FEBRUARY MEMBERS OF THE MONTH

Nik Kafkas

ik has been a high performing member for over 2 years now, and in this past month we saw some very big accomplishments and goals achieved in the gym. With diligent work and focus on technique and pushing himself in strength, Nik just hit a long time coming 405# Deadlift. Combined with other recent strength PRs, Nik achieved L4 Barbell Club, and hit his marks for induction into Club Forged. As a fun-loving, and very coachable member, this kind of success prompted a strong, unanimous vote from the staff for Nik to represent the men for February!

How old are you, and where are you from? I’m 28 years old, and I’m from Tewksbury, Massachusetts

What do you do for work? I’m a dolphin trainer. I train mine hunting dolphins for the US NAVY. Driving boats, diving, and training dolphins how to kick ass for ‘MERICA! USA, USA, USA!!!

What do you do for fun outside of P360? I’m always outside for work rain or shine, so when I’m not at the gym, I choose to be a house cat. I really enjoy playing video games, reading, and learning new skills via the you tubes.

How has P360 affected your life? I’m proud of my gym career with P360. For me, going to the gym isn’t just about lifting, it’s about survival. Many people at my job end up going out on short term disability due to our working conditions. Imagine being on a boat in the middle of the ocean with a 200+ lb mine that you need to drop on an exact waypoint to make sure your dolphin is getting the proper training, with 10ft swells crashing on you. Or imagine being 60ft underwater and having to unbury a mine because there was so much current that a 300+ lb target is now 100% buried. P360 allows me to be mentally and physically strong enough to do my dream job, and for that I am thankful.

What are your favorite, and least favorite exercises? Favorite is box jumps! Least favorite is the mile run.

What is the hardest thing you have done, physically, in the gym? Hardest thing was “Wolverine” a timed challenge from a few months ago: 8 Hang power cleans, 8 jerks, 5 OTB burpees, and a 150m row. HARD PASS.

What is your most proud achievement at P360? I’m just a little guy, so definitely has to be my 60” box jump.

What is a hidden talent of yours? I can crack almost any part of my body from my nose to my toes. I am also fluent in Greek.

What is an embarrassing fact most people don’t know about? At work we were doing a demonstration for a South Korean Admiral with our dolphins. I was told to make sure I do not get them wet. Anyways, I sent the animal I was working on a jump, and when it re-entered the water, it made a tidal wave SOAKING the Admiral’s shoes. After the demonstration he gave me a challenge coin (coins that can be traded in the military) and when he handed it to me, I looked down at it. From an outside perspective, it looked like I was bowing to the Admiral. The look of pure confusion on his face was priceless. After that awkwardness was over, they walked up to the top of our pier to wash their hands, in a one stall bathroom. This bathroom also had no light and we were out of soap. My operational supervisor asked me to get the admiral some soap. I did, and without thinking I walked into the one stall bathroom and placed a dollop of soap on a South Korean admiral’s hand, and said “There ya go”. There was clearly a language barrier and the look of fear on this man’s face made me realize I was doing a no-no. #classickafkas

If money was no concern, what would be your dream job? Already got it! Reach for the stars kids, and you can do it too!!!

What is the biggest overall improvement you’ve made, since joining P360? Raw power. I ran track in college so speed is my jam, but the feeling I get when I’m gripping a barbell makes me feel as if I could lift the world.

What is the most valuable piece of coaching you’ve received? Tear the floor in two while doing squats.

Which public figure or celebrity would you put in the dunk tank? I don’t have anyone…So I’ll say people who litter. PLEASE PICK UP YOUR TRASH!!!! GEEEZ A LOOO

What’s your favorite place to eat in San Diego? Ironside Fish and Oyster in Little Italy. Get the lobster roll, which comes on homemade brioche bread. You’re welcome.

What famous person (alive or not) would you  most like to have a drink with and what would you buy them? Not a famous person, but I would love to have a drink with my grandpa August. I miss him very much and I would love to tell him about the man I am today. We would crush margaritas while flirting with the señoritas.

If you had one movie on a deserted island what would it be? Princess Bride

What’s a funny story from your childhood? When I was in 1st grade, I went to a school that taught in both the Greek and English language. Greek classes were very similar to the English classes; Reading, writing, history, all of that jazz but just in Greek. I had a spelling test in Greek class and I completely botched my last name. In english it is spelled Kafkas, while in Greek its Καυκα’σ. I spelled it Καfυκαs … and I got a written letter home and a good old spanking. #classicKαfυκαs

What’s your favorite naughty food? Swedish fish and a Dr. Pepper.

If you could travel to any point in the past, where would you go? 4/24/16, The day I married MJ. I would love to relive that day over and over again!

