We’re back for another edition of Member of the Month, and this month, we’re featuring our leaderboard athlete we all know and love, Yasin Abbak.
About Our Guest:
Yasin is a startup founder, proud husband and dad trying to stay strong in every area – physically, mentally, spiritually. Yasin’s career of running a tech startup is unpredictable, so he shared with us that he’s learned to appreciate routine and mindfulness, including his mornings at Oak and Iron.
When we asked Yasin to describe himself in 10 words or less, he said “disciplined, curious, competitive, intentional, intense, focused, and not fun at parties.”
Yasin’s Fitness Journey:
Yasin grew up playing sports, including rugby in college, but now his priority is back in the gym trying to move well, stay durable, and push himself the right way after multiple shoulder surgeries.
Yasin shared with us that “I’ve always been super competitive. My brothers and I would wrestle all the time growing up. I played rugby in college and stayed active for a while after that, but three shoulder surgeries and work took over for a few years. I’m now focused on consistency, staying pain-free, and building strength I can carry for decades.”
Yasin Meets Oak and Iron:
Yasin started his Oak and Iron journey in late 2023 when he started personal training sessions with Coach Andrew.
While Yasin’s main goals are shoulder strength and stability, he also aims to maximize his potential, both physically and mentally. He added, “I’ve hit some big strength PRs recently and feel better than I have in years.”
When we asked Yasin what his favorite class at Oak and Iron is, he mentioned that LIFT is what his body is naturally inclined towards, but he loves the challenge that DRIVE classes bring. He shares, “But it is a love-hate relationship. I dread it beforehand, and sometimes during, but it feels like a blessing to be able to put 100% with others around you doing the same and pushing boundaries.”
As for his favorite exercises?
“Love: Box jumps, sled work, squats, push-ups, dumbbell bench, overhead press.
Hate: Running. Sprints. Suicides. Kettlebell swings. Pull-ups and chin-up holds. Not a fan of barbell bench either—shoulders don’t like it.”
Community & Motivation
We all know it can be hard to stay consistent in a fitness journey, which is why we have created a culture at Oak and Iron that allows us to show up for both ourselves and each other.
We asked Yasin about his experience with the Oak and Iron community, and here’s what he said: “The community is great. Very positive and mature, with lots of high achievers, and other entrepreneurs which makes it interesting after class too. Shoutout to the whole 7am crew, especially Sat and Jason who are my go-to partners because we like to push each other.”
As coaches, we find that it’s important to have both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and Yasin is the perfect example of both. When motivation is low, he is a firm believer of not giving himself a choice. “It’s part of who I am,” Yasin shared. “Some days aren’t going to feel great, but I still show up. I also think a lot about what kind of example I want to set for my daughter, and my team. Don’t be afraid of doing the hard things.
But that doesn’t mean Yasin’s fitness journey is free of obstacles or challenges. He has experienced 3 shoulder surgeries that have set him back many times, as well as lingering low back tightness.
“I had to relearn form, listen to my body, and let go of ego. Staying consistent and working with the right coaches made a big difference.”
Just for Fun: Q&A
Q: If you were in charge of the playlist at Oak and Iron, what are a few songs we would hear?
A: No one should put me in charge of the playlist. Membership numbers would drop fast I mostly listen to nasheeds now. Earlier in life? Anything with heavy bass.
Q: Give a shoutout to a coach or classmate!
A: Andrew was my first coach—he helped me get started again post-injury. Also want to shout out the 7am crew, especially Sat and Jason. Can always rely on them to make me want to do more.
Q: What’s your favorite pre/post workout fuel?
A: I love supporting locally owned businesses (like O+I), so after the gym, I’m usually at Beow’s on Creedmoor getting a Thorin biscuit with an extra egg alongside my oat milk sugar free vanilla latte. Great place to get some work done.
Q: Who’s your biggest cheerleader?
A: My daughter and my wife. My daughter still thinks I’m a superhero. And my wife pushes me to take care of myself and not feel guilty about it.
Q: What makes you LOL?
A: I have a group chat with all my brothers (there’s 4 of us). There’s nothing quite like a well placed, hyper-specific, relevant to only 4 people in the world who know each other far too well inside joke built on a 38 year foundation.
Q: What’s the last book you read?
A: The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine by Rashid Khalidi.
Q: TV Show or Movies or both?
A: Movies are too short. Shows lets you go deeper with characters.
Q: Best advice you’ve ever received?
A: Here are two blessings which many people waste: health and free time.
Q: What are you most proud of?
A: My dad. He had nothing when he immigrated here. No community. No money. No support. Managed to raise a great group of boys with my mother, and build businesses along the way.
Q: Do you have any secret talents?
A: Have you seen me do frankensteins / high kicks?
We are so lucky to have you as part of our community at Oak and Iron, Yasin! Your drive and commitment to improving your mental and physical well-being has a ripple effect on everyone you work out with. We can’t wait to see all the gains you continue to make this year at Oak and Iron.
Ready to transform your own fitness journey? Email us at matt@oakandironfitness.com to get started today!
