A testament to Crossfit by Cheryl de Ree
 
Trying to write this testimonial has proven harder than I imagined. Trying to adequately put into words what Cross Fit and more importantly what Cross Fit Connection means to me, what it has done for me and allowed me to do for myself, is very difficult.
 
I started my Cross Fit journey at Connection on February 7th of 2011. Walking into the gym was a person I can barely remember being, and a person I never want to be again.
 
Coming off of 5 very difficult years which included a 2 year disability leave with a spontaneous brain disorder that left me sporadically without or with limited vision, both parents battling (and surviving) cancer, along with many other personal and financial hardships. I was struggling with depression and severe anxiety as a result. I was on heavy medications. My personal life was suffering, my work life was suffering, my life in general, was suffering. And I was doing nothing about it.
 
 I had convinced myself that this was it for me. I was not going to find happiness, was never going to be thin, and was never going to be healthy again.

At the heaviest I had ever been in my life, even going down a flight of stairs with a laundry basket was cause enough for a rest to catch my breath.

When some concerned friends at work started talking about this Cross Fit movement to me, I was not too interested. I watched the videos they sent me and figured there was no way someone as heavy as me could do these types of workouts, or WODs as I would come to know they were called. I told them maybe when I lose some weight.

But when a wagjag offer came up, and with my friends’ supportive persuading, I decided what the heck. Worse case scenario I would try it once, and if I didn’t like it I could stomach losing the $40.

Always the keener, I walked into my first session early and immediately started sweating. I was watching the “regular” cross fitters and I was terrified!! Thoughts of slipping out quietly were racing through my head.

Looking around at the rest of the intro class, I was by FAR the heaviest person there. I was mortified. Not only was I coming into this doing absolutely NO exercise, I was going to stand out like a sore thumb based on body image alone.

I picked a spot near the back of the box, hoping to hide and just make it through this one class. I figured even if it sucks there is NO WAY I am going to be the fattest person in here and not finish the workout.

The trainer, Kevin Doucette, came over to me and said “Listen, just do the best you can do. Not anyone else’s best effort, just YOUR OWN. That’s all we ask of anyone who walks through the door”.

Ruth, Andrew and Val were also there and were ALL taking turns spending time with me, helping me do the moves as best I could, encouraging me and motivating me the entire way through.

At the half way mark I was thinking I was going to have a heart attack. I had never sweat that much in my life and my entire body was on fire. I remember at one point telling myself, look how overweight you are no one is going to care if you quit. But the support, the motivation, the belief in me from my trainers kept me going. During my last round of push ups and squats, I was starting to feel the need to give up.

Kevin saw this and dropped to the mat and matched me push up for push up until I had completed them all. Ruth, Val and Andrew were all around me cheering me on, not letting me give up on myself.

I hadn’t even noticed that I was the last person still trying to complete the workout. The rest of the class had left but a few had lingered behind, I am thinking they wanted to see if I actually would be able to finish or not. When I finished, I was high fived, cheered on, applauded by all that remained and I thought WOW what is this? If I was at a big box gym no one would give a crap if I walked on the treadmill for 5 minutes and then gave up and left. And these people truly cared if I finished or not??

I walked out the door that night and thought WOW that really sucked, immediately followed by I can’t wait to see what the next one will be like!

I was hooked. My body was in horrific pain, I had never sweat that much in my life, and I was fighting the urge to puke….but even with all of that going on, I could not remember the last time I had felt such pride and such sense of accomplishment.

Since that first day I have never looked back.

The sense of pride and accomplishment hasn’t diminished one bit. If anything, it is growing strong and stronger with each class. When you reach one goal, there are 100 other ones waiting.

With every milestone, no matter how big or small, you are congratulated, acknowledged and reminded about the progress you are making.

You can research Cross Fit all you want, but until you take the plunge and try it, you really do not know what you are missing. I didn’t know what was missing in my life, and certainly didn’t expect it was this crazy intense workout regime, but low and behold it was! And now I couldn’t picture a life without it.

I wish I could tell you about all of the trainers at Cross fit Connection, of how they have each helped me along on my journey. I have personal stories of how each and every one of them has helped me along the way.

