Testimonials
I have always been a gym rat. In 6th grade I used to cut class to
shoot baskets in the gym. My first day on campus at Notre Dame I
walked into the rec center and basically hung around until they hired
me. I used to think that spending a lot of hours in the gym meant that
I worked out hard. Then I met Luke and he introduced me to CrossFit.
The coaches at CFS have taught me how to work out smart. Don’t get me wrong, there is no substitute for hard work but if you combine working hard with working smart you will get incredible results.
Ever since I made the decision to give up the globo gym and commit to CrossFit as my primary method of working out I have gotten stronger, faster, and more flexible. I have gained a lot of confidence in myself and my abilities. Fitness and being in shape now mean something completely different. Tough workouts are no longer hours long, in fact, some of the best take less than 10 minutes (think Fran, Jackie, Helen, etc). I also have a new definition of a healthy diet. Food has
become fuel for me and although I don’t always enjoy cooking, my diet is nothing short of delicious.
I can’t write this without thanking the coaches at CFS. All of you have done a wonderful job creating a community that is supportive and motivational. I have never been a morning person but lately the 6:00 am class has been my favorite part of the day. CFS has rejuvenated me and brought a new energy and excitement to my life. I look forward to competing with and against all of you in a WOD sometime soon!
Brian Kunitzer
My name is Tabitha. I am a more recent member of our elite group, only having joined in September. On the day that I scaled the steps of our esteemed fitness center for the first time, I weighed 168lbs. I had gained almost 40lbs the year prior. Life had found a way to knock me down and I couldn’t seem to get up. I had succumbed to depression, and in that time had been comforted by wine and pizza. I was intoxicated by the way they made me feel, but as it is with all things addicting, I began needing more and more of them to stave the effects of depression that were only being perpetuated by the physical toll the booze and greasy foods were taking on my body. I was physically, psychologically and emotionally exhausted. It was then that one of my dearest friends from college cried out to me, one word, CROSSFIT! I rejected her plea. She would call again, CROSSFIT, she cried.
I had skimmed the affiliate website, but scarcely understood what it was about. Fitness, got it. Overall health, sure. I had good intentions, but was too easily seduced by my lovers, wine and pizza. Under the weight of my depression I would let them comfort me once again, Crossfit slipping somewhere into the recesses of my mind.
One day I found myself standing in the mirror staring at the image reflected back to me and wondered at the figure. I did not recognize it to be me. The curves of the face, the large almost shapeless body, knees no longer visible under pockets of sagging fat where there had been none before. I was repulsed. I pressed closer to the image until all that I could see were the eyes, my eyes. I saw myself then, inside this sac of flesh. I had been eaten by this disgusting creature and was trapped therein, like Geppetto in the whale. I was screaming for help and knew that I needed to make a drastic change.
Soon after moving to the Phoenix area I remembered Crossfit. I remembered my friend’s plea and story of success. I came to Crossfit Scottsdale for my baseline after having lost only 4lbs in three months on my own. At my largest I was 172lbs. Taking the baseline made me nervous. I was worried that I would be rejected. I remember being saddened by my evident muscle loss during the baseline test. I was slow and heavy. Spots where bending used to be easy, were now areas of conflict. My thin muscles warring over tubes of fat that hung around my middle. I almost didn’t return. Shame and embarrassment had turned my legs into lead as I made my way up those steps during the first few weeks.
Thanks to the spirit of Crossfit and our AWESOME coaches, I’ve stuck with it. The sweet whispers that call to me from a slice of pizza and a beautiful dark, full bodied red wine don’t have the same hold on me as they once did. Their soft notes sing to me a lullaby, but I have my workout and nutrition journal on hand now. “I’m sorry my loves,” I tell them, “I can’t write you in here. Coach Tiffany has you on the naughty list.” It is hard, but I am vigilant.
I have lost a solid 25lbs since making my way up those steps for the first time in September. Just this morning I weighed in at 142lbs, and am finally beginning to recognize something of my old self in my reflection and demeanor. I thank my friend for first crying out the word to me and to everybody I have met along the way that says it daily. I am a convert and true believer in the program and now too join their ranks and rejoice, crying out the word to those I meet. CROSSFIT! CROSSFIT! CROSSFIT!
Tabitha
Eating Paleo and doing Crossfit are a high return on a minimal amount of investment. I not only feel better, I am also more productive in business and life in general. Paleo allows you to truly be in touch with what should and should not be in your diet. It was one of the most difficult diets to get started, but it was well worth it and I plan to continue the lifestyle.
Matt