Getting stronger and feeling good are but a few reasons to jump into any fitness routine. For me, I have half-heartedly tried it all. About 11 years ago, I was a small business owner and had plenty of people doing all the work for me. Up to that point I had always been fit and trim. Then I began to “manage” the business instead of laboring away in the shop fixing, and fabricating race cars. Then the gradual weight gain began that everyone said would happen. At 5’11”, 212 very soft pounds didn’t agree with what I had envisioned me being at 27 years old. So I began the quest for getting back into shape. Married with kids and a business to run didn’t leave time left in the day for anything but eating, working, and sleeping a little bit.
Luckily, we sold the business and I started teaching a High School Auto Tech class. Teacher’s hours. Time available to explore fitness options. I began running, and then cycling. I later learned to swim. Then I began competing in Triathlon races. I got down to about 175 pounds and felt great. I was still relatively soft looking and ramped up my mileage for each discipline. Results came in the form of better times, but not in body composition changes like I had hoped.
I became obsessed with running, and trained like a lunatic for a marathon. Overtraining and prior injuries kept me from starting the race. After feeling sorry for myself for about two months I bought P90x and gave it a shot. For two weeks. I discovered that I hate working out alone. No motivation, and little self-discipline prevented me from completing the program.
I began running and cycling again, and was having fun. No data recording. No PR setting. I just tried to keep a routine. But I was bored.
Then I discovered CrossFit through searching the internet for something unique.. After about 2 years of sitting on the fence, I took the elements class at EDCF. Almost 3 months later, I can honestly say that I have never felt better, looked better, or have been more motivated to do anything for my fitness. Ever.
I have never lifted weights before and find that I have the opportunity to learn something new, every time I work out. I enjoy working out again. It is sort of a game for me at this point. How strong can I get? How fast can I go? What physical changes can I accomplish? So I keep showing up. And I keep seeing progress. I am now in the best shape of my life at almost 38 years old. I now tip the scales at 165 lbs.
What I most enjoy is never knowing what to expect when I go to the box. Sure I could look at the WOD on the website before I go, but I like the surprise of getting there and thinking “sheez, they want us to do WHAT!?” It is never easy, but always gratifying. I feel very fortunate to have discovered this special group of folks.
I have found that I thrive in a group workout. The synergy of everyone encouraging one another is incredible. The human spirit soars when we come together with like-minded individuals. We are all different, but have one goal. To get stronger and faster. Prepared for anything. Functional fitness.. Quality over quantity has always been my motto. It seems that it is the same with EDCF.
– Kenny C.