CFL Member Success Stories:
Following are examples of true CrossFit Maximus success stories. Nowhere else will find the kind of dedication, and enthusiasm for fitness, that you find in a CrossFit athlete. Read through these testimonies, and see first hand why the CrossFit methodology training is revolutionizing the fitness industry. If you have a CrossFit Maximus success story you would like to share, or a testimony to your experience at CrossFit Maximus, please share it with us!
CHRIS WHICKER:
“After a divorce in 2008, I found myself over weight, out of shape and extremely depressed over how far I had let myself go. Being over weight was nothing new to me I’ve always been the bigger guy but never in my life had I ever been at 310 pounds. I guess you could say I was sick and disappointed in myself for ever letting my weight get the best of me. So at that point, I made the choice that I was going to lose weight and do it the right way no matter how long it took me. No fad diets, pills, magic drinks or potions. I also knew I had to get my ass back in the gym. I started doing weight watchers counting my points like I was supposed to and doing my workouts; chest one day, back, arms, biceps and triceps followed by a 30 minute jog. I made progress slowly losing weight, like I wanted, but I still felt like something with missing. I also got back into MMA, Kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It boosted my weight loss progress and improved my over all conditioning but I still didn’t get the progress that I wanted. In 2009 while watching TV I saw a commercial for this place in Lexington that showed people flipping tires and doing some crazy stuff for workouts, this place was called CrossFit. I said to myself I wish I could do that but I’m way to far out of shape to ever do anything like that and with my bad knee and bad back I would end up just hurting myself. After watching that commercial all I thought about what how bad I wish I could do that and how I wish it were closer even though it was only 20 minute commute from Berea. So I continued my workouts, and followed Weight Watchers™ for the rest of the year. I dropped about 30 pounds and I was able to tie my shoes and walk up the stairs without losing my breath. However, I still didn’t feel like I was where I wanted to be. Desperate to be in better shape I tried P90X™. After a week of P90X™, I gave up. Damn was it hard, and I somehow injured myself doing it, not really sure what part or exercise I did to re injure my back but I blamed it on bad form and poor instructions from the DVD. After taking a month off of exercising I gained 10 pounds back. I was so confused on what was going on, even though I wasn’t exercising, I continued to count my points but I somehow gained weight.
In January 2010, I finally made the decision to make that 20 minute drive to Lexington and seek out that place that was doing those crazy workouts, that place was CrossFit. The intro was damn near the death of me, but I kept coming back for more. It was hard, but WOW how impressed I was with the facility itself and the staff at CrossFit Maximus. They didn’t judge me on how out of shape I was, or how over weight I had become. They made me feel comfortable and always offered advice anytime I asked, they even remembered my name! After a month of CrossFit, I lost 15 pounds and I could tell my body was changing, how my overall strength and conditioning had drastically improved from just one month of the program! Then the Paleo challenge was announced. “Paleo?”, I said to my self, “what the hell is Paleo?” So I googled it and started to do some research. After signing up for the Paleo challenge and following the new way of eating, the first week was pure hell for me, no sugar or soda was the hardest for me to change. Even on Weight Watchers™ I was allowed to have sugar and soda as long as I counted the points. But, on my 4th week of Paleo after my workout I just felt the big difference on how I felt, and after my workouts while at work, I felt strong and full of energy. WOW did I really feel this way??!! Was it really the diet I asked myself or was it my workouts? It was both, I was slowly getting into shape and I could feel it in my body.
30 pounds later, and at presently 248 pounds, I’m in the best shape of my life and I have nothing but more progress to make which I know ill do with the help of CrossFit and the wonderful staff and CrossFit community. Ill never go back to the way I use to work out or the way I use to eat. I can’t say enough about CrossFit, trainers or the people I’ve met here. I can’t thank the people enough here for changing my life. Thanks”
Chris Whicker
CrossFit birthday 1/07/2010
PAUL DZ:
“Since joining CrossFit Maximus, I have become stronger in functional movements, lost 30 pounds, and dramatically increased my cardiovascular fitness. But I am most proud of my gains in range of motion and flexibility. Traditional weight training and running left me tight, slow, and injury-prone. I was more flexible after six (6) months of CrossFit workouts than I was twenty (20) years ago. I credit:”
- The tools at CrossFit Lexington (rings, bumper plates for Olympic weightlifting, and bands)
- The coaches at CrossFit Lexington who emphasize full range of motion and technique; and
- The CrossFit philosophy of short, intense, and constantly varied workouts.