First Ruth, who would run with me because she knew how much I struggled and knew I would give up and walk half way. Who never let me give up on myself and believed in me more than I ever believed in myself. Val fast became a friend introducing me to the Isagenix cleanse that helped kick start my new healthy way of living. Kevin, who brought me through the Intro program and worked with me on my form, helping me to conquer new feats each week. Adam for high fiving me while I was hung over the garbage pail puking after a particularly grueling WOD. Sandi who talked me through my very first PR, which was 245lbs dead lift! Rory for giving me NO slack whatsoever at 8am Saturday morning classes, and when I would say I couldn’t do something he’d say how do you know? Just do it. Andrew for his constant and even keel support, motivation and encouragement and helping me progress through the next stage of fundamentals, preparing me for regular classes. Ryan for talking me through some exceptionally hard WODS, even on times when he was just there, not working out or training, but seeing me struggling and running over to help me through. Debbie and Andy for their relentless support and guidance, for helping me with my form and my technique and pushing me to push myself! I have learnt to trust these trainers. If I think I can’t do something and they think I can, I go with their judgment over my own and they have never steered me wrong. If I missed any trainers, I apologize, because each and everyone who I have worked with has helped me!

To prove my point about there never being a shortage of goals to reach…just last night, Adam said all women needed to work with a 16” box jump. I said not me, I can’t. He lined the boxes up, and said jump beside it. Showed me what form to use and waited and watched. I jumped. He said Cheryl, you can do it no problem. Just try it. I stood there terrified, I faked myself out 10 times pumping my arms, pumping my legs and not going anywhere. He kept saying you can do it, just DO IT! So with a leap of faith, I tried and low and behold I really COULD do it! Unbeknownst to me the other 7 people in the class had been watching us and all broke out in applause and cheers for me. They saw me struggling and were truly happy for me for overcoming this obstacle!

I wish I could tell you about each member in the Connection community who has touched my life. But that list is even LONGER! No one here cares what level you are at, what you may need to scale workouts to, what your body type is. They care about you. And they genuinely CARE about you, as I have come to care about them. Even when they are exhausted from a WOD they breathlessly shout a Good Work! or Keep Going! When they see you need it. They push me, encourage me, motivate me, keep me going, which you need especially at the times where you find it difficult to motivate yourself or when you are laid out on the box floor after a WOD thinking WTF just happened?! So you see, there is NO shortage of support or encouragement in this community. It is something I have never experienced before and a community I am PROUD to be a part of.

Alright, down to the hard facts. Since joining Cross Fit Connection on February 7th of 2011, I am down a total of 84lbs and over 75” overall. YES that is in just over 4 months!!

I am so proud of myself and am elated about the weight loss…but honestly, for the first time ever the weight loss has become secondary.

I am off ALL medications. I no longer struggle with depression or anxiety. I no longer feel like there is a dark cloud over my life. I am happy, truly happy. I am happy with myself for the first time in probably 10 years. I am of course happy to be losing weight, but I am far happier to have my life back. To feel confident in myself, in my abilities, to no longer doubt myself. I have become surer with each step. Every part of my life has improved and there would be NO shortage of people to attest to this, both in my personal and professional life. I have been told from my director at work recently that whatever this cross fit thing is, it is making notable differences (aside from physically) in my professional life. That I am sharper and to keep up whatever it is I am doing!

People in my life are now constantly telling me how proud they are of me for my accomplishments with Cross fit. People are sending others who are struggling to talk to me, to see what I have been doing to make such massive changes in my life. It is empowering and touching.

I could write a book about what Cross Fit Connection means to me…oh wait, I just did! If I could personally talk to every person out there who thinks they can’t do it, I would! I want everyone to feel the way I am feeling!! I want everyone to know they CAN do this! People come here from all different walks of life, but when you are powering through a WOD you are one in the same. You are just as happy to see a fellow cross fitter accomplish something as you are when you do for yourself. If I can do this, anyone can!! Nothing can stop me now and my life will never be the same, it will only get better from here.

It hasn’t been an easy road, and while there is still a long road ahead, I am prepared to tackle it now. It has been a lot of work, sweat, some puke and the odd tear (of joy), but I wouldn’t change a single thing for the world!

