athletics, where his curiosity pushed him to take the leap and join a class. His very first workout? A Hero workout! If that didn’t scare him away, it’s safe to say nothing will.
1. Where are you from originally?
I am originally from the Pittsburgh area and grew up in Bellevue just outside the city. I moved away when I was 18 and vowed never to return, but after time in New York, LA, and Japan I did eventually come back. I live on the Northside with my wife and son.
2. If not from Pittsburgh, what brought you to Pittsburgh?
N/A
3. Where do you work?
I teach Japanese at Pittsburgh Allderdice High School.
4. What is your favorite hobby?
I am a big record collector and have a somewhat dangerous amount of vinyl in my home. I have two turntables and a mixer. so I love to play records for myself, my family and when we have friends over. When I lived in Japan I used to DJ, so it’s nostalgic for me too.
5. How did you discover CrossFit?
I found Industrial Athletics because the gym was on the way home from my work. I saw that it was a CrossFit gym; I had heard of CrossFit before but really had no idea what it was. When I looked into it, it seemed like something that might actually work for me. It was also the case where how I had exercised to that point was neither effective nor fulfilling, so I decided to try something new and see how it went. Needless to say, I am incredibly happy with that move.
6. When did you start CrossFit?
I just started CrossFit in August 2024.
7. Why did you start CrossFit?
Until I started CrossFit I had a really terrible overall relationship with exercise in general and had kind of given up on it. Over the summer, I had read somewhere that habits that you start in your 40s are the most effective to keep you healthy later in life. So taking that to heart, I decided to learn how to exercise so that I could be healthy going forward. As it turns out, I just needed someone to show me what to do. I also had the usual reasons too: get into better shape and become stronger.
8. What is your favorite thing to do in CrossFit?
I really enjoy Turkish get-ups because they are probably the most unusual thing I’ve done to exercise. I also have come to enjoy hanging leg lifts, as they were impossibly challenging for me at the start and now are less difficult.
9. What is your least favorite thing to do in CrossFit?
Burpees and farmer lunges. Hard pass on both.
10. What is the number 1 thing you want to get better at?
I want to continue to build upper body strength so I can improve on exercises that involve hanging.
11. What is your favorite part about coming to CrossFit at Industrial Athletics?
I like the overall friendly atmosphere. Everyone I’ve spoken with has been very supportive and kind. The coaches are great. I appreciate how the coaches insist on precision of exercise movements. That way I’m confident that I’m not going to move strangely and hurt myself. The coaches are also supportive, but will push you and keep you honest with your workouts. That accountability has been valuable to me. One more thing: I also make a point to not look at the scheduled workout on the days I go, so that I can be surprised when I show up – and to keep myself from avoiding exercises I don’t particularly care for.
12. What is your favorite CrossFit WOD?
It’s got to be Turkish get-ups.
