I started attending classes at Crossfit Oconee in July 2017. I had just turned 41 years old and…read morereally thought that "being in shape" had passed me by. Sure, I worked out every now and then at a big box corporate gym, but never saw any progress whatsoever.
So yeah, let's just say I felt like a lot of husbands, dads and professionals out there. Same goes for the wives and moms, you know what I'm talking about. The ones who can't run a mile without keeling over in pain but rationalizes it as being over the hill. The ones who can knock out 20 pushups but inside are questioning why that is so hard. I could go on, but I digress.
Payton Owens, the owner of Crossfit Oconee (CFO) is very personable and caring and so are the other coaches who run the classes. However, you get out of it what you put into it. First off, it's hard showing up to a gym, moreover a Crossfit gym as that out of shape dad or mom. But engage with the other gym members, scale your workouts to develop confidence, proper form, strength and endurance and your experience will probably be similar to mine, which is a great one.
I'm now entering my 16th month as a CFO athlete (yes, they refer to members as athletes and I like that). When I think back to those first few weeks and even months, I remember how hard it was to complete a workout. But I scaled when needed and just kept showing up.
Now, I feel proud and fulfilled - like I've taken my life and fitness back from the years of #dadbod and feeling weak. Not to mention my nutrition and overall physical wellbeing has improved dramatically.
Am I where I want to be physically? No way, not even close. Now, I keep wanting to hit a new strength goal or endurance goal. (Isn't that how it should be?) But, it's a lifestyle and mindset change when you go to Crossfit. How many times did you do power cleans or farmer's carries at your box box gym? My overall strength and core strength compared to how I was 16 months ago is 1000 times improved. I have energy for days and my clothes have never fit or looked better while I'm wearing them.
Give CFO a chance if you're in the Athens/Watkinsville area. But remember, it's a two-way street. You get out of it what you put into it. That goes for attitude, willingness to learn, asking questions, doing workouts that make you feel like you're going to fall over, etc.
And, I say that regarding the couple of negative reviews seen here on Yelp. Come in with a positive attitude and don't be nervous to ask questions or to meet people. It's okay to feel intimidated for the first few trips. I know I did. None of the instructors or fellow CFO athletes have ever made me feel marginalized.
As for it being kid-friendly? Sure, it's kid-friendly. I bring my kids with me from time to time, but it's not a nursery. Take a pack n play and put them in there, bring an iPad and have them watch a movie if they're small or get a babysitter for your kids and then go workout. If they're a bit older like mine. Tell them to not act a fool and if they act right you'll take them to Dunkin' Donuts afterwards (but only the kids can have the donuts, not you :)