 So to each and every member of the Cross Fit Connection Community, many who have become dear friends, I want to say thank you. Thank you for welcoming me in with open arms and taking me under your wing. Thank you for your continuous support and guidance, thank you from the bottom of my heart. See you in the box J
UPDATE AUGUST 5th 2011
Since writing my testimonial, all my sentiments about Cross Fit and Cross Fit Connection have been further solidified. The community embraces anyone who seriously wants to make this a part of their life. So many of you have introduced yourselves to me since, it is awesome to stop and meet people who you may have already worked through a WOD with side by side as well as those who you will some day

Things for me continue to make an upwards swing! Recently life threw me yet another curve that in the past would cause me to fold like a bad poker hand! But I am tackling this hurdle with a different attitude, strength and way of thinking. The confidence and self assurance that Cross Fit Connection nourishes in it’s members continues to aid me in every aspect of my life. I continue to grow healthier, happier and stronger, both physically and mentally with each day.

As for Cross Fit, my love is only growing! WODs that before would intimidate me to the point of not wanting to go are now exciting and I find myself anticipating what the next WOD will be immediately after finishing one...even if I can barely pick myself up off the box floor afterwards!
My lifts are getting heavier, techniques better (I hope) and I am pleased with my current PR’s. As for running....what can I say about running and stay truthful..... Well I still suck, but I get a little better each time so I am sure by this time next year I will love it...right?? I can honestly say I hate it substantially less than I used to LOL!

Since my testimonial my weight loss continues, and I am now at a loss of 105lbs! Although I still have more to shed, for the first time I believe I can do it so it dosen’t feel like a daunting task anymore...not to mention I am enjoying doing it!  Many people asked me about my diet so I should note here, I don’t diet! But have for the most part, I have cut out refined sugars, fried anything and have substantially lowered my bread intake.

I continue to feel great, to enjoy every minute of my life and every minute I spend with the Cross Fit Connection Community! I could say it a thousand times over, but I really am grateful for everything you have ALL done to help me take control of my life!!
Ruth continues to support and guide me with every step of this journey, reminding me of how far I’ve come and how much more I can accomplish if I try. She never lets me give up on myself and some days I really have to draw on her belief in me to get the job done!

Before Pictures

After Picture

 

 

Testimonial from Gillian

Hi Jason & Ruth

 

I decided last night to do a testimonial for your website since I am amazed at my own results and I hope this inspires some of the women whom I constantly hear of suffering from injuries to see that they can do workouts and that Crossfit with great instruction can actually help their injuries. 

I joined Crossfit in March 2009 after constantly going to Jason (as well as weekly chiropractor and acupuncture treatments) for massage’s on a long-term back problem. Four years earlier, I had a fall down a flight of concrete stairs at another gym and landed on my lower back, and after 2 years of pain an MRI showed that I had perforated a disk (L4), and this was pressing on my nerves. 
Even though I had the injury, I still trained every week at a different gym and five years ago I joined a few friends who started running. I hated the running at first, but to date I have completed 3 – half marathons and numerous duathlons. I also worked out with a personal trainer once a week for the past 4 years, and so I thought I was already in the best shape of my life. As far as I was concerned, the only thing holding me back was this injury that would put me out of action for 3- 4 days every couple of months. In February 2009 it was so bad that I went to the doctor’s to ask for surgery as I had had enough of struggling to do the everyday things as even lifting a bag of milk or raking the leaves would put my back out. So when during one of my visits to Jason he had suggested I come to his class and that it would help my back by strengthening my core and that eventually I would no longer need to be coming for a massage on a regular basis I really didn’t believe him. 