What’s your favorite thing about training at P360? It’s not just a gym, it’s a family. I love coming in every day and competing with people who I genuinely care about; cheering when someone gets a PR. It’s a family of people who compete and push each other to be better. I also love coming home and just talking with my wife about how the days daily challenge kicked our butts or how we crushed it.

What is your biggest goal moving into 2017? 61’ box jump. Looking for that top spot.

Kimberly Faimon

We have seen a big 2017 from Kimberly! From turning a few heads with a 200# Back Squat PR, to flying straight into Level 4 Box Jump with a strong 43″, Kimberly seems to always have it in high gear. She kills Shred workouts, often being the member to chase, hits it hard in the DC and works on her strength and conditioning, and spends time trying to apply new skills. It may come as no surprise to those paying attention, to see her take a unanimous vote from the staff for Female Member of the Month!

How old are you, and where are you from?  I am 28 and I am from Lawrence, Nebraska (teeny town of 300 people!).

What do you do for work? I am a pediatric Hematology/Oncology nurse, which also makes me a goofy person who entertains the kiddos.

What do you do for fun outside of P360? Hikes! As well as travel, and hang out with friends. New experiences are the best!

How has P360 affected your life? I was the biggest skeptic on group training classes (basically because I was cheap). But after I committed to trying P360 for a month I realized it simplified my workouts. Now I just show up without thinking, and get a great workout in with fun people. It makes working out less of a chore and more fun in a competitive manner, and I am sliiightly competitive.

What are your favorite, and least favorite exercises? I love anything that involves running or jumping. I also like squats and things with footwork, like the agility ladder. I strongly dislike snatches, especially kettlebell snatches. But I still do them when I can, I just look ridiculous.

What is your most proud achievement at P360? Probably the first time I tested my jumping skills and I got level 4 club. Now I want that record!

What is a hidden talent of yours? Mmmm… I can make my tongue into a 4 leaf clover and I can touch my elbows behind my back

What is an embarrassing fact most people don’t know about?  I am like the worst walker/hiker. I am fairly athletic, but put some rocks (small even) in my way and I will trip or roll my ankle. But don’t worry, I keep walking like nothing happened.

If money was no concern, what would be your dream job? Travel guide. Preferably in Europe where I take people hiking, and to little cities on day trips or a week stay.  I love showing people the outdoors and fun things to do!

What is the biggest overall improvement you’ve made, since joining P360?  Probably becoming more comfortable with heavier/different lifts.  Deadlifts, Split Jerks, Snatches, etc. are all things I would have never done on my own at a “regular” gym.

What is the most valuable piece of coaching you’ve received? Any advice I receive about olympic style lifts is amazing advice. I feel like I am comfortable in a gym with most movements (always room for improvement), but those lifts are completely new to me and I need as much advice as I can get!

Which public figure or celebrity would you put in the dunk tank? Donald Trump (the obvious choice… sorry for whoever voted for him) But also Tom Cruise… because I just don’t like him.

What’s your favorite place to eat in San Diego? Toughest question on here because I am such a FOODIE!

Breakfast: Leilani’s cafe in PB (Get the breakfast quesadilla) Dinner: Alta Marea (amazing Italian)

Lunch: Mad Beet (amazing wraps!)

Dinner: Alta Marea (amazing Italian)

What famous person (alive or not) would you  most like to have a drink with and what would you buy them?  Nelson Mandela;  I mean he changed a whole country and just wanted everyone to show love to people because we are all humans. I think we would have to have an Old Fashioned together because I don’t think he would be into a Redbull Slushie!

If you had one movie on a deserted island what would it be? Ever After (Drew Barrymore), but I also need some comedy in my life so either Bridesmaids or Hangover (Can I not count?!!)

What’s a funny story from your childhood? This one time in 2nd grade I was bored in Math class when we were learning to count with those things that were like hard beans. I was thinking, I already know how to count so I’m going to stick this thing in my ear and take it out over and over again, until it got STUCK!  They tried to flush it out with water to no avail, and I took a trip to the hospital (luckily my mom was a nurse). I was gonna have to get surgery until the surgeon on my mom’s floor was able to pull it out with a pair of medical tweezers. Ouch!

What’s your favorite naughty food?Everything. But probably Nachos. Only nachos with actual melted cheese. Not shredded melted stuff.

If you could travel to any point in the past, where would you go? The 20’s  I would rock the shit out of those flapper dresses and be loving the prohibition parties.

What’s your favorite thing about training at P360?  I just show up and don’t have to plan a workout!  Also, I am starting to get to know quite a bit of awesome peeps.

What is your biggest goal moving into 2017? Getting 1 gym record in either running or box jump!!