CrossFit Total

Since I joined CFG, it has helped me to accomplish the kind of successful lifestyle changes that I have always read about but never thought it could happen to me.

Prior to CFG, I was always a heaver guy, with my weight going up and down depending on what new diet fad or workout I was doing.  Now that I have a son, I wanted to make a real change so that I could set a good example for him.

Since joining and also incorporating the Paleo diet lifestyle, I have lost 50 lbs (I can’t remember weight less than 200 lbs since high school), participated and won my first challenge (The Gauntlet), passed white band level testing and seen an overall improvement in strength, speed and stamina.

Now I’ve gotten into training for Triathlons and I also want to run an adventure race (Warrior Dash/Tough Mudder).  Although I only come once a week to the classes, you can usually find me at the local elementary where I’m doing the WOD’s.

The CFG trainers and community, without a doubt, are some of the best and supportive people that I have ever met and I thank you.

I first start training at Crossfit Gainesville in July 2010. I have never been athletic aside from jogging very short distances and working out sporadically at a gym, but a friend of my husband's in San Francisco kept commenting on FB about his Crossfit workouts, so my husband Googled crossfit. Our baseline had us both on the ground gasping for air for a long while, then we sat in the car with the air on full blast while we discussed if it was worth this kind of torture...best decision we ever made!! I remember feeling very discouraged on the way home, in fact either the 1st or 2nd time, I cried the whole way home because I wasn't able to finish the workout! Since then, I've dropped down to a size zero, which I haven't been since high school! Also, my nurse always comments on my blood pressure. And if I go too many days in between my workouts, the constant soreness starts to wear off and I really miss it! My husband swears it has made me more adventurous, especially with food. I have always been a very picky eater, but now I will try anything once! I might even ride a rollercoaster one day :) Every moment at CFG is a great moment! But my favorites would have to be when I feel like I really accomplished something. I've only rx'd one wod, but that was by far my favorite moment! If your just getting started, don't get discouraged, if I can last this long and make this many improvements then anybody can!!

They asked me how I like it and I told them that it's not just a gym, it's a complete lifestyle change. It really is. I've dropped 20 lbs since I've started, and I'm 2 lbs away from my target weight. Guess that's what happens when you work out with BAMFs!

I started Crossfit Gainesville in the summer of 2010. In high school I participated in Cross Country, Soccer and Softball. I loved working out hard and competition, making Crossfit Gainesville the ideal place for me to join. Fight Gone Bad was my first workout, so I got started off right! It was hard, but most of the movements I was familiar with so the challenging factor was how fast and efficient I could do the workout, Favorite WOD: Anything with running in it. Since becoming more involved in the program, I've seen an immense increase in strength, power, and health. I feel prepared to take on any type of workout, mentally and physically. Crossfit turns you into such a well rounded athlete, and prepares you for every day challenges. I have always enjoyed fitness, but I never realized I could be surrounded with such an awesome group of individuals at the same time that all bring unique characteristics to the Crossfit Gainesville entourage. I sincerely enjoy hoping in my vehicle and moseying over to Crossfit late afternoon. (NEVER MORNING!) I love the events that the members take on together, such as the Mud Run and the Gautlet. The competition and the support are ubiquitous and I can never get enough of it! For anyone intimidated or hesitant about CrossFit, know that you will never have more fun doing something so hard in your life.

I started training here on May 17, 2010 and first saw CrossFit Gainesville at the 2010 5 Points of Life marathon expo. I had heard a lot of great things about the place, and wanted to check it out for myself. I had previously taken small group training classes at Gainesville Health and Fitness Center, and enjoyed them. However, I wasn't getting the results I wanted. After, my first workout I felt very tired especially after the pull-ups. But, I was also excited about the challenge I had ahead of me. I have always wanted to be able to do a pullup on my own, so I knew that was one of my goals. I have never been a part of a workout like what I experienced! I've seen too many benefits to list :) Overall, I have lost 30 pounds. I feel that my body is more toned and I am overall a much happier person. I start most of my mornings at Crossfit Gainesville with great coaches, amazing friends, and a fabulous workout! Crossfit has helped me understand that nothing is impossible. I have accomplished so many things since joining this gym. I have gone from hating running to just completing a full marathon. I have gone from zero pullups to now completing ten in a row. I am constantly setting new PR's, which is so exciting. I try to take the attitude that I have at the gym and apply it in life. I try to never give up, whether at the gym, home, work, or with friends. Nothing in life is impossible; you just have to believe in yourself! The community is always there no matter what I need whether it is to be encouraged to do another rep, or help from someone to cook me dinner because I am sick, I know that my friends from Crossfit will be there for me! I encourage new people to NEVER QUIT! You will love the feeling you have after completing something each day that you never thought you could do before! I PROMISE! Also, get to know everyone at the gym. I have grown so close to people, and I couldn't imagine not having them in my life.

I started CF almost exactly one year ago. I was running out of steam and getting beat up on the fencing strip to faster fencers. I was determined to make myself stronger and faster than them...found out about CrossFit Gainesville and Chris & Chip after poking around online. After Xfit/Paleo none of my pants fit anymore. Waist slimmed down, shoulders got bigger, and muscle definition is starting to happen! Also, I haven't been sick once since going on Paleo. Most importantly, I don't get tired during fencing competitions anymore! Although, the WODs are intimidating, but once in the box, there is no escape or excuse - you will work your way through it and finish it. After finishing a tough WOD I feel like I can accomplish anything! I can take away that when I face challenges at work, instead of freaking out or procrastinating because of the enormity of my project, I have more focus now to confront the challenge, break it up into smaller chunks, and tackle each piece. If you can survive Fight Gone Bad, you can handle that big project on your desk! I recommend that Newbies stick with it, it hurts at first, but the changes you'll see in yourself and the Xfit camaraderie and community are worth it!