I was curious enough though that I checked out the website and was immediately intimidated by the weights these men and women were lifting. Anyway, I came with my friend Sheila and although I was extremely nervous, I was equally full of bravado given that I already thought I was in great shape. That first class was a real challenge and at the end I ran out of the door before I threw up in the class(which many of us have experienced). In spite of the pain and not being able to walk the next day due to my aching muscles, I was hooked and I got such a high from what I had achieved in that class, (which looking back really wasn’t much). So I started coming twice a week at first. Within weeks I was starting to see results in my fitness and was so impressed I dragged my husband along. 
The real surprise for me was my body shape (which has always been a problem for me) was changing after years of struggling and never being happy with the way I looked. To explain, thirteen years ago I had been been extremely overweight, having had 3 kids in 3 years and I had joined weight watchers and managed to lose 55 lbs, which I have kept off except for the 5lbs that would keep bouncing on and off again, I also trained to be a weight watchers leader and worked for them for 2 years so I thought I knew everything about nutrition, how wrong was I. 

As my fitness continued to improve, Ruth introduced Peter (my husband) and I to the Isagenix Cleanse in July 2009 and when we had been weighed and shown what to do, I remember Ruth saying to me that I would easily lose another 20lbs and I really didn’t believe her as (in my mind) I already knew what to eat and when. At 42, I had resigned myself to the fact that the last 10 lbs was impossible to lose and so I thought of it more as a health choice than a weight loser. Anyway, after the two week cleanse I had dropped 9 lbs which I thought was amazing and in the following weeks I continued to see a real shift in my weight loss and body shape. I continued with the Zone, (90% of the time) and I must say that today I really can’t believe that the person looking back at me in the mirror is actually me!!! 
You see for the first time in my life I feel like a normal person, I am happy with how I look and how I feel and I am not seeing myself as someone with a weight problem. The weight is finally shifting from my legs and butt which seems to be a problem for a lot of women. The biggest difference for Peter(my husband who most of you now know) is not constantly having to tell me that I don’t look fat on a daily basis as I am no longer asking him. He is now telling me how amazing I look and asking "what are you wearing that for", as it is too big, "GO SHOPPING!!!". 

So my advice for any women out there who are thinking of coming to Crossfit and who may have injuries or weight problems is to not wait a minute longer. Just let Jason and Ruth know what you are struggling with and they will look after you as they are such good coaches and motivators. The one thing I really can say with hand on heart, is that joining  Crossfit Connection was the best decision I made during 2009, as it totally changed my life and everyone’s life around me. I am now down 21 lbs since joining and still losing inches. 
More importantly, It has been almost a year (Jan 2009) since I have been laid up with my back. I have gotten stronger and I am lifting weights and doing workouts that I once thought would be impossible. I no longer need those monthly back massages and I haven’t been to the chiropractor for 10 months now. WOW!, I can carry bags of milk without worrying about the position of my back. 

JASON AND RUTH THANK YOU!!. Thank you so much for encouraging me and the support you both provide. Thanks to all the other members who motivate and support one another as you have all inspired both me and Peter to keep pushing harder. It has impacted my family so much as I have in return inspired my sister and her family to find a Crossfit class in England, and they have all been attending now for the past 3 months and are equally loving the results. They hope to join us in a workout next July when they are over on vacation. 
I can honestly say that I am NOW in the best shape of my life and as Jason told me the other week, “You were always active, but just doing the WRONG THING!!!

 

TESTIMONIAL FROM KEVIN

 

I am not sure that I can write a testimonial that adequately describes what the Crossfit Connection in Burlington, and more specifically, what Jason and Ruth have done for me, given the terrible shape I was in when I showed up for my first visit to Crossfit.

In attempting Christine {the name of the workout} for the first time, I was not able to complete it, in fact I was outside on my hands and knees gasping for air, I felt so sorry for Ruth because she was so concerned about me, and whether or not I was going to be ok, and assured me that all I needed to do was come back, and between Jason and herself they would train me to be able to participate, there was only one condition, that when I came I had to give my best effort, not someone else’s best effort, my best effort, and that would change as I got stronger, and if I came back I would get stronger.

In fact it was exactly what I needed, with the understanding that it would be the best I could do on a given day, and knowing there were dedicated professionals’ there to support me, I began my journey into the crossfit world.

The gains that have come from this type of training have gone far beyond my physical well being, not only do you get better physically, but everything gets better, I sleep better, I work better, I exercise better, I eat better, I am less stressed. It enables me to be a better father, partner, friend & professional and the level of self confidence I have now, I have not had since I was in my early 20’s, and I will be turning 48 next month.