MARCY YODER:
“As a Hospice nurse I watched countless people die of chronic conditions. And I often thought, “If they had only taken care of themselves, they’d probably still be with us.” That was my wake-up call, realizing that I needed to start practicing what I “preached” as a nurse, or I’d be facing an untimely death myself, due to my obesity and unhealthy lifestyle. Determined to stop this slow death sentence, I sought the help of a professional trainer in January 2008. I found such help – beyond my expectations – through Kris Freeman. As I lost weight and became more fit, Kris built more CrossFit principles and workouts into our training. Then CFM was opened. I joined at the end of August, 52 pounds lighter than when I started. Being at CFL has really helped me kick it into high gear with the intensity of the WOD’s and the encouragement of the staff and members. Even when I have been stuck on plateaus, frustrated with the discipline of exercise and proper nutrition – and seeing NO results! – the environment and people at CFM have carried me forward, keeping me on track when I felt like quitting. Every bit of sweat, tears, exertion, and bloodshed (gotta love those ripped hands!) has been worth it in the long run! CrossFit has truly changed my life – inside and out! So far I have lost 95 pounds. I am a lot stronger with much greater endurance. Also, as my body is changing, I find that my self-image and many deeply embedded beliefs are also being challenged and changed. As Dr. Kenneth Cooper, a fitness and wellness expert, states, “Fitness is a journey, not a destination. It must be continued for the rest of your life.” Well, I am truly honored and blessed to be part of the CFM community as I continue to find freedom in this life sentence of fitness and health!!”
JOHN KITCHEN:
“My experience here has proved that persons of any level of fitness will benefit from the CrossFit workout. I’ve been an athlete all my life. I was a college basketball and tennis player, All-Conference in both. I played professional basketball for multiple teams all over Asia. I went on to coach college basketball and tennis for five years and eventually had to undergo three knee surgeries. In the late 1990s, I got into power lifting and realized that while I was gaining muscle, I was not in shape. When I moved to Lexington in 2006, I joined Urban Active. My workout routine was not motivating and I eventually became bored with it. At that point, I was 210 lbs and my body fat was at 16%. I looked like I was in shape, but my knees hurt and I was only able to play basketball one day per week. I had heard about CrossFit and decided to come in and give it a try. I met with a coach, tried a few workouts, and felt completely out of shape! I wanted to maintain my strength, but lose body fat so that I could take the pressure off of my legs and knees. I joined CrossFit in October / November and set the goal of getting my weight down to 195 lbs by May 28, my birthday. I met that goal and weighed in at exactly 195 lbs. Not only did I meet my goal, but also saw my body fat drop to 10%! Now, the first thing that I do when I wake up in the morning is check out the CrossFit website to see what is going on for the day. I like the challenge – the fact that I can compete with my own times as well as with other people’s times – it’s something to work for. One of the best things is that the workouts always change and vary in time. Some take me 3 minutes and I feel like I can’t move afterwards and then there are some that take me 25 minutes. This type of variety as well as the competitive atmosphere are what works the best for me! The biggest misconception that I’ve heard is that people come here to lose 100lbs, but I was already in shape and still lost 15 lbs! I feel better, look better, and it’s allowed me to do more things. I now play in multiple basketball and softball leagues and nothing hurts! I’ve referred my friends and would highly recommend CrossFit to people with beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels of fitness and guarantee that they will see changes in their lives.”
LISA VAN COPPENOLLE:
“An old proverb states, “He who has health, has hope. And he who has hope, has everything.” Through CrossFit, I have obtained more than just a healthy outlook to life. Among the proud moments of weight loss and physical fitness, I now possess confidence that I never fathomed I could acquire. I am part of a community of individuals who are all striving for similar goals; we thrive in our success. I was a competitive swimmer for a majority of my life; however, I have always struggled with my weight. When I finally retired my cap, goggles, and suit, my lifestyle had taken a back seat due to my regular 4th meal at 10pm and my lack of physical activity. It wasn’t until an early Saturday morning that my older sister (also a member) surprised me by taking me to CrossFit. At first I was intimidated by the warehouse of physical fitness where ropes extended from the ceilings as permanent fixtures and members aggressively workout. Being a competitive athlete, I despised showing any sort of weakness. But when I could barely walk after the first week of CrossFit, my competitive streak kicked in, which motivated me to keep trying and pushing. I took the advice of the coaches both in and out of the gym. With the help of CrossFit’s nutritional program and support from members and coaches, came an enduring love for fitness. For some, CrossFit may seem crazy due to its short unconventional workouts with tires, ropes, and free weights, but for me CrossFit has introduced a fun and exciting way of exercising. I now look forward to coming to a gym where people know my name and cheer me on. CrossFit is definitely a fit for me, and could be the gym for you as well! Since November 2008, I have lost 60 pounds. Before November, I was addicted to food. Today, I’m addicted to my health, thanks to CrossFit. I’ve learned that fitness is more than just a fad, it’s a lifestyle.”
