Ashton Young

1. How did you find out about CVSC? 

My sister-in-law, Tashina (Meaker) Calverly, started dragging me to the 5:30 am classes.  Somehow, she convinced me that 5:30 a.m. is a real time that humans should be awake and do high-intensity workouts. One session absolutely wrecked me. I flopped onto my back afterward, stared at the ceiling for three seconds, and legitimately passed out colder than a toddler after a birthday party.

2. What is your favorite exercise or workout?

The bear complex, power cleans, deadlifts, push jerks… basically anything where the barbell tries to murder you in slow motion. Lately, I've liked using dumbbells. Dumbbells don’t judge you, they don’t roll away when you fail, and if you drop one, it only crushes half your soul instead of the full thing. And I like anything from the kettlebell arsenal—snatches, goblet squats, Turkish get-ups.

3. How long have you been a member at CVSC?

I’ve been a proud CVSC warrior for over a decade, which basically means I’ve personally stress-tested every plate, memorized the exact second the gym playlist drops that one song that turns mortals into beasts, and achieved Platinum-Level gains in the ancient art of re-racking weights while side-eyeing the guy who doesn’t.

4. What do you do for a living? 

I’m a biochemical process engineer who’s been low-key wizarding for almost two decades, crafting systems that go from blood diagnostic tests, hemp-oil refining, to ammonia refrigeration systems.

5. What are your hobbies? 

My hobbies include hunting, fishing, hiking, tinkering on cars, riding the dunes, and attempting to keep up with my boys’ soccer schedule and my daughter’s dance routines, which means my real hobby is driving.  

6. What are your goals?

Be strong enough to open any pickle jar on the first try, FOREVER.

7. Why do you train? 

Because I need to be strong enough to drag a deer, carry a sleeping kid up two flights of stairs, and still deadlift the family’s problems into next week without pulling something tragic. The barbell keeps me sane, the plates keep me humble, and my kids get to keep a father who can both open the pickle jar and not lose his mind when the Wi-Fi drops during Fortnite. Strong body, quieter demons, happier family. That’s the whole program.

8. Any advice for future members?

If you ever feel doubtful about your lifting or your progress, keep showing up. Consistency is more powerful than motivation, and building the habit is what carries you through the tough days. Reward yourself for the effort, not just the results. The truth is, the gym is challenging for everyone, no matter the level. What matters is that you keep going, stay committed, and push forward one day at a time.