I could go on for pages on what I think of Crossfit, but I believe not only is it Crossfit but it is the environment that Jason and Ruth have created within those walls that makes the experience what it is, you need a safe and secure place where you can take the risk needed to put forth your best effort, because without risking failure you cannot put forth your best effort, and being able to challenge yourself without that fear of failure is what makes it all work. The support that I received from the other athletes’ has been inspirational, and I can’t thank them enough, and I don’t have to thank them, because they do it for every person who comes through the door.

It has been 4&1/2 months since I began this journey, and where it has taken me I did not think was possible. There are days, like in everything else when you think you can’t do anymore, but all I do is remember what I was told to me on my first day…………..

All you have to do is keep coming back, give your best effort and you will get stronger.

Thank you so much Jason & Ruth, you truly have changed me.

Kevin Doucette

 

 

 

 

TESTIMONIAL FROM PETER

 

I decided to come and try the orientation classes in late April 2009 as at 45 and not doing any exercise, I was very aware of my worsening physical fitness which I attributed to my busy work life that in my view did not permit me time to participate in any activity.  In reality, I had tried over the previous few years to “get fit” by joining a couple of different gyms and trying their various programs, but I never saw the kind of results I needed to keep me motivated and as a result, I would start missing sessions and ultimately stopped attending altogether.  Clearly something was missing from the experience at these gyms although I didn’t know what.  After my wife (Gillian) started attending Crossfit in March, she began to tell me (and everyone she spoke with) how good it was and how she had never done anything like it and so I decided to take a look at the website and was immediately intrigued by the suggestion of the owners (Ruth & Jason) that we try other clubs before coming to theirs, and having been a member at Goodlife and Cedar Springs was interested to see what was so different. 

As a result, I (or more accurately Gillian as I was still not fully motivated at this point) booked a block of introductory one on one sessions with Ruth to begin my journey to fitness. I was rather nervous at the first session especially reading the various whiteboards in the gym with slogans such as “Pain is just weakness leaving the body”  and as I watched the class finishing up before my first session I wondered what I was getting myself into as they looked awesome and I simply could not picture myself ever being as fit as them.  One particular guy in the class though (Rick) I remembered from the website and I was really inspired having read his testimonial to see how far he had come as I watched the class doing box jumps.

I have to say that Ruth was amazingly motivational from day one and managed to keep me moving even though I was in such bad shape and really struggled to complete most of the exercises I tried.  To round out the first session, Ruth had me go through a structured workout called “Christine” which would provide us with a benchmark of my fitness to refer back to later.  After 24 minutes Ruth stopped me after having only managed to complete 2 rounds out of 3 of the exercises because I am sure she was worried about my ability to make it through a third round.  I went home absolutely exhausted and aching in places I didn’t know could ache.  As a measure of how unfit I was, the following day, my aches had turned into muscles and limbs that simply didn’t want to move anymore, but despite the pain I was determined that I was going to go back and try some more.

Each time I visited, Ruth was amazing in how she managed to inspire me to push harder and keep going when all my body wanted to do was stop and rest.  Over the next 2 to 3 weeks, I was began to see that I was already improving in what I could achieve and as a result I became even more determined to push harder. After I completed the one on one sessions, I again undertook the Christine workout and was shocked that after only 3 weeks I had gone from not being able to complete it to doing all 3 rounds in just over 16 minutes.

The community feeling that Jason & Ruth have fostered is very motivational in its own right and when coupled with the great instruction provided by Jason & Ruth along with Debbie, Andy and Adam, it makes for a great place to really develop your fitness in an environment unlike any other gym.   After 3 months of attending the classes, my blood pressure which was normally high as a result of  work stress and general lack of exercise had dropped over 20 points and my body was noticeably changing for the better. 

As I have continued to work as hard as I can with Jason & Ruth on improving my fitness, they have constantly pushed and encouraged me to do more.   I have also worked closely with Ruth on changing my diet to strip off more of the fat from my body and to help improve my overall health.  Once again, Ruth’s knowledge and support were truly exceptional and kept me focussed through these lifestyle changes.  5 months after first walking into Crossfit, my blood pressure is now perfect for the first time in years and without needing medication.  I have lost over 6” off my waist and over 12” overall as well as 20lb in weight.  Without a doubt, I am now in the best physical condition that I have been in during the past 20+ years although I know I still have a lot more to achieve.