BRIG AND KARA COOK:
“My family and I became members of CrossFit Maximus on December 29th, 2008. I had other friends who were having success and enjoying the workouts and my husband and I wanted something that we could do together as we worked to become healthier. At the time we joined, I don’t think either of us realized how well CrossFit would work for our busy family. My husband and I usually work out 5 days a week. We have three boys – ages 9, 7, and 2. My oldest son joins us for workouts from time to time and my second son comes in to use the rowing machine or climb the rope. On the drive to the gym, they always ask us what the workout is that day and if they can come in with us. Since most of the workouts are less than a half hour, we can fit them in between the time my husband gets off of work and dinner which leaves our nights free for Boy Scouts, piano lessons, school activities and the myriad of other commitments that comprise family life. Our family has had fantastic results. Originally, I had just hoped to lose some of the weight that I had put on over the previous six months. That did happen, but I feel that somewhere along the way, my focus changed. Instead of worrying about the scale, I became fascinated with what my body could do. There were so many goals to work towards and I felt that everyone, especially the coaches, were cheering me along every step of the way. So, while I was concentrating on getting my first unassisted pull-up and adding weight to my dead lift, the numbers I thought were so important at first took care of themselves. I found myself down to a weight that I hadn’t seen since before my last pregnancy – a full 20 pounds off of my December high. My husband and I have both lost 3+ inches off of our waists and my tight jeans have now become my loose jeans. I would definitely recommend CrossFit for families that want to become healthier together. I feel the most important thing that has come from this is that our children have seen our commitment to a healthy lifestyle. We hope that this becomes a way of life for them.”
Carol H. Wilson:
I’m basically a sedentary, lazy person by nature. My favorite activity is reading,with eating a close second. I’ve worked in a government office for a little over 8 years, it’s as sit-down a job as you can get! I’m practically immobile for hours at a time in a chair which does not make a fit person. I started exercising in college having been pretty much a marshmallow my entire childhood and adolescence. I got my exercise by walking on the Hill and riding my bike on Western KY’s campus. I worked out to a few Buns of Steel VHS tapes, played with my dogs in the woods, and climbed some rocks at the Gorge on occasion. I joined a gym ten years ago because my friends were members. At the gym I participated in group fitness classes because I didn’t know how to do anything else. I was intimidated by the machines and trainers. I was motivated by seeing my friends but that was it. My commitment to exercise fluctuated greatly based on if my friends were going that evening or not. I paid big bucks for a trainer at the gym for about 6 months two different times over the years, but my funds and motivation eventually ran low and I went back to being a face in the crowd in the group classes. I joined CrossFit in late January 09 with my friend Phillip. He had experience with the workouts from a facility in Atlanta. He told me that not only would I get in good shape, it would make me so much more mentally tough. He was right. I love the personal interaction with the coaches. I am a lot stronger and have more endurance, balance, and coordination. I started jogging recently, for pleasure! I never thought I would look forward to working out. The group WODs are fun and competitive in a good way, and the coaches are really motivating. Every time I conquer a 24 inch box jump I grin widely. I really enjoyed trying the Paleo Challenge. I lost a little over 9 lbs in the 4 weeks I participated. I feel that the combination of CrossFit and changes in my diet have gotten me to the best shape of my life, and I look forward to continuing my progress.
Griff Ray:
I’m not what you would call a fitness guy, but CrossFit works for me because CrossFit is about people. The only other time in my life I was in decent fitness was because I had a regular partner to work out with. We stopped being able to work out and I stopped being fit. I know a lot of people relate to the importance of camaraderie when staying motivated to work out. In the last year of CrossFit (only for the last six months seriously) I have lost 27 pounds and three inches off my waist. I will be the first to admit CrossFit is intense every day but it’s that intensity mixed with amazing camaraderie that has made it work for me. The group of members and trainers at CrossFit Maximus always make you feel welcome and encouraged that you show up and give your best effort. There is a whole family of people I “work out with” when we do the same group WODs every day. It lets you encourage others who are there with you as well as talk among friends you haven’t seen for days, but you still feel like you have worked out with. Real People, Real Fitness. When I show up, CrossFit works. If you just show up and meet a couple dozen workout partners, I know it can work for you.
Jeff Wolfe – Paleo Challenge Testimony:
The paleo challenge wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. The first few days of the new diet were the hardest, I had little idea as to what I would be eating and hadn’t prepared my kitchen for the meal changes. I found myself craving only sugar (sweets) at first, then condiments, surprisingly and to everyone’s amazement I’m sure, the one thing I felt I would crave the most (beer) I had little or no craving for at all. The few cheat days I had came towards the end of the months and weren’t a big deal. I did notice a big drop in the amount of food I wanted to eat and that my body didn’t appreciate the sudden change back to my old eating habits. The positives I have to say about this diet are many. First I was averaging between 1/2 and 1 pound weight lose a day and lost a total of 15 pounds in a month. My wife seems to have a new appreciation for the way I look and has told me so several times. I had a physical during the challenge and the doctor I hadn’t seen for a year noticed the changes and my physical results including my blood work between last year and this year were huge. Allot had to do with working out at CrossFit, but the one big change I can say was from paleo was my cholesterol. Last year my cholesterol was high enough to warrant advice to watch it. This year it was “perfect” I had the numbers but can’t find them.
I intend to keep a modified paleo diet and to go back on a strict one again before the summer. I would like to see the gym do it again as a challenge. I know I have said allot about the impact paleo has made on the outside, I have also noticed changes in my energy level, mood, digestive system and especially in the way I look at food I used to be so quick to put into my body. Thanks guys for putting on the challenge it was the push I needed to shed some weight!!
Jeff Wolfe- CrossFit Maximus