1.What was life like before you became a member?

My life was very structured, always doing the same routine day in and day out.

I would also blow all my fitness by going out on the weekends and eating and drinking anything and everything I wanted. Crossfit has changed my mindset, I still may cheat but I am now more cognizant of what I put into my body.

2. At the time you enrolled, were you already exercising? What was your previous background in fitness? 

I have been active all my life. I was lifting weights 5 or 6 days a week. I also was very active in Martial Arts and Boxing. I really felt like I was fit but I could never shed the last 10-15lbs.

3. What originally prompted you to seek us out?  

My wife Melissa was enrolled and kept asking me to sign up and after meeting the members and Tim at one of the Christmas Parties I decided to sign up for one of the weight loss challenges. My hope was that I would lose the weight I couldn’t on my own.

4. What was your goal when you originally signed up? 

My original goal was to lose fat and gain muscle. I wanted to improve my overall fitness and nutrition.

5. What have you liked best about working with us? 

I love the community aspect, I truly love being able to interact with others trying to better themselves.  I like how everyone encourages and pushes each other to do more reps or lift heavier weights. At home it was just me pushing myself.  The coaches are awesome; they explain everything that goes into a lift or movement and motivate you to do better. Tim, Jess, and Taylor always have the best of intentions for you. They are approachable, knowledgeable, and humble in every interaction. They actually care about how you are and give open and honest feedback, whether it’s good or bad. I always feel like I achieve something, more reps, heavier weight, or Rx’ing a wod at the end of the day.

6. What are you most proud of achieving since you started?  

I am most proud of the level of fitness I have achieved. I used to always run 3 miles a day on the treadmill making me feel like I had good stamina. After a few months of CrossFit I was proven wrong but in the few years I have been here, I feel like I can keep up with the best.

I may not be able to RX every workout but with lighter weight and some modification I can go for long periods and almost always finish every WOD.

7. With everything that you have accomplished, has your view of yourself changed?  

I know this sounds silly, but I have always been uncomfortable taking my shirt off for fear of judgment. Now I have no problem popping the top. Lol

8. What would you say to anyone else who might be dealing with any similar struggles you did?   

Crossfit is for everyone at any age, level of fitness, or medical ailment.

I have a 3-level fusion in my neck but that hasn’t stopped me from pushing myself to be the best version I can be. Never be afraid to try something new, you don’t know how it will turn out unless you try.

9. Do you have any special moments/memories?

Some of my most special memories I have are doing my first ring muscle up and being in the internal competitions. I have never been in competitions before, and I have placed in all of the ones I have entered thus far. These give me the motivation to continue and push harder.  I am also grateful for my peers that workout in geriatric way with me, you know who you are.. 😉

10. What is your favorite movement/lift? 

I still am a weightlifter at heart so deadlifts and cleans are my favorite movements. 

Keystone CrossFit has motivated me to be and do better. The community and coaches truly care about who you are. You are pushed to succeed every day. I have made a lot of great friendships over the past few years. We continue to push each other inside and outside of the gym.  I look forward to what I can achieve in the coming year and beyond.