As a direct result of the environment that Jason and Ruth have created,  I see my fitness levels improve each week and find that I am more motivated to push for a bigger improvements.  Having been a customer at a couple of the other gyms, I can say hand on heart that if you are really looking to improve your life, health and fitness then there is nothing that compares to what Jason & Ruth offer or to the support and motivation that they provide at every session. 

 

Thank you Jason & Ruth, Debbie, Andy and Adam for all you have done in helping me.   

 

I have attached a before Crossfit and a current picture (I wont call it after as its still only part way to where I want to be).

 

Best Regards

Pete

Before

 

After

TESIMONIAL FROM RICK

 

I have known Jason for a few years as I have been a client of his massage therapy clinic. When he described his new venture as CrossFit my wife and I decided to give it a try. After all, it couldn't be too difficult for me since I had been running 3-5 times per week and using an all-in-one weight machine. With confidence and ego in hand I participated in the first class in May 2008. I quickly realized that I wasn't in such good shape after all. WOW! I had to learn to walk again after that class. However, I persevered because here was something that definately improved my conditioning, was fun and varied, and well supervised by Jason and his better half; Ruth. I went through the Isagenix cleanse and nutition program in order to drop the needed pounds and improve my overall health and eating habits ( way too much sugars).

 

Through two fractures and numerous banged up legs, I continue to enjoy the CrossFit experience. As my before and after pictures will attest, I'm in better shape at 47 than I was in high school!

 

Thankyou Jason and Ruth for continuing to motivate us in order to improve our health, even if those sadistic grins by Jason make us cringe!

 

Rick in June 2008

 

RICK IN DECEMBER 2008 ( six pack and all!!!!)

 

 

 

TESTIMONITAL FROM JANET

 

My journey with crossfit began in July 2008 when a friend, who had recently met Ruth, heard about her and Jason’s new venture and convinced me to go with her to try it out.  It sounded great and exactly what I needed to kick start my desire to get back into shape (it had been a long while!).  I had no idea what I was getting into.  We started out with the eight introductory classes with Ruth taking us through each workout and educating us on proper form (which I was brutal at) with a 1:2 ratio.  She was fantastic!  Very patient and encouraging.  Ruth made me want to push myself and actually made us believe we could do it.  I won’t lie…it was not fun at first…it was hard and I had not pushed myself like that ever before.  However, as the classes went on the recovery time became less and I actually started to look forward to them.  Then Ruth introduced me to the Isagenix cleanse and “The Zone.”  With this I really started to see results and for me this is when it all started to click.  I am a person who needs to see results to continue to be motivated and it was not long before I did and was hooked.  The nutritional program makes sense and is easy to fit into your life once you stick with it for a while.  I can not say that I stick with it 100% of the time but that is the beauty of it. When you do have an off day it is very easy to get back on track.  It is not difficult or fancy…it just makes sense. 

 

From there I moved into the “grown up” classes.  I was quite nervous of being out of my comfort zone but the people in the classes were great and everyone was really welcoming and supportive.  Ruth and Jason and the entire crossfit clientele are so different than any gym or classes I have participated in before because they truly care.  The encouragement you find at a crossfit class is truly amazing.  There is no judgment or egos and everyone is truly there to better themselves and help others along the way.  This supportive environment is one of the many things that keeps me coming back!  I tell everyone that crossfit works for me because it pushes me continuously, fits into a busy lifestyle with its intense, compact  varied workouts and produces amazing results.  It is like having a personal trainer in a supportive team environment.

 

Now six months later I have dropped 20% in body fat and close to 30 pounds. Best of all I feel better both physically and mentally and have maintained a healthier lifestyle all around for me and my family.  I could not have done it without the help of Ruth and Jason and their commitment, professionalism, and desire to help others.  I know this journey will not end because with crossfit you continuously push yourself to new limits and continue to build strength and endurance.  Six months ago in those first classes I would never have thought that I would be where I am today.  I look forward to continuing this journey and seeing how far I can truly push myself.  Thanks again to everyone at crossfit for helping me every step of the way!

