My journey into the world of CrossFit began five months ago - well actually, more like 15 months ago. I had heard of all of these crazy people getting into insane shape with CrossFit through Olympic lifting, running, rowing and doing other "unnatural" things (what's a burpee???). I saw a Living Social offer in September 2012 and thought, this is what I need to give me a jump start. I'd give it a month and be on my way. I was a "gym rat" back in my 20's and could do a decent bench press but hadn't consistently seen the inside of a gym in the past ten years. Oh I've paid my $10/month "Fat Guy Tax" to a number of GloboGyms but felt that I had to get in better shape before I could show my face there.
So after work one evening, I pulled up to CrossFit 033 with my Living Social coupon in hand and must have caught the class in mid-WOD. I watched from outside as people lifted and dropped what seemed like massive amounts of weight, jumped up on boxes over and over and then dropped to the floor doing the aforementioned "burpees" and I got cold feet. I thought, "No way is this chubby guy going in there!" Again I figured that I'd have to get in a little better shape before I headed back there!
Fast forward 9 or 10 months and another Living Social offer popped up. After going through vacation photos and finding my dust covered P90X DVDs in the basement I decided that it was time for a change. Being 41 years old with poor eating/sleeping habits and still paying my unused "Fat Guy Tax", I knew that I needed to do this. I convinced my wife Nicole to join me (using the unused LS Coupon) and we walked into 033 together on July 25th of this year. We again saw those "Crazies" lifting and jumping and doing burpees but we stayed. We met Coach Tim and it turned out that we had a private beginner's class. He ran us through the baseline WOD and I quickly realized how out of shape I was. Tim thoroughly explained the program and stressed form and safety over speed. We left a little shaky but I knew we were hooked!
They say it takes 21 days to form a habit. This was definitely the case in jump-starting my journey with 033. Some days the drive to the Box was tough, not knowing what was in store - but in each class the coaches explained and broke down the WODs, scaled our weight appropriately and coached us on form and safety. The Team Spirit and camaraderie was like nothing I'd seen before at a gym. When was the last time you saw an entire gym cheer you on when you come in last place? They all make you feel like a champion in every class! What this does for your self-confidence is amazing and keeps you coming back for more.
Five months later, we both have seen unimaginable results! We have met some amazing people of all ages, fitness levels and all walks of life and the Coaches are first rate. The anticipation of getting to the Box each day makes me feel like a kid again. It's definitely one of the highlights of my day! And while we are there, it is an hour to unplug from everything and focus on true fitness. In just five months I feel stronger, more confident and my clothes don't fit anymore - definitely a good problem! I can honestly say that I haven't been in this good of shape since my early twenties. And I know the best is yet to come!
I can't say enough about Coaches Tim, Patryk, Dave "Ski" and Merle. Thank you for welcoming us into the fold and for guiding us through this journey. I look forward to what 2014 will bring!
So for those of you who are watching from outside - debating about whether or not to start, don't hesitate to jump in! Walk through the door and I can almost guarantee that CrossFit 033 (and the rest of the Relentless Nation) will be one of the best decisions of your life - the CrossFit Relentless family is hands down the best place to start your journey! read more