 

Janet- July, 2008

 

 

Janet -December 2008

 

 

Testimonial from Carolyn

 

 

I have always been somewhat active but it was more on a sporadic basis as work and life sometimes got in the way and I found that the first thing I would sacrifice is exercising. As 2007 came to a close and I looked at what resolutions I would have for 2008, one of them was to be more diligent about exercising with the goal of losing body fat and weight.  So, I joined one of the "traditional" gyms and went so far as to engage a personal trainer twice per week. So, I went diligently and there were some weeks where I was there every day.  Did I lose weight and body fat -- yes.  But, how much over the 5 months that I was there prior to joining Crossfit.  A whole 3% of body fat but to reach the goal I had in mind I still had 8% of body fat to go.

 

One of my colleagues told me about Crossfit over the summer and I thought -- nothing ventured nothing gained.  I would meet with Ruth and see what the "nutritional support" was all about and I would also look at the basics class.  I was impressed with Ruth the first time I met her.  She has such a passion and belief for what she does that it was refreshing to see.

 

My first basic class was an eye opener.  In the car I was driving over to the class, I was thinking to myself that I've been going to the gym religiously for the last 6 months -- I'm really going to wow them with how I do.  Well, it was tough.  Christine which is the benchmark basic workout completely wiped me out and I thought to myself, what have I gotten myself into.  Maybe the saying on the white board is true "Pain is weakness leaving the body".  There were some days when I had a whole lot of weakness leaving my body.  But I persevered through the 8 classes of the basics program -- even though I thought that the atomic situps would do me in but Ruth knew that there would be a day that I could do them without her helping me up.

 

After the basics, I was hooked.  But what about now moving into the "big kids" class.  The full out Crossfit.  Could I do it?  Would people judge me because I wasn't as fast or as strong -- we all know what it's like at the "traditional gyms".

 

Well, I had absolutely nothing to be concerned about.  Over their door, there is a saying "Leave your ego at the door".  Nothing could be more true.  It is so apparent that Ruth and Jason really do care about the success of each of their participants and although sometimes I will look at Jason when he tells me a weight to put on the bar like "are you serious" I've been able to lift weights I never thought I would.  How do you go from deadlifting 60 lbs in your first basics class to 185 lbs in a little over 3 months?  Their sincere desire to see each of us reach our goals and beyond pushes each of us to try.  What other gym would you go to where other members are encouraging to you "only 5 left to go, you can do them".  I've been a member of many gyms and I've never seen it.  There is such a strong sense of camradeship.  We each want to see the other individuals in the session do well.  Do I sometimes look at others and think to myself - wow, I wish I could do that.  Absolutely.  But shouldn't we all have goals to aspire to.

 

But at the end of the day, the results should speak for themselves.  My goal was to lose 8% of body fat.  I would then be at my lowest body fat amount (at least since I've had it measured).  How long would this take -- well, if I was still at my "traditional gym" it would be at least another 12 months.  Well, in about 4 months, I lost 15% body fat -- double what I thought I would do.  Never would I have thought I could do that.  When I first joined, I couldn't run the 200 metre without stopping -- when the workout of the day was Murph  , I ran the 1.2 km portion 3 x without stopping.  In terms of strength, there is no comparison.  A deadlift change from 60 lbs to 185 lbs.  Jumping pullups to assisted pullups to now being able to do pullups unassisted.  The elusive atomic sit up -- yes, I can now do them on my own.  And the list goes on.  There is not one area where I haven't seen an improvement.  All of this is happening in a class of less than one hour in length.

 

I can't ever see myself stopping Crossfit.  Each workout of the day is unique so it is never boring or easy...to say the least.  But beyond that, it is the people.  It is Ruth and Jason that are so passionate about seeing us all do well.  It is so very rare to see these days and certainly provides me with the inspiration to push through.  It is also the other individuals in the sessions that provide so much support and encouragement.

 

Thank you to everyone!!!  I will have to come up with some new goals but I know that whatever they are, my friends at Crossfit will help me to achieve them.

 

 

 

 

Carolyn

 

